August 6th was the 91st anniversary of the scow that has been stranded in the upper Niagara River Rapids just above the falls for these many years. How did it get there you ask? Well, here’s the story.
It broke loose while being towed by a tug about a mile above the falls.
Two men on board, James Harris and Gustav Loftberg feared they were going to go over the falls. In a last effort to save themselves they dropped the scows anchor and opened the bottom dumping doors. It worked. The scow settled onto the bed of the shallow river.
Getting them off the scow (still fearing it might break away) wasn’t so easy. Remember it was 1918 –no helicopters. Large crowds gathered to watch as preparations were made to send a line out to the marooned men from atop the nearby Toronto Power House. When after great difficulties a breeches buoy was attached to the line and after 20 hours the men were each successfully rescued.
Chances are the scow will still be here when you visit Niagara Falls. It will no doubt rust out before the river claims it.
