How C-O-L-D Was It? The Story of a Cold Winter in the Island's History as shared by Lisa Ellis:

Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw' in the ice circa 1960s 

(Photo Credit: from the collection of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum)

Lisa Ellis was kind enough to type up this story of her father's memory of another C-O-L-D winter in the Island's history:

"My Dad, on his regular visit this morning had a cold weather story to share!

He began talking about the coldest he had ever seen it on Drummond - I would say after 82 years he has seen a lot! He said that the coldest he had ever seen it on Drummond was -50F! BURRRR!

He also told of weeks and weeks of below zero weather. I can remember -40F for weeks in my life time.

He told of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (the old one) pulling into the ferry dock, putting the stern engines in forward and the bow engines in reverse sending ice chucks rolling up around the bow along with car parts, bikes and mud from the bottom of the lake!

He also told of weeks and weeks of below zero weather. I can remember -40 for weeks in my life time.

He told of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (the old one) pulling into the ferry dock, putting the stern engines in forward and the bow engines in reverse sending ice chucks rolling up around the bow along with car parts bikes and mud from the bottom of the lake!

He told of being out on the ice (driving across with their car) and being 60 feet or so from the Mackinaw while she worked her way through the St. Mary's ice. They watched as 4 or 5 foot thick chunks of ice bubbled up around the bow and slid across the top of the ice-crusted River! (He wishes he would have taken pictures, I wish they would have too! I would have loved to see that!)

He told me how exciting it was to see that majestic boat at work. He considers it a privilege to have been able to see it! I think it's awesome to hear his stories! If anyone had photos I would love to see them! Candis Collick here is a story for you!

Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw' in the ice circa 1960s 

(Photo Credit: from the collection of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum)

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I love hearing and sharing the stories of our Island's history. Stories like this define one's sense of the unique nature of each of our families, and of our own places in them. They provide us with inspiration, warnings, and cherished values. These stories never leave us; they reverberate through our lives, guiding our choices in work, friendship and love. Keeping a family's history alive is critical not only to its memory, but also to its members own emotional survival.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your father's story today - keep 'em coming!
Cheers!