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Page 32 Tashmoo's Second Life in Canada 2000-06-10 by A1 Mann Mirwin Park was a recreational mecca established in 1934 by Wallaceburg businessman Morrison Irwin, who owned a chain of 5 cent to $1.00 department stores in nearby Kent and Lambton counties in southwestern Ontario. Set up within his business enterprise, the 20 acre site was ideally located near the deep and smooth flowing Chenal Ecarte (Snye) river, conveniently accessed from the St.Clair River, five miles to the west. With the area's first inground swimming pool, a three level diving tower, bicycle race track, ball diamonds, tennis courts, picnic grounds, along with tourist cabins and a large hotel with exceptional cuisine, Mirwin Park attracted many visitors from not only Ontario but Michigan and Ohio as well. Over 1000 ft. of breakwall was available, attracting many yachters, particularly from the Detroit Yacht Club, who often chose Mirwin Park as a convenient weekend destination. The site enjoyed immeasurable success and acceptance despite the adverse economic times across North American during the "Dirty Thirties." A Great Lakes excursion boat mishap in 1936, only increased the popularity ofthe "fun"location located three miles west of Wallaceburg. The busy waterway between Detroit and Port Huron, over the beautiful and scenic Detroit and St.Clair Rivers (joined by Lake St. Clair), was teeming with vessels of all descriptions during this period. Perhaps the most popular was "the Glass Hack" or "Queen of the St.Clair River," the beautiful flyer Tashmoo, built for the White Star Line at Wyandotte, Mich in 1899. The Frank Kirby-designed excursion steamer, 308 ft. in length, became a popular means of recreation and enjoyment for various classes of people. Some of the well to do, who owned exclusive retreats in the St. Clair Flats area, used the Tashmoo for commuting to their summer homes. Others would disembark at Tashmoo Park on Harsen's Island, enjoy a few hours of fun and return to Detroit on the downbound cruise later in the day. Another segment, steamboat lovers, would soak in the sights and sounds of the near 12 hour round trip cruise between the Motor City and Port Huron. Many travel options also saw the Tashmoo stop at various U.S. points along the route as well as two Canadian landings at Port Lambton and Sarnia. TASHMOO in heyday Photo from Mann Historical Files