In honour of Ontario Heritage Week, InnisfilToday will be sharing a series of stories from the Innisfil Heritage Committee on the town's early villages and settlements
Captain Isaac May commissioned the Emily May to be built at Belle Ewart in 1861 by Captain Hugh Chisholm. The craft was christened after Captain May’s eldest daughter, Emily and completed her maiden voyage on July 12, 1861.
The Emily May was described as a splendid side wheeler and a handsome, impressive vessel. At 151 feet in length with a 24-foot beam, this sizeable sturdy steamer was capable of up to 14 miles per hour.
She had two careers during her 22 years of existence, the first as a reliable transportation link. During this career, she plied the waters of Lake Simcoe, connecting with the morning train at Belle Ewart, and carrying freight, passengers and mail up the east and west sides of the lake, with the principal ports of call at Barrie, Hawkestone, Orillia, Beaverton and Jackson’s Point.
In 1871, following the purchase of this graceful boat by the Northern Railway, she was renamed The Lady of the Lakes. Thus, began her second and final stage, gaining popularity as an excursion steamer, handling crowds of up to 400 for daily trips or evening soirees - often referred to as a palace steamer.
It was the era of chivalry, men in top hats, graceful stately women in flowing gowns admiring the scenery and dancing.
Drop in to the Innisfil Town Hall to admire the eye catching model of Emily May.
Submitted by Donna Wice February 2021
