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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1980-09-11, Page 11• 4. THE HURON exivoiton. sePTEMOER 11 1980 — Miles before yOu each the Prairie Pioneer Village, you Pail see the odd frame structure against the expanse of bread Western sky: • The structure might be ajearrie church, but the shape's wrong. Some homesteader's shanty perhaps - soMeone who didn't quite master the art of building a square? No, theYstrtictute, billed as one of the "strangest sights in Western Canada' is a great, ungainly -looking ship, with fiags flying, be,ached on a,patch of dry land south of Moose • Jaw as a memorial to the seaman who wanted to go home. Tom Sukaneri was a Finn who came to North America at the turn of the century. In the period of a few short years, 360,000 finns from the provinceS of Vaasa and Oula alone emigrated to three American stiftes-Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota. Tom Sukanen settled in Minnesota and the Finns, who were a fiercely independent and self-sufficient people, adapted well to the hard life of the pioneer. But in 1911, Wanderlust agianst gripped Sukanen and he set out on foot from Minnesota to Saskatchewan, to investigate land opening up for homesteaders. ?Mrs. Sukanen and his children stayed behind in Minnesota -perhaps unwilling to leave their' F innish neighbours Or 'afraid of tEe philletige of ostarting him • scratch again. PRAIRIE INVENTOR ButTom Sukanen wasn't quite the typical homesteader - while he knew, the bare basics of farming, he was also a skilled carpenter, blacksmith and metal worker. When he needed another tool on the farm, he sat down with his drafting instruments and designed the tool -often inventing new equipment that astounded his neighbours. The first year on his homestead, in the Macrorie district, he built a threshing machine, modified a car so it could be cranked from the inside in the cold Saskatchewan winters and made a set of steel false teeth. The teeth, a forbidding looking creation are now on display in his ship. By the early 1920's much to theutter astonishment of his fellow settlers, Tom, now in his 40's started talking about of going home to Finland to retire -but going home in style. He was gciing to build a steamboat to sail toFinland by way of the shallow South Saskatchewan River, through the icy waters of Hudson's Bay, on to Iceland,, and eventually to his homeland. Around 1929, great pieces of' steel, metal cables and -other equipment started arriving at the Macrorie train depot. Tom had decided to build his ship in sections, and Serendipity by Mice Gibb then haul the sections by"wagon, winch or whatever, to the launching site on the banks of the river 17 miles away. The boat was 43 feet in length, the ribs covered with lapped planking which was tarred and caulked to ensure it was seaworthy. Then, to make the hull more resikant to the ravages of salt water, the inventor painted it in horses' blood•and it's -not explained how he came across that commodity. • , The superstruCture, which visitors first sight from miles away, included two eight foot cabins, which were lovingly varnished over the years, until the woodwork inside them still shines today. One cabin was the ship's wheelhouse - the other .was Tom's home. 'THE DONTIANEN' As the dream grew. the_homesteader_added the ship's propeller, lifeboats and all the other equipment needed to make the ship, now christened the Dontianen, seaworthy. Ffis ,neighbours watched, perplexed and as the ship consumed more and more of his energies, -the whispers started. "The man must be nuts -he can't even get that thing down the Saskatchewan, let alone to Hudson's Bay,'"' was the type of lumour that circulated. By the mid -1930's, most of Sukanen's lifetime earnings were gone -and he started the long, painful process of winching the hull and keel of the boat to the South Saskatchewan. A horse and hand winch moved the ship a distance of 20 feet at a time. Tom persevered -by 1940, he'd completely abandoned his farm, and hauled the cabins of the boat to pasturelands along the river, where he lived while he started work on the boiler. The ship was no longer a dream, it became an obsession. Then suddenly in 1943, the obsession ended -torn Sukanen collapsed and die& and was buried in North Battleford. In the next years, many of the inventor's tools were