The Trillium

Last month, when Marcia and I were returning from a trip around the Toronto Islands, we were treated to a ride on the Trillium.
I was excited to be below decks and watch the steam works of this double-end, double deck ferry.

It was launched into the harbour in 1910, and served as a passenger ferry along with three other "flower ferries" - the Primrose, the Mayflower and the Bluebell.
The last time I rode any of these ferries was when the cost was only a streetcar ticket (2 1/2 cents).
The Toronto Historical Board plaque on the deck wall tells some of its story.

Eventually, all of the paddle wheel ferries were replaced in 1952 by faster diesel-powered ships. She was retired five years later and left abandoned in an Island lagoon for 17 or 18 years.

 This photo is from the Toronto Archives (Fonds 1244, Item 0261)

Several years, and one million dollars later (thanks to Tommy Thompson) a restored Trillium returned to the Queens Quay docks at the foot of Bay Street.
It should be noted here that they had to retro-fit the docks to accomodate her wider berth.