Ontario (Schooner), C77775, 1 Jul 1867

GREAT CELEBRATION IN GODERICH.
      The New Dominion was ushered in by the loyal people of the County of Huron in a most Joyous manner. The Launch. -- The launch of the schooner built this summer for Messrs. Seymour and Horton, was the next event of the day. There was a fine view of the whole affair from the adjacent bank, and thousands of people availed themselves of it. Everything being in readiness, the workmen commenced to loosen the vessel's supports at once, while a crowd of the curiously inclined clambered aboard. A number of Her Majesty's feerless tars lashed themselves to the cross-trees and manned the boom. An arbor of evergreens at the bow was prepared for the christening ceremony, which was performed by Mliss Allcock, the amiable daughter of our esteemed U.S. Consul, General Allcock. A few more blows at the wedges, a few tremors through the great mass of wood, and the vessel slowly started on the ways. The traditional bottle of wine was then broken on the bow by the fair young christener, the name given, and with ever-increasing velocity, the schooner ONTARIO darted towards her native element, into which she
dashed with a great plunge, - the passengers cheering, and the tars on the bowsprit and aloft waving their hats wildly. Then the streamer bearing the name was thrown to the breeze, the vessel settled on the water most gracefully, and one of the prettiest sights of the day was over. The schooner is a stoutly built vessel intended to carry 10,000 bushels of grain, and reflects much credit on Mr. Marlton her builder.
      Goderich Signal, Semi-Weekly
      Tuesday, July 2, 1867


Schooner ONTARIO. Official Canada No. 77775. Of 150 tons register. Built Goderich, Ont., 1867. Home port, Goderich, Ont. 105.0 x 23.0 x 9.5. Owned by J. Williams, of Goderich, Ont,
      List of Vessels on the Registry Books of the
      Dominion of Canada on December 31, 1886