AT THE LIBRARY

Teresa Nickels-Prilesnik is a Library Assistant at the Waterloo Public Library, main library. She recommends:

“Gunboats on the Great Lakes 1866-68: The British navy’s Show of Force at the Time of Confederation” by Cheryl MacDonald (James Lorimer & Company)

It is hard to believe we had gunboats patrolling the Great Lakes but this book captivatingly explores this almost forgotten history. A “gunboat” is a small armed ship capable of operating in shallow waters. In 1866, three gunboats were assembled to set people’s minds at ease after Canada West (now Ontario) was threatened by a group called the Fenians, who were members of a 19th century revolutionary group among the Irish in the U.S. and Ireland. On June 1, 1866, they attacked Canada West. It was this attack, their reputation, and ensuing newspaper coverage that created hysteria among citizens. It didn’t help that our neighbours to the south overlooked the Fenians’ behaviour.

Consequently, to set minds at ease, the Canadian government with Britain’s assistance, formed a temporary “navy” to guard the Great Lakes. Once the patrols started, this presence was enough to quell attacks and boost citizen’s spirits. Author Cheryl MacDonald’s extensive background makes this a great read for anyone interested in Great Lakes history or to find out more about the Jolly Jack Tars who guarded the Great Lakes shores over 153 years ago.