This petition is to show the Town council of Marathon Ont. that there is support for the Marathon and District Historical Society's preservation of the Historic tug HMCS Norton/Peninsula

Comments

#1

I am signing this not just because my family is deeply linked to it but because it is an important part of Canadian history.
It was one of the first ships to be outfitted with sonar, and was used to search for Nazi subs in Canadian waters. It contributed to the life blood of Marathon's economy in the forestry sector. It can continue to do so as an historic tourist attraction.

Greg Cossey (Duncan, 2020-08-05)

#2

I believe in preserving our early history where possible, and this seems to be something that is local, besides being worthy of displaying for the public's enjoyment.

Kaireen Morrison (Wawa, 2020-08-05)

#3

Our history is important!

John Lavoie (MANITOUWADGE, 2020-08-05)

#7

heritage has to be maintained. Of we lose this we lose part of our history

Robert Oakes (Chemainus, 2020-08-05)

#9

Heritage Preservation

Alex McKellar (Hamilton, 2020-08-05)

#10

I am signing because we should save a piece of history instead of always destroying it. We should be proud Canadians.

Terry Hall (Elliot Lake, 2020-08-05)

#11

It's part a my family history. And it's also a piece of World History.

Darron Cossey (Talihina, 2020-08-05)

#13

Our marine heritage should be preserved-if the vessel is around I'll probably stop in and see it at some point!

Colin Farquhar (Chilliwack, 2020-08-05)

#14

The Penninsula is a Beautiful Tug, that served her country during the war and then worked on .Lake Superior. She has many admirers throughout the Northwest. She deserves to have a Special Place in our History. Please do not destroy her!

Jenet Vlotaros (Thunder Bay, 2020-08-05)

#15

You need this sort of thing to show the past or it will be gone the next generation will not have any idea of past history in work on the lakes

Larry Brown (North Bay, 2020-08-05)

#17

This tug should be turned into a floating museum/tourist attraction. I visit marathon every summer and it would be a very popular attraction/museum on the lakefront. Here is a link to a historic paddle wheel boat in british columbia.
https://www.klhs.bc.ca/index.html

Matt Johnston (Victoria, 2020-08-05)

#18

The Peninsula is a historic and aesthetically-pleasing monument to Canada's history as well as the town of Marathon that would bring people to the area and be a source of pride. As the last remaining survivor of its class it should be preserved and Marathon is the best place for this to happen.

Isaac Pennock (Westland, 2020-08-05)

#19

What is it with the need for these Canadian cities trying to rid themselves of their maritime heritage? Like the Son with the Norgoma, the Keewatin: until recently the Norisle and CCGC Alexander Henry? I'm glad Stan Rogers and Farley Mowat aren't alive to see this cleansing of history.

Hon.Steven Lindsey (Keene, NH, 2020-08-05)

#20

I'm originally from Terrace Bay. Anything that preserves the past is good

Mike Matson (Peterborough, 2020-08-05)

#21

History is a special thing

Robert Cox (Tiny twp, 2020-08-05)

#22

I believe it is important to preserve unique artefacts that have contributed to the growth and prosperity of a region, especially when such items are the last ones in existence.

Jean-Paul Gagnon (Ottawa, 2020-08-05)

#24

I think the Peninsula is a good thing for Marathon and District.

Linda Richards (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#28

I’m a former Fort Frances resident and am glad that the has a prominent spot on the riverfront and definitely a tourist attraction. Like the Hallet, I agree that this boat is an important part of the logging industry history and should be preserved.

Carmen Williamson (Ottawa, 2020-08-05)

#29

My grandfather worked on the tug. I hope to one day be able to return to Marathon and see the tug in person .

Kathryn Clark (Nackawic, 2020-08-05)

#30

Former Marathon resident.

Angela Porter (Saint John, 2020-08-05)

#32

This historical tugboat is such a big part of Northern Ontario history and very worthy of being saved.

Richard Lamoureux (Timmins, 2020-08-05)

#34

Northern Ontaruo history is our collective story and needs to be preserved.

Jeff Fournier (North Bay, 2020-08-05)

#37

I feel it is a part of history and should be saved, why not set it up as a tourist attraction overlooking the bay...

Twilla Mallet (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#38

I’m signing for many reasons. In honour of my mom, in honour of all those who have dedicated their time to do something special for the community, and to honour those who worked around the boat, on the boat, and all the boat represents. Remember Marathon was built on Paper, laced with gold. The mill is gone, please protect some of the founding legacy of a very special community.

Blair Lemcke (Callander, 2020-08-05)

#40

Everytime we come to Marathon we go to the water front and admire the boat along with the waterfront.

Jackie Harrison (Manitouwadge, 2020-08-05)

#44

Cathy Stajkowski

Cathy Stajkowski (Thunder Bay, 2020-08-05)

#46

History matters!

