Ship's binnacle from the Motor Vessel (MV) Nechako that began life in 1929 as the Cora Marie - luxury yacht of W.C. Shelly, B.C.'s Finance Minister. She was sold in California in the 1930s and later served with the U.S. Navy as a patrol boat during World War II. Kitimat Constructors purchased her in 1952 for transporting construction personnel between Butedale, Prince Rupert, and Kitimat. In 1954 the motor vessel, skippered by Captain Bill Cogswell, began regular trips ferrying construction personnel and freight between Kitimat and Kemano. With Captain Cogswell, she logged close to 1,200 round trips between the two communities. The binnacle was restored and presented by the Kemano Power Operations Group to E.W. Red McKernan, first Superintendent of Power Operations "for devoted service as ship's husband, 1954-1974". Mr. McKernan in turn donated it to the Kemano Museum. Donated by Alcan Primary Metal
Rectangular metal bumper plaque reading 'KITIMAT FIRE DEPT.' in large block letters. 'KITIMAT' is in black lettering on a light grey background; 'FIRE DEPT.' is in light grey lettering on a red stripe.
Rectangular metal bumper plaque reading 'KITIMAT FIRE DEPT.' in large block letters. 'KITIMAT' is in black lettering on a light grey background; 'FIRE DEPT.' is in light grey lettering on a red stripe.
Physical Condition
Good
Material
metal
Condition Remarks
Structurally sound with minimal wear and tear. Line or crack running vertically down item approx. 6 cm from left edge. Upper right corner has some chipping and cracking. Some small scuff marks and discolouration along right edge. (All on front of item).
Width
7.5 cm
Length
25.5 cm
Inscriptions
'Mfd. by Signal Signs Ltd. Richmond Vancouver Canada.'
