Society Awards

Order of the Pheonix

The Order of the Phoenix is an award that is presented as merited, to person(s) who have made a special contribution and have provided exemplary service, dedication and commitment to the Society over a number of years.

2011 Winner - Captain Jim Caldwell

Details to follow.

2009 Winner – Ron Sclater

Eleven years ago, Ron Sclater began working on the Wanda III as a bartender/ deckhand — entertaining the passengers with informative commentary about the lakes and surrounding areas. Ron became Captain of Wanda five years later and sailed Wanda to various destinations on the lakes before she was removed her from service for a hull restoration in 2004. Ron also became the “Guest Commentator” during the very popular overnight cruises — delighting passengers with entertaining stories about days gone by on the Muskoka Lakes. Around the time Ron began captaining Wanda, the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre was in the planning stages of development, and the Society needed a committee to supply the contractor with the correct historical information as well as assist in the interior design. Ron volunteered for what would prove to be a three-year commitment — many weeks, stretching well beyond the forty-four-hour work week.
Despite Ron’s passion for Wanda and his tireless efforts at the Heritage Centre — both through the planning committee and the present day Archive committee — Ron’s lasting legacy to many will be the role he played on Wenonah II Pirate Cruises as Captain Hook. These cruises began five years ago and they have been a wonderful success — mainly due to Ron’s ability to entertain the thousands of Pirates of all ages that have dared to raise the black flag on Sunday mornings.
It is with great pleasure that the Society presents Ron Sclater with the Award of the Phoenix in appreciation of his outstanding support towards our organization as volunteer, historian, storyteller, bartender, deckhand, Captain — and of course: Hook!

Order of the Phoenix Winners

1987
Hugh Bishop, Peter Bishop, Frank Brown, Glen S. Cotes, William Cole, John Coulter, Marion Fry, Jack Hastings, Joseph Ibbitson, Frank Miller, George Morrison, J. Ross Raymond, Kenneth Spring, Richard Tatley, Jack Vincent

1988
The Ontario Road Builders Association, D. Vaughan

1989
Captain Thomas Oake, William Cripps, John Pike

1990
David Campbell, Frank King, Bruce Sully, Norman Wilton

1993
Sylvia Purdon, Dr. Gordon Shaw, Ian Turnbull

1994
Richard Corcelli, Glen Williams

1995
John Barron, John Lockyer

1996
Russ Brown

1997
Allen C. Smitten

2002
Richard McGraw, Stanley Meek

2003
Dennis Griffin, James Cruickshank

2007
Mary Storey

2008
Molly Rivers

2009
Ron Sclater

2011
Captain Jim Caldwell

Stewardship Award Program:

The Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society, through its ships and Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre attractions, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Muskoka Lakes’ heritage of steamship, resort, and boat building industries that came into being when Muskoka was settled in the 19th century. This is accomplished by providing the public, educators and students an opportunity to cruise the Muskoka Lakes system in a ship, and to experience the exhibits, archives and education programs of the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre.
Many individuals and groups assist the Society in its stewardship endeavours. Started in 2008, the Stewardship Award Program aims to recognize individuals and groups who have made a special contribution to the preservation or promotion of Muskoka’s heritage. These awards recognize extraordinary contributions to the Society and may also recognize the achievement of the Society’s goals through unique individual initiatives. These contributions may be financial, but may also be through leadership or exceptional effort.
.

2010 Stewardship Awards

Ross Raymond - the first president of the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society.

Paul Dodington - historian and author

Bob and Fran Cornell - long term leadership in the hotel traditions of Muskoka

Ron Butson - the Boat Builder/Restorer

Cliff Stanton -  wooden boat stewardship.

Harry Littler - custodian and protector of Muskoka built boats

Our Honoured Recipients for 2008:

Extraordinary Support:
• Gordon Shaw
• Gravenhurst Council c/o John Klinck
Archives Development:
• Graham Ferguson
Historian:
• Richard Tatley
Collector:
• Tim Chisholm
Restorer:
• Ed Skinner
Multi-Generation Care of Antique Boat:
• Clause Family c/o Nancy Muse, Michael Campbell
• Dan Hauserman
Significant Restoration:
• Alan Cranfield
• Lloyd Ross
• Jeff Ried
• Rick Hallisey

Special Awards

Murray Walker Grace & Speed Boat House
Murray Walker

Murray Walker has long been one of the foremost champions of Muskoka wooden boats. A champion is an informed advocate, a patron, and a protector, and Murray is all of those things for the wooden boats of Muskoka. For well over three decades, he has invested in and assembled collection that exemplifies the best work of many Muskoka boat builders. Murray believes that the best work of many boat builders is more than a beautiful craft — it is art.
To ensure that the art of the era of Muskoka’s wooden boats is understood, documented and accessible to all, Murray championed the establishment of the Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre. In recognition of his vision and ongoing support, the Centre’s Boat House shall henceforth be designated: “The Murray Walker Grace & Speed Boat House.”


Commodore of the Fleet:

‘Dr. Gordon Shaw, esteemed Past President, has been a dedicated board member since 1982. In 2006 Gordon was named Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors. It was under his vision and guidance that the Wenonah II joined the fleet and graces the Muskoka Waters today. The success of our society depends on members like Dr. Shaw who provide the dedication, support and guidance necessary for our society to stay strong and vibrant.
On behalf of the Board of Directors it was with great pleasure that we bestowed upon Dr. Gordon Shaw the Honorary Title of Commodore of the Fleet.’
 - Blair A. McMurchy, President, Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society