The Woodman

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Many of us recall the Woodman, a 100 passenger ship, built in 2003. The 75 ton, 55 foot long and 20 foot wide craft took its place as the largest boat on Lake Scugog. Were you aware the Woodman was named after a steamship, which was a major method of transportation for residents in the mid 1800s.

The maiden voyage of the Woodman steamship on Lake Scugog, in 1851, marked an important moment in local transportation history. Commanded by Captain Hugh Chisholm, and built at Port Perry by James Cotton and James Rowe, the vessel promised to significantly enhance travel and trade between Lindsay and Port Perry. The initial trial voyage was carried out successfully, much to the satisfaction of its owners and the many guests on board.

For residents along the shores of Lake Scugog, the introduction of this steamer met a long-standing need for improved transportation. Previously, a journey from Lindsay to Toronto could take two days; but with the Woodman, it was accomplished in approximately 15 hours. The steamer departed Lindsay on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9 a.m., reaching Port Perry by early afternoon. Passengers could then continue to Whitby via stagecoach, ensuring a seamless route to the larger transportation networks connecting to Toronto.

The Woodman, over 100 feet in length, was both an impressive sight and an engineering achievement. Built with a 25-horsepower beam engine and a boiler employing an efficient wood-burning design, it consumed just three cords of wood during its 100 km round trip. Its sleek design enabled speeds of 15 km per hour, almost unheard of at that time. The cabin, located on the main deck, offered spacious and comfortable accommodations, rivalling those found on much larger steamships.

The Woodman’s presence on Lake Scugog had been celebrated widely. Hundreds gathered to witness its launch, with visitors travelling from Whitby, Cartwright, and beyond. Excursionists were rewarded with fine weather and a memorable outing. The steamer, set to make regular trips to Lindsay, also sailed to Fenelon Falls and other nearby destinations, further broadening its reach and utility.

In addition to facilitating passenger travel, the steamer served as a vital link for freight. Wool and other goods were transported to and from local factories, streamlining commerce for farmers and businesses alike. The enterprise of Cotton and Rowe had delivered an essential improvement to the area, enhancing the region’s accessibility and prosperity.

The Woodman experienced her first major fire in 1854 while docked at her wharf in Port Perry. The damage was severe enough that her owners, Rowe and Cotton, opted to sell her rather than undertake the repairs themselves. The vessel found a new owner in George Crandell, who wasted no time in restoring her. By the end of the same year, the Woodman was relaunched, marking the beginning of Crandell’s ambitious endeavour to establish a steamboat enterprise across the Central Lakes.

Under Crandell’s ownership, the Woodman played an important part in the foundation of his growing steamboat fleet. Her early days of service contributed to the establishment of his reputation in the region. However, by 1864, her role had shifted. The Woodman was reassigned to towing duties, a less prominent position in the fleet. Her service continued in this capacity for a short period before she was retired from active use in 1866.

The Woodman, with its well-planned routes and impressive design, stood as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of its builders and crew. It represented a bright future for transportation on Lake Scugog and the surrounding communities.