Provincial plaque to commemorate The Disappearing Propeller Boat
Join the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Dispro Owners Association for the unveiling of a provincial plaque commemorating
The Disappearing Propeller Boat
in honour of its 100th anniversary.
Saturday, August 8, 2015 at 2 p.m.
Photo: John Storey
The Disappearing Propeller Boat – popularly known as the Dispro – represents a unique Canadian contribution to North American pleasure-boating history. First built in Port Carling in 1916, it was developed to navigate the lakes of the Canadian Shield. The core of the boat’s design consisted of a propeller haul-up device, allowing the propeller and shaft to be retracted into a protective housing to avoid rocks under the water. Over four decades of production, more than 3,000 boats were made, with a number exported around the world. Through its fame and association with Ontario and Muskoka, the boat played a role in the early development of the leisure and recreational sectors in the region. Today, with approximately 300 boats surviving, the Dispro retains a following of dedicated enthusiasts.
This unveiling event is part of the Dispro Owners Association Centennial Celebration.
Directions:
From Toronto: Take Highway 400 North towards Barrie. At Barrie, stay right and continue on Highway 400. Turn right on District Road 38 towards Bala. At Bala, turn left onto Highway 169. Turn right onto Highway 118 (turns into Joseph Street), which takes you into the town of Port Carling. In the centre of town, just past the bridge, James Bartleman Island Park is on the left. The island is accessed by a footbridge off Joseph Street. Parking is available at municipal parking lots and at the Community Centre.The Ontario Heritage Trust's Provincial Plaque Program commemorates significant people, places and events in Ontario's history. Since 1956, over 1,250 provincial plaques have been unveiled.
For more information, please contact:
Catrina Colme
Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist
Telephone: 416-325-5074
Email: catrina.colme@heritagetrust.on.ca
Location:
James Bartleman Island Park100 Joseph Street
Port Carling, Ontario