S.S. Nasookin House - Nelson, BC
Posted by: T0SHEA
N 49° 32.396 W 117° 15.788
11U E 480962 N 5487513
This is an example of junk collecting elevated to a true art form. It is a house, along the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, just north of Nelson on Highway 3A.
Waymark Code: WMJC3T
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 10/27/2013
Views: 2
Launched on April 30th, 1913, the sternwheeler was christened Nasookin — supposedly a Ktunaxa word that meant “the high,” “the great,” or “the lord chief.” The Nasookin made its maiden voyage on May 24 to Kaslo, with a capacity load of 550 passengers. Owned by the CPR, it became obsolete in 1930 with the completion of the rail line between Procter and Kootenay Landing. A few months later the Province of BC leased it to use as a car ferry between Fraser’s Landing (near Balfour) and Gray Creek. It was retired on June 27th, 1947 with the launch of a new ferry boat.
Later, careless mooring caused the ship to settle on old wharf pilings and break in two, sinking in shallow water. Attempts were made to salvage her, but the damage was too great and that plan was scrapped. Ultimately, it was parted out and the pilot house and part of the upper deck were salvaged and placed upon a storey below, built to look like the next lower storey of the original Nasookin. The final result was this house.
Situated right beside the highway, it has become somewhat of a tourist magnet. The owners told us that they have welcomed tourists from all over the world, beguiled by the sight, into their ship-house to view it.