The Marine Engine

The year 1955. During one of the various shutdowns in the local pulpwood industry, a man came to my store one day. He had decided he would turn back to the fishery for his income. He wanted to know if I could obtain a marine engine for him. He had already started building a motor boat for general fishing activity and was interested in a 25 hp Gray marine engine to drive it. This motor had been found by fishermen in other regions to deliver excellent retuen. He chose a four cylinder, 25 hp Gray Marine engine and we worked out a kit that included a length of drive shaft and a propeller that suited his application, plus other required installation gear. We closed the ordered about late October thinking that it would arrive before navigation closed at the end of the year.

However, the shipment, which originating from the United States, was shipped in error to a western state, and by the time they had corrected their mistake and the shipment had arrived at the terminal in Corner Brook, it was winter time. All freight transportation to our coast had come to a halt until spring. The customer was relieved to know that his engine had arrived at Corner Brook, and agreed that spring time would be suitable for delivery.

It was probably in early March when the man came to me again, and said they had their boat built, and they wanted to get into the seal hunt, probably having heard that markets and prices were favorable. The hunt started around the end of March, and they wanted their engine as soon as possible. There was no regular transportation at that time of the year; I told him I would do my best.

Shortly afterwards a salesman friend called at our house in the evening time. It was Trevor Bennett, he was travelling by Bomardier snowmobile. He told me he was planning to drive all the way back to his home in Daniel's Harbor, the next day. I inquired, and yes, he could take me along, so he stayed with us overnight, and we left early next morning. I spent the night at his house, in Daniel's Harbor. Next morning he told me that he had some business in Bonne Bay that he wanted to attend to that day, and we drove along the coast to Bonne Bay. Thank's Trevor! I spent the night at Woody Point and caught the bus to Deer Lake next morning, arriving in Corner Brook that night. With the transportation situation in those days, that was quite fast!

At the CN freight services next morning they located my shipment and I paid the charges. They inquired how I was going to transport it to my home, and I said I didn't know. They told me that a freight truck from Bonne Bay had been there earlier, and that he would be leaving Corner Brook this afternoon. At my request they got in contact with him and found that he had room for my shipment, and came back to pick it up. He also had room for me to ride with him, and we arrived in Lomond that night, unloading it on the snow near a shop. I had relatives there and spent the night with them.

Bonne Bay was frozen over and snow covered. The night brought a heavy snowfall and next morning my freight had to be dug out. While I was in the nearby shop to make inquiries, some people that I discovered as being from Rocky Harbor came in. They had come up the bay in snowmobile and on further inquiry I found that they would take my engine to Rocky Harbor for me, that afternoon. Mr. Shears invited me into his house; we had supper, and he entertained me with stories of his life experiences; It was a privilege to be the guest of him and his lovely wife. In the morning I observed that it was another fine day and wondered what success I would have in getting my freight transported along the coast that day. Mr. Shears had good news for me, right away. He told me that they had some business at River of Ponds, and they decided that today was as good a time as any, to go and get the work done, there. It was answers to prayer.

The heavy snowfall made our progress along the coast slower than normal and we reached Belburns just before dark. We spent the night at the home of Bill House and his wife; Ron and Roy was their sons, and friends of mine. Next morning was stormy, with north east winds and drifting snow, but we started off and slowly worked our way along until we reached River of Ponds at about eleven o'clock. We unloaded my freight and when I asked the charge, they named a small sum. I wanted to pay them more, but they wouldn't hear of it. They said they had planned this trip anyway. Thanks fellows; you were real friends to me.

I found someone to take me to Spirity Cove by horse and sleigh, which didn't take long. A man there agreed to take me on to Port Saunders in the morning, as it was stormy on the open bay. Next morning was fine, but heavy snow and drift banks slowed the pace of the horse. We arrived in Port Saunders at about three o'clock. I went into a shop to inquire if they knew of anyone travelling north. The shopkeeper thought he heard someone say that the Forestry Officer was planning to travel down St. John's Bay, tomorrow, by Bombardier snowmobile. I went to their office and found that it was true; they were leaving early in the morning. I inquired if they could possibly take my freight along, as well as myself. He asked what I had, and I told him. He told me he would take it along for me. I was very happy. The officer asked if I had a place in town to go for the night, and if not, I could come and stay at his house. I accepted his gracious invitation.

I think we loaded my freight in the Snowmobile that evening. The officer told me that he would try to get as far as Brig Bay tomorrow evening; normally they would work their way north, but to help me they would travel directly to my area and work back. Thanks. The officer I stayed with was young and they had a lovly baby. We started out early the next morning. It was a fine day, but again, the snow was heavy and the drifts frequent. At about four o'clock we stopped near my store in Brig Bay. Wow! Home! We unloaded the engine and gear, and they wouldn't accept any payment. I asked them to stay at our house, but they had their lodgings already arranged. The two officers drove off, with my sincere thanks. Thank you, friends! I thanked the Lord, and went in to the welcome, contentment and joy of my home and family.

The news of my arrival with the engine wasn't long getting to the man who ordered it. He came before the sun had set and paid for his engine and equipment. He returned later that evening with some friends and a sled, and they pulled the engine to his home.

One day I saw the boat, navigating through the swelling waters; the engine was running smooth, quiet; cooling steam rising through the exhaust.

Link to toboggan:click here.