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Page 4 CHESTER Lifeboat nameplate The discovery of CHESTER'S lifeboat by Mike's grandfather Ed Sykes is a chapter in itself, further adding to the mystique of the craft. In the 1980's Sykes purchased a farm near Blenheim (Ontario) which included a ramshackle outbuilding ready to tumble to the ground. Surprisingly, later, Ed Sykes found the building was more than a decrepid enclosure. Within, shrouded in hay and debris he discovered a 22 ft. double ender (steel) vessel that looked like a tender or lifeboat. After making a closer examination, he was somewhat overwhelmed to note the hull had been fitted with a traditional upright brass steam engine, very similar to Bogart's power plant in the movie. How the boat found its way to the Blenheim bam and who installed the steam engine remains a mystery - a trail Mike Brown has been following but yet with positive results. He is convinced the steam power plant was not an original installation. Mike's grandfather soon realized his "farm purchase bonus" was something unique. The nameplate stamped "Chester" plus other pertinent data was the only clue, but searching out further information along that path could wait. Ed decided to give his "bam find" some special attention. As time became available, he layered the entire interior with beautifully-grained oak. A canopy in traditional steamboat style was fashioned and installed. The old steam engine had been cleaned up and restored piece by piece. The riveted steel hull was completely fiberglassed with other cosmetic touches added. An authentic brass steam whistle was intact, allowing for the necessary "flow of steam" touch. Christened Mike Brown aboard SMOKEY - July, 2004