simply borrowed and never returned. The hull of the Dontanien was used, typical prairie fashion, as a bin for storing grain. Tom 5ulcaneres neie_hbour,• Victor Markkula, bought the ship's caoins for $0, determined to preserve them from vandals and to remind himself of the inventor's dream. If he hadn't; the cabins and other mementos would have been Swept away when the Gardiner Dam flooded much of the land around the South Saskatchewan. By the 1950's, the story of Tom Sukanen was ,starting to fascinate ptheis and Markkula- and some friends decided to• try and salvage whatever, was left of the ship. Tom Sukanen's handbuilt chronometer was discovered in Moose Jaw's Art Museum -a fitting home, By 1972, when the Prairie Pioneer vilage was opened .by local citizens who wanted to preserve some of the prairie's past, the. ship was moved from the Markkula farm and reassembled. Today, you can climb up to the ships interior, high above the rest or the village, and examine some of the tools crafted by the Finnish sailor -farmer, read the story of his quest and then wander through his compact living quarters. MEMORY HONOURED A small chapel, in memory of the inventor, sits beneath the ship -the body of Tom Sukanen lies nearby. From the windows of the Dontianen, I could survey the burned, parched land for miles. That afternoon's winds made the cabin sway ever so gently -enough that when you shut your eyes you could imagine for a moment you were indeed sailing on an inland sea. The West abounds with strange sights and stories -tales of "green" homesteaders who survived despite sheltered backgrounds in Eurnpe or Britain; adventurers who risked. their lives to open up roads and railroads, and men like. Captain Palliser, certain nothing would ever prosper on the arid section of the province within Palliser's Triangle. But long after I've forgotten other Western sights, remember the Dontianen, sitting proudly with flags furling, waiting for the prairie winds to swirl around it. It might now look like a beached whale on the flatlands, but it isn't hard to imagine it ploughing through Arctic seas. As Tom Sukanen's neighbour said, "Everything this man made through the years worked. How'bould men say the ship wouldn't?" Next week: The story of one of Beechwood's infamous Sons. -- Brownie and Girl Guide REGISTRATION Browhles Age 6 to 9 Giri Guides Age 1010 12 September 16th at 7:00 p.m. At Seaforth Public School Fee $6.00 ALL STAR TOURS PIONEERS OF ESCORTED MOTOR COACH TOURS "OUR BUSINESS IS GOING PLACES" • EXTENDED AUTUMN TOURS 23 DAY CALIFORNIA AND THE HISTORIC WEST, October 25 from 5869. 9 DAY NEW ENGLAND & CAPE COD, September 13,21 •from $399, 5 DAY PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH TREAT. Septembet 22, October 6, 20 from S229. 7 DAY SMOKIES & BLUE RiDGE MOUNTAINS September 15, 251-. October 20 . .fram 5299. - 7 DAY WILLIAMSBURG & WASHINGTON September 22, 29, October 20. . . from 5309. 7 DAY Kurrucxy HORSE FARMS & MUSIC crry. September 29 from S299: THANKSGIVING WEEKEND October 10-13 NEW YORK CITY from 5174. WASHINGTON D.C. DAY OK NIGHIIME DEPATURE from 5179 ter 515.9. WHEELING WEST VIRGINIA. irom 5119. NASHVILLE from 5189. \NOVEMBER DEPARTURES 3 DAY FRANKENMUTH & FORD MUSEUM November 7, 14 from 5145. 3 DAY WHEELING & JAMBOREE U.S.A., Novenaber 14, 28 from 5109. 3 DAY TOLEDO, OHIO, November 11, 25. . . from S119. 3 DAY NASHVILLE NIGHTHAWK November 14, 21 from 5129. 14 DAY FLORIDA SUNSHINE IN SAVING SEASON. November 8, 22 from 5349. ASK YOUR TRAVEL AGEk FOR OUR NEW 1981 BROCHURE FOR MORE INFORMATON, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT: B X789 SEAFORTH ONTARIO 519 527-0050 Ladies' FITNESS CLASSES Startgues: Sept. 16 Seaforth Publk School 8 p.m. Registration Fee $20 for ten weeks. REGISTER FIRST NIGHT Lynn Devereaux -Instructress omanameamgmaameiameakaameaaaa Annual Fall Fair DANCE • and Pork Chop • BARBECUE Seaforth Arena Sat., September 13 Dinner 6-7:30 p.m. Dance to Star Trak, 9-1 Tickets $7.50 each. Dance only $3.00 each, , Available from Directors, Keatings Pharmacy, Seaforth. FOR INFORMATION PHONE 527-0137. 