The Fraser River is the focus of many accounts that make up our local maritime history. It is often referred to as a “mighty river” or the “mighty Fraser,” and it has been revered and held in awe from the earliest times with First Nations to the present day.
The tales combine to give the river a voice, whether looking at the river itself, the vessels of various descriptions and levels of importance that sailed its waters, the types of cargoes that were carried, the events – social, business, intriguing, or tragic – or the captains and characters who added their names to the chronicle.
Next week, the New Westminster Historical Society will feature a presentation of river-connected stories covering most of these themes. These stories are usually recounted on tours on the river or walks along its shoreline, and for decades, folks have listened intently as river stories accompany a cruise on its waters.
Today we bring you a story from the river that is truly something quite different, but certainly involves the Fraser. The story appeared in the local Dominion Pacific Herald newspaper in April of 1881. It immediately caught our attention when we found it but it remains a bit of a mystery.
We’re not sure what the short story is. Is it a joke? Is it poking fun or criticism at a person, business or vessel? Is it allegorical? Did it “really” happen? We have checked many different sources, but so far have no good answers to these questions. We will continue to search, but for now, read the following, enjoy it, and give it a moment or two of thought.
“A phantom steamer, with glaring lights and ghostly captain, has lately been abroad upon the dark waters of the Fraser. Parties along the river, whose peaceful slumbers were disturbed in the dead of night, have rushed, half dressed, to the bank, only to hear the mocking toot, and fiendish laugh of the spirit crew as the ship glided off into the murky darkness.”
Intriguing. Interesting. Most curious. Over the years we have looked into a number of mysteries and have enjoyed the process. We have also been close to stories of ghosts, spirits and similar points of discussion and have enjoyed that as well. For now, it is a very good “river story” and it will most certainly find a place in our list of tales.
As we noted earlier, the Historical Society next week will feature a program on “river stories.” The presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17 in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library, at 716 Sixth ave., in Uptown New Westminster.
If you love the Fraser, you’ll enjoy the many river-
themed stories, including a comical pair of advertisements, tales of quarreling captains, the fighting of ice in the river, Lady Franklin on board, and more with a maritime flavour.
See you there.
