STORY STORY - Real Muskoka

General Manager’s Report:
The summer of 2012 was a milestone season for the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society. The Muskoka
Boat and Heritage Centre and Muskoka Steamships both enjoyed successful seasons with a significant
increase in our special event’s business such as weddings, private celebrations and corporate functions.
R .M .S . Segwun celebrated her 125th anniversary which we recognized with a number of special occasions
such as the festival and parade in early July, the 100 Mile Cruise in August and our Steamship Classic Golf
Tournament last month. All events were very successful and well attended—thanks to all the volunteers that
made them possible!
This fall, the Society also received two awards: The Muskoka Awards presented us with “Outstanding
Community Business,” and the Muskoka Heritage Foundation presented Segwun with their “Community and
Cultural Heritage Award.” Both awards are a testament to our vibrant organization, dedicated volunteers
and staff, and a strong, passionate Board of Directors.
One of the greatest achievements of our organization this year occurred on September 28th, the day we
made the last payment to the Royal Bank to retire the Wenonah II construction loan. In 2001, our fundraising
campaign was going strong—3 million dollars were raised towards the Wenonah II construction project
with just 2 million dollars to go. When tragedy struck on 9/11 in New York, we halted the campaign
and approached the Royal Bank for the remaining funds. As you can imagine, this was not a simple loan
application, it was a large commitment for a small organization! With the loan in place and Wenonah II
launched, we entered into a decade of very slow tourism growth due to a number of challenges, but never
missed a payment—it was all worth it in September! Now we focus on paying the money borrowed for our
drydock inspection last year.
Today, with a new Vision Committee tasked with developing a five year plan to grow and strengthen the
organization, we will take stock of our products and offerings and create and execute a plan that will add
value to our customer experience. By next year you will see enhancements through new technologies,
staffing, programming and marketing that will help us reach new demographics such as youth, families
and different ethnic markets. These improvements will build our customer base and further ensure that we
continue to preserve and promote our wonderful heritage attractions.
John Miller,
General Manager
Membership Matters:
2012—What an exciting year to be a part of the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society! We were treated
to the events and celebrations of the 125th Anniversary of R .M .S . Segwun including the Segwun Parade and
July 1st weekend celebrations, the very successful 100 Mile Cruise, our annual Members Day Cruises, and
the 1st Steamship Classic Golf Tournament.
We are pleased to announce that 53 new members have joined the Society in 2012. We would like to thank
them for their support and welcome them aboard.
The 2012 Membership Year will end on November 30th. Our yearly members will be receiving a 2013
renewal form. Once again, there will be an incentive offered to members to renew early in the year. It is a
great help to the Society for us to receive membership funds early in year which is traditionally a quiet time.
The Membership Committee has been working hard throughout the year, and we are now preparing for
the 2013 season. Did you know that the Society turns 40 in 2013? Do you have any suggestions for our
2013 programs or are you are interested in becoming part of the Membership Committee? We value your
feedback and we are always interested in hearing from you.
Please feel free to contact us through the Heritage Centre or
at membership@realmuskoka.com.
Corrections:
We would like to correct the following errors
that appeared in the Summer 2012 issue:
Seasons of Bangor Lodge:
• Paragraph 2: last line should read “she,” not “he.”
• Paragraph 7: an “a” was missing before the word “shop.”
• In the poem The Bangor Song, the words “the things”
were erroneously repeated in the 3rd verse.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the
Committee members for their many contributions over the
year. They are: Kathy Barkey, Pat Young, Nancy Thompson,
Bruce Patterson, John Rooney, Tom Payne, Rick Terry, Lawton
Osler, and John Lee. I would also like to express our thanks
to John Miller, Ann Curley, and their staff for their continued
assistance.
Happy Sailing!
John Glendinning,
Membership Committee Chair
6 Issue 83 • Fall 2012 The Real Muskoka Story