John G. Mackay of Port Elgin has delved into new waters, as an author.

The Restless in Port Elgin Harbour

Mackay signing books last summer

Mackay was born in Port Elgin in 1936 and, after many requests by family and friends, decided to record the early history of one of the most well-known local boats in the area, before that history was lost in time.

Armed with family photographs and stories, Mackay began his first foray into being a writer and his recently launched book, 'Restless on Huron' is a pictorial leap into the past. Many family names from the late 1800s and early 1900s, such as Mackay, Fenton, Dyck, Doran and Cairns, are easily recognized among those descendants who still live in the region today.

(next column)

13/01/2009 04:12 PM

(continued)

'Restless on Huron' recounts Mackay's early memories of growing up with the little boat that served many purposes, from pleasure craft to fishing and even hauling lumber. Its primary job however, was to carry passengers on short sightseeing cruises along the local Lake Huron coast during the summer months.

Even as a baby, Mackay was taken on the Restless, and he describes his earliest memory as "...being old enough to see over the steering wheel and through the windshield ... Dad let me take the helm while he went back to collect the fares [from passengers]." As a young boy, one of his first jobs was to help passengers on and off the boat and to oversee the stern line.

Today, Mackay is still found on and near the water. As an avid boater, he has been a volunteer captain on the Peerless tour boat to Chantry Island as well as an instructor and member of the Power Squadron boating organization.

For anyone who lives on the Huron coast, or who has spent many summers in the area, 'Restless on Huron' is a delightful historical accounting of a by-gone era.

It is available through Brucedale Press in Port Elgin

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}