Joe Merenda (Ligonier, PA, 2020-08-05)

#47

I support the preservation of Maritime History

Simon Bancroft (Vancouver, 2020-08-05)

#49

Its the right thing to do.

Dwight Eide (TIMMINS, 2020-08-05)

#50

The Peninsula should stay here in her hometown instead of disposing of it. She has a lot of history dating back many years ago. I'm sure theres a way to get her out of the state she is in now.

Dawn Michano (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#52

She's worth saving in spite of some bad decisions

Cathy Sullivan (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#55

For the same reason I’ve been a donor to the project: to preserve and exploit, for education and tourism, a beautiful artifact that was a central part of Marathon’s early history.

Skip Shand (Toronto, 2020-08-05)

#56

Marathon is my hometown I still have very deep emotional ties to the town The Peninsula is part of my history and should be celebrated.

Susan MacDougall (Quesnel, 2020-08-05)

#58

I am a veteran of the RCN

Michel Lapierre (Halifax, 2020-08-05)

#62

Ex navy anc ft William person

Brian Reimer (Enderby bc, 2020-08-05)

#64

She is part of the history of our community.

Rose McGuire (Caesarea, 2020-08-05)

#65

The Peninsula is an important part of our local history. It belongs in Marsthon, where people can see it and learn about our past. It is important to the citizens of our town.

Susan Dick (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#69

My grandfather, Captain George Matheson once captained this tug. My Mom (who has recently passed away) and her siblings were so proud to see the Peninsula brought home to Marathon.

Krista Boechler (Edmonton, 2020-08-05)

#71

This boat is part of our history.

Patrick Walsh (Owen Sound, 2020-08-05)

#72

An important piece of the towns history as well as tourism is to be kept in place.

Nadine Willet (Marathon,On, 2020-08-05)

#76

This is my hometown

Linnea Maenpaa (Thunder Bay, 2020-08-05)

#77

It is a historic piece to the community.

Connie Ball (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#78

i beleave that she should be saved for historical value

john graham (ANDERLECHT Belgium, 2020-08-05)

#79

we need to keep our sea heritage going to learn the up and coming young people

Steven Robinson (Sheffield, 2020-08-05)

#80

I believe it is impotent to preserve historic and heritage artifacts relating to Canada’s Naval Service, particularly ships that operated in wartime.

Don Bell (Ottawa, 2020-08-05)

#82

History is important.

Tom Baker (Ottawa, 2020-08-05)

#83

My Uncle has refurbished an old tug. It's beautiful.

Nancy Crump-Thorson (Port Elgin, 2020-08-05)

#87

Marine heritage needs better protection and it provides a much needed tourist attraction

Aleksander Ross (Toronto, 2020-08-05)

#88

Tug are too good to destroy

John Jones (Toronto, 2020-08-05)

#89

I am ex navy

Jack Brown (Winnipeg, 2020-08-05)

#91

Preservation of Canadian naval and nautical history, of important vessels and artifacts, is incredibly valuable to our country for many reasons, from remembrance and honouring the members who served, to bringing awareness of the role Canada has played in all branches of the military, and to promote tourism and pride. This just scratches the surface. I hope this project finds success.

Joyce Lennox (Lund, 2020-08-05)

#92

It's important that we preserve and not obliterate history, especially Northern Ontario history.

John Purificati (Timmins, 2020-08-05)

#94

Let us finish what we started!! ❤️

Colette Carney Kilian (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#96

Marathon needs to have an ambassador.

Mike Melanson (Marathon, 2020-08-05)

#97

I GREW UP WITH THE TUG PENINSULA DURING THE TIME MY FATHER WAS IN CHARGE OF MARATHON'S RAFTING OPERATIONS IT SERVED MARATHON WELL AND DESERVES TO BE A TRIBUTE TO ALL WHO WORKED ON HER DURING MANY YEARS OF RAFTING .

ALAN JOHNSON (RICHMOND, 2020-08-05)

#98

It is vitally important to preserve our history

George Lefebvre (Latchford, 2020-08-05)

#104

I am sn RCN vet, and my friends, family and acquaintances would stop at the town simply to see this attraction. One should not spit on our heritage, but find a way to support it.

Todd Harwood-Jones (Mont-Joli, 2020-08-05)

#107

I lived in Marathon and it is one of my favourite places. The Peninsula would be a great tourist attraction and I contacted a tour bus company here in BC Who do eastern Canada tours including the Circle Superior and they felt that this would be a good addition on their itineraries.

Leigh Cossey (Mission BC, 2020-08-06)

#108

Growing up in Marathon I used to watch the tug pulling the booms into the harbour ad was always amazed at the power of the tug. It was a sign of good things to come - wood was coming in, the mill was operating and people were working making Marathon the best place to grow up.

