S.S. Keenora – 1897. From website of Marine Museum of Manitoba.
Manitoba’s oldest and best loved steamship has returned from anonymity to a concrete throne at the Marine Museum. This ship had a colorful past before she settled into her deserved place of honour.
Built in 1897, she was a passenger and freight steamship on Lake of the Woods, the Red River and Lake Winnipeg.
The Keenora accommodated 65 passenger cabins in her 158 foot length and travelled up to 15 knots. After coming to Winnipeg, in 1917, a syndicate of Winnipeg lawyers used her for a season as a floating dance hall!
Those who travelled aboard the Keenora in the past, fondly remember her days as a proud lake steamer. She is still in the limelight today as a mecca for those wanting to learn about Manitoba’s lake history. |