Nova Scotia's Original Bluenose - Queen of the North Atlantic sets sail on a new life
Bluenose History
courtesy of Nova Scotia Archives
& Records Management
As the effects of the Great Depression started to be felt, Lunenburg's Bluenose began a new career as a touring vessel, visiting far-off ports.
In 1933, she represented the Maritime Provinces at the Chicago World's Fair. The following year, Bluenose sailed to Toronto, where she spent the winter. In 1935, her destination was England, for the Silver Jubilee of King George V. Thousands of people were welcomed aboard - and the international fame of the schooner was established. The following year, twin diesel engines were installed at cost of $12,000 to enable the vessel to go fresh water fishing.
In 1937, the Canadian dime was changed to include an image of Bluenose - where she remains to this day. She had truly become a national symbol.
1942, despite the efforts by her Master, Captain Angus Walters of Lunenburg, and others, to keep the ship in Nova Scotia, Bluenose was sold to carry freight in the West Indies.
The other schooners were gone. Esperanto and Columbia were lost in storms, victims of the treacherous sandbars of Sable Island. Ninety miles eastward of Nova Scotia the island was known as "the graveyard of the Atlantic." Henry Ford and Elsie sank in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
On January 28, 1946, the Queen of the North Atlantic joined the fate of her rival Gertrude L. Thebaud and foundered on a Haitian reef. All hands were rescued, but she was damaged beyond repair.
Maurice Crosby photo, left, of Bluenose photographer Wallace MacAskill. Many of Mr. MacAskill's photos are featured on our Bluenose history pages.