Rick Molloy (Thunder Bay, 2020-08-06)

#112

I’m signing because this is a great piece of Canadian History. Canadians have to start cherishing their past being proud. Stop destroying history. When you walk through Europe and the USA, they preserved their old buildings and monuments of the past. When are we going to start doing that ?

Nolan Dalman (Ottawa, 2020-08-06)

#114

l would come to Marathon purely for the opportunity of seeing and supporting this historical treasure. ln Vancouver we have the wooden steam tug S.S. Master which is now a valuable tourist draw, the wooden Department of Public Works sternwheeler Samson V in New Westminster and the RCMP schooner Saint Roch. But even small communities can manage to keep a historic vessel alive as a museum and tourist attraction. BC's village of Kaslo, pop.1200, hasmanaged inpartnership with their historical society to preserve the150 foot long 1898 CPR sternwheeler SS Moyie since 1959!

Preserving nautical heritage is a hard sell in Canada, and with the atrophy of maritime culture in our country since the 1950s it is hard to find the expertise to keep old ships in good shape, but it can be done if you have a core of dedicated individuals and some partners. lt's worthwhile to keep the knowledge and traditions known by our World War ll generation alive. lt was a time when Canada briefly had the 3rd largest navy and the 4the largest merchant fleet in the world and when the towns on the Lake Superior shoreline were shipbuilding centres. Please save this last example of Canadian war-built naval ship. The only other survivors are HMCS Haida in Hamilton and HMCS Sackville in Halifax. This is your big opportunity to do something great for future generations. Please save HMCS Norton!

Mark MacKenzie (Vancouver, 2020-08-06)

#118

This is a worth while initiative and will be a Tourist Attraction , it will bring Tourist Dollars to our community.

Shirley Stopyra (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#119

My father was RCNVR and my mother was a WREN during WWII, I served the CF/RCN for 36 years and my son is in his 5 year with the RCN plus in memory of LSST Ed Bison who grew up in Marathon and I do believe his parents still lives there. Chris Carnall ret'd CPO2

Chris Carnall (Powell River BC, 2020-08-06)

#120

I honestly love this town and the day that tug boat was coming back to Marathon there was so many people down at the water watching the boat come in and when it came around that corner and into our boat launch to hear the town cheer and everyone was so happy, also when my family goes for walks to the boat launch we love seeing it taking pictures with it, that tug boat seems to be a big part of the history in Marathon and I would love to go on a tour if the boat one day and I know my son and Husband would as well

Shawna James (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#122

I think it would also be beneficial for the Marathon Sea Cadet Corps!

David Grant (Nanaimo BC, 2020-08-06)

#123

I am ex canadian Coast Guard , my first ship was built in 1959 , sent to the scrap heap . Save some history .

Howard Jones (Cumberland BC, 2020-08-06)

#125

I have watched with pride as this tug was brought “home”. The pride of everyone. The hard work and money put into this. Please don’t let this dream be dissolved.

Doreen Doucette (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#126

Very sound project for the town to draw in visitors & tourists off HiWay 17 along with locals to gain the history / start of their town.

Russ Knox (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#127

This is the only remaining artifact of its kind. To lose it would be a tragedy.

lynda Pitt-Brooke (Ladysmith, 2020-08-06)

#128

This ship is the last of its kind and is historically important to Canada’s wartime shipbuilding effort. Canadians from Thunder Bay to the east coast mobilized to build ships to when the war, ranging from large Merchant Ships to corvettes, frigates and tug boats. Without these ships, WWII would have been lost. Without this historic ship, another chapter of Canadian history will be lost!

Roger Litwiller (Trenton, 2020-08-06)

#129

"It is through our past that we form our future"

Florence c dejonge (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#131

Im sick of any form of government taking away our history.

Mike Rahn (Kitchener, 2020-08-06)

#133

That is a great looking boat.These type of work horses are often unsung and unappreciated. I would love to own one.This tug and its historical history should be preserved for all to enjoy.I mean hell, the fact that she has survived this long is testament to her value.Please save this tug.I would travel one day to visit her as a tourist if she were a museum ship.Thank you for your time. Jay Burgmeier, Vermont,U.S.A.

Jay Burgmeier (Springfield, Vermont, 2020-08-06)

#134

We need to save history not just throw it away.

Jenny Conway (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#137

This is a special piece of my matriarchal history. Very special to my late grandmother.

Shelby Hobbs (Spruce grove Alberta, 2020-08-06)

#139

Im signing because this is my great grandfathers boat. This boat has great meaning and historical memory to our entire family.

