For almost half a century, until 1932, Simcoe's West & Peachey foundry built an steam powered amphibious warping tug of their own design called an Alligator for their ability to cross land as well as water. 

These tugs revolutionized the pre-diesel logging logging industry in parts of Canada, the United States, and South America.

Several years ago Norfolk residents who wanted to see the history of these unique tugs preserved searched far and wide for Alligator remains. They brought the best back to Simcoe, where over several years it was restored to working order. Today that Last Alligator is a maintained as a tourist attraction on Simcoe's Lynn River.

Narrated by Gordie Tapp, The Last Alligator DVD is a 19 minute video that tells two tales -- the story of the tug itself and the special features of its design, and the story of the Last Alligator's restoration over a century after the first of these tugs were built. It includes on-camera commentary by the last surviving West and Peachey foundry worker.

Proceeds from the sale of this DVD fund the restored tug's ongoing maintenance and operation. The DVD is available for $20 plus $4 shipping and handling, from:

Norfolk County Heritage and Culture
30 Peel Street
Simcoe, Ontario N3Y 1R9

For more on Alligator tugs, see Norfolk-made Alligators article.

Return to Videos | Introduction
 

Copyright 2006-2007 John Cardiff