0 STRATFORD FAII71 r8 um. IWed., Sept. 17 to Sun. Sept. 211 SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT FEATURES TEENAGE HEAD aISQ (DEMICS) Friday, Sept. 19 Admission 5.5.00 per person Includes gate entry. ILIMITED ADVANCE TICKETS FOR ABOVE SHOW AVAILABLE AT SI RAIFORD COLISEUM, MUSIC 'SHOPPER'S RECORD & TAPE MART, "TRACKS", M & M ST. MARYS. The Following Events are I"FREE" WITH GATE ADMISSION 1 - Adults., S2.00 Childrer!, 7713 .50 1 1 1 1 Vanastca news - Brian Haskett has re- turned from a trip to Ala- bama with his father, John Haskett. A farewell party was held on August 31st at the Yana- stra Community Centre for Rob and Ruth Gates. Friends of the couple presented them with gifts in appreciation of their involvernent in corn - ,SUNSHINE EXPRESS s I BILL KING & JACKIE' Saturday, Sept. 20 1 Campbell Amusements Featuring the New "HIMALAYAN" TUG-OF-WAR Thurs.. Sept. 18 Wed,, -Sept. 17 Horse Show & Queen of them Fair Competition THURS., SEPT. 181 HORSE SHOW Trans Canada HELL DRIVERS Sat., Sept. 20 LDEMOLITION DERBY SUN., SEPT. 21 ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE AT STRATFORD e. FAIRGROUNDS & FIRST 40 CARS ACCEPTED WWII NMI Mil 41111. MN — -•••• • inest_n_a s a t • a munity Work. Members of th Curling Club also presented a gift to the Gates. Rob and their sons Alan and Stuart have already left for Ottawa and Ruth will follow in a few days. The Gates were members of this com- munity for 8 years. Rob has accepted a teaching position with the Government in Ottawa. • • 07. • • 0F 114.11.11- 1 1 1 IF 1* .)t45 What's happening is a weekly column,, space donated by The' Huron Expositor. To list your event, call the Recreation OSICe , 527-0882. DATE EVENT Fri., Sept. 12 Roller Skating Sun. Sept. 14 Open Mens Soccer Sun. Sept. 14 Roller Skating Sun. Sept. 14 Teachers vsTurfClub Tues. Sept. 16 Ladies Fitness • Class Wed. Sept. 17 Turf Club vs Teachers Sept. 18-20 Seaforth Fall Fair TIME 7-10:30 9 a.m. 8-10;30 7 P.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. • PLACE • Arena Optimist Park Arena „Optimist Park Seaforth Public School Optimist Park Arena & Fairgrounds lions barbecue for guests Seaforth Lions began a new season Monday when guests at a barbecue at the Lions Park invited their wives and members of the Lioness clu Following dinner prepared. by Elmer Larone, Mel llrady and Orville Oke a short meeting in • charge of president Wm. P. McLaughlin , reviewed summer activities. Reporting for the carnival committee, Bill McLaughlin said the event including the Sunday Tractor Pull had raised 5.6,153.00 while the Good Brothers dance pro- ceeds were $2,964.00. Proceeds from the annual beef barbecue headed by Gordon Rimmer were 5.1442.18. The club agreed to assist at the Seaforth Fall Fair and also at the Van Egmond Cider Day event. Plans for a club golf tournament and barbecue were outlined by Chuck Robbins and tickets for Car Club No. 11 distributed by Jerry who is in charge. During the evening pins were presented to Harold Turnbull, Gord Rimmer. and Darwin Bannerman re- cognizing their contribution in introducing new members and at the came time a pact were Allin I le* • presidents pin was presented to immediate past presidept Harold Turnbull. Mr. McLaughlin paid tribute to Stu Coupland who is moving to Tcfronto and presented him with a gift on behalf of the club. He recalled the contribution Mr. Coupland had made to the club during his years here as chairman of the car club project, as a member of the executive,and particularly for his part on the slow pitch ball team. \, \IAN iderCes ' 1 t Stindz!y September fn., 1 :20t.)., en • 5.0( /reel .ti ti, , Iiiitorit VAN EGteioNa now,t. 2 hill :S. of :iciscor 1.2) Special !ittractions ider %belong. I' -er 4 ,n,tiell“, tr, ,N Bentsen 5444.- Itenter %Inkeng I non114, 51111.ing N 141,gott itede, V, "rid Mal 4 .11. l• ." 0.f rift 1;edle•rs 1.,r11 1,111.1en ...4441144. A \SCUIug Attcit,Much .lore, Nev. Events: Sat., Sept 27 only 1:30 - 30 p.m.- Km abrian - am Egmoild tioam: 8 p.m. - Sippin* 4 ider: ( miwert at SIMS •, •• *yr isstisitess. :slot ssitosars*sltess.i.sassaim v • 22 Goderich St. W. Seaforth We're celebrating our 527-0180 Bob and Sandy 1.• and to Thank You, our loyal customers, on Thurs., Fri., Sit., & Sun. Sept. 1.1, 124 13, 14, With every submarine sandwich purchased at lunch (11 pp A small beverage (pop, coffee or milk) to 3 p.m.) With, every Pizza purchased 'FREE A 26 oz. (750 i5n.poftIe of Coke (while quantities last) #•.i. 2 000 11.0:11 1 a _ -44 *iota *sea " STORE HOURS: Sun. to Thurs. 11 a.m. - 12 midnight Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 4. Eat in or take out '110•011Iiiiasii tio.b..4411 #01. 6,011.4 '144141 "