Kieran Homann (Prince albert, 2020-08-06)

#141

This has very special meaning to my best friend Krista and her family ❤️

Dianne Denovan (Calgary, 2020-08-06)

#145

I would like to see something good happen to this beautiful tug

Donna Sullivan (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#147

we need to keep all our historical and history in our town . shame on you Marathon Town Council

Paulette Homann (marathon, 2020-08-06)

#148

its are heritage

lynn kernighan (london, 2020-08-06)

#149

I love this tug

Brian Greenwood (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#151

this would be an excellent tourist attraction for the community of Marathon

joan clement (Wawa, 2020-08-06)

#155

My great grandfather was a captain!

Brianna Schwantz (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#156

For a friend

Scott Feigel (stony plain, 2020-08-06)

#157

This is a historical piece of our town and this should not be disposed of but instead celebrated!

Charla Jean Stover (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#159

RCN veteran

Eric Ross (Dunnville, 2020-08-06)

#161

It would really pick up economy with tourism. Town needs that badly.

Douglas Matheson (Owen Sound Ont, 2020-08-06)

#162

I was born and grew up in Marathon!

Ashley Gatzke (Hague, 2020-08-06)

#164

This is a piece of Canadian history

Sharon Jackson (Duncan, 2020-08-06)

#165

We have a duty as a community to preserve history. This tug represents the founding of Marathon. It will make a great attraction not only for the residents of Marathon but for travellers passing by.

Dantina Duo (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#166

Our maritime history needs to be cherished

Paul Baker (Powell River, 2020-08-06)

#168

Raised in Marathon

Sherri Finan MacDonell (Sarnia, 2020-08-06)

#169

It can be done. Let’s put it in a great place along the shore line at the boat launch

Dale Schwantz (Marathon, 2020-08-06)

#170

A perfect piece of history for my home town

Nathalie Leroux (Sudbury, 2020-08-07)

#171

This needs to be saved. A big part of Marathon history.

Bill Mair (Washago, 2020-08-07)

#172

I am opposed to the council of Marathon seizing this vessel and disposing of it. Signing this petition gives me great pride as I am related to the Cossey family and feel this vessel is a part of history that belongs NOT ONLY to the Town of Marathon, but to CANADA and the RCN. As Chairperson for the Marpole Museum and Historical Society in Vancouver B.C., I feel we as Canadians have a responsibility to preserve our Canadian Heritage not destroy it. Please reconsider your decision!

Yvonne Robinson (Richmond, B.C., 2020-08-07)

#173

We're losing our history and we need to preserve more not less.

Marjorie Fisher (Delta, 2020-08-07)

#176

I have made donations to the Marathon Historical Society over the years and consider this a slap in the face!

Bonnie Roetscher (Thunder Bay, 2020-08-07)

#178

I'm signing because this boat represents the town's roots. We should try to keep it as an attraction; what do we show visitors? Personally, I direct people to Pebble Beach, the museum and the tug. When we are looking for something to do, we walk down to check out the Tug. Communities that have an identity have roots and history. What ties us to this area? What were our beginnings? Why not put some economic development into the Tug ...we don't have tourist information, we have not secured a major industry. Over the years approx. 1 million dollars has gone to economic development. The Tug is economic development.

lisa mackenzie (marathon, 2020-08-07)

#183

Save this historic tug from disposal!

Jill Everett-Young (Bracebridge, Ontario, 2020-08-07)

#186

I'm signing this because I like the tug boat and would hate to see it "disposed of". It would make a great museum and I believe it adds to Marathon both for tourism and building local community.

Kristina Jankowski (marathon, 2020-08-08)

#189

The History of our communities needs to be preserved.

Charles Boothby (Dwight, 2020-08-09)

#193

I'm signing because I am baffled as to why a town council would sue for historic society property to enforce an artifact disposal. I don't know the whole backstory, but this is not a standard method to deaccession and dispose of an artifact and surely not a legal action. There must be a more responsible route to a resolution.

Jonathan Walford (Cambridge, 2020-08-10)

#194

After going to all that work and expense the boat should be placed where it was originally planned.

Lloyd Samec (Marathon, 2020-08-10)

#195

I'm signing because what the town and council is doing to the historical society is wrong

John Rose (Marathon, 2020-08-11)

#196

The peninsula tug must stay!

Gin Michaud (Marathon, 2020-08-11)

#200

It is important save the history of your town. Think about Lunneburg, Nova Scotia. Coldwell could have been something similar to Lunneburg. But no one had the vision or foresight to consider saving the physical history of Coldwell.
Honor the men, and the families, who worked on the HMCS Norton/Peninsula.
To the town council of Marathon have the vision a foresight to preserve HMCS Norton/Peninsula.
It will pay off in the long run and it will make the people of Marathon past, present and future proud one day.

James Desmoulin (Toronto, 2020-08-12)