The James Whalen was built in Toronto Ontario in 1905 and came to Port Arthur and Fort William (now Thunder Bay) to assist with ice breaking and other duties on Upper Lake Superior. She was a 108'steam powered tug. She served 55 years in this area before being taken to Southern Ontario and other home ports. The James Whalen was also one of the first vessels equipped with wireless radio on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. The tug was destined to be scrap metal until a few locals got together to purchase the tug and bring her back home to Thunder Bay. She was brought back and is now moored on the banks of the Kaministiquia River and serves as a Museum Ship for people to tour. The engine has been taken out and the lower level turned into a theatre with pictures and movies of the James Whalen as well as other equipment that was used on the tug. The tug this year 2005 celebrated her 100th anniversary and the month of October I ran with a special call of VG3JWT... The James Whalen takes part every year in the Annual Museum Ship Event weekend, and hopes as well to take part in all of the Lighthouse events. Hope to work many of you with this call from onboard the tug. Have a safe watch.

Fred Trustee-VE3JWT VE3FAL

http://www.qsl.net/ve3fal