Russel Brothers Limited OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO Steelcraft Boat Builders
| Oskawan II
Canadian List of Shipping 1956: Oskawan II [C.173340] registered at Owen Sound;.built at Sound in 1941. 27'5 x 7’5 x 3'; 4 g.t.; 3 r.t.; 20 hp. Owned by Abitibi Power & Paper Co., Iroquois Falls, Ontario. Canadian List of Shipping 1970: Steel tug Oskawan II [C.173340] registered at Owen Sound. Built at Owen Sound in 1941. 28'; 4 g.t. Canadian List of Ships 1997: Owned by Robert Hachett, Nipigon, Ontario. Transport Canada List 2003: Owned by Owned by Robert Matchett, Nipigon, Ontario. RBF Notes: Sitting in backyard of Dampier’s in Nipigon, ON as of July 15, 2005. Dampier’s bought it from Robert Matchett’s widow after he died. Hull 402. |
Oskawan II on the Nipigon River. Photo courtesy Mike Wolowich, c. 1980.
Mike comments (March 2018): "Derelict Abitibi Steelcraft at Hillside Acres on Nipigon River where I camped for over 30 years." Ginny Flett comments "This picture (of Oshkawan II) was taken at Matchett's landing on Lake Helen in the background across the lake is St. Sylvester's church which was built in the late 1600's and was the church used by the local native reserve. This is the same location that the Wendigokan was moored at."
Bob Matchett, owner of Hillside Acres. Photo courtesy Mike Wolowich.
Mike comments (March 2018): " Owner Bob Matchett was Abitibi camp boss for years. He also gave me log books of some of the tugs."
Abitibi booming grounds (Matchett's Landing) on the Nipigon River.
Photo courtesy Mike Wolowich.
Mike comments (Mar. 2018): "...probably in the 1960's. St. Sylvester's Church would have been just left." Ginny Flett adds: "Lake Helen storage - the Minikan in the forefront and the Wendigokan in the background. Looks like they're getting ready to spill this raft."
Oskawan II builder's plate. Photo courtesy Mike Wolowich.
Mike comments (March 2018): "Builders plate from above vessel
(given to me by the boat/campground owner)."
RBF notes: Oskawan II - Sitting Backyard (Nipigon, ON July 15, 2005)
Photos from Harold (Sonny) Dampier, Jr., via Matt Carlson. Matt comments (Feb. 27, 2020): "Mr. Dampier texted these to me today. The Oskawan 2 still in his yard in Nipigon. He had past plans to turn it into a garden shed. He also still owns Brompton Weasel that he plans on rebuilding and putting in the water this summer if all goes well. He may also see about putting Oskawan 2 in the water also if he could fix it up."
For more Russel exhibits visit Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum 1165 1st Ave West, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333  http://marinerail.com |
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