1

The journey of a log from one end of the Gilmour Tramway to the other was a complicated one. This storyline will trace the path of one of 400,00 logs to cross the Gilmour Tramway and highlight the various obstacles and equipment along the way.

2

"The Muskoka" and crew
1894-1897
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

3

The steam alligator was a powerful tow boat, which could be portaged over fairly heavy terrain. The method used was to pull the steel cable out to an anchor post, then it was wound back on the drum by steam power. This pulled the alligator along and sometimes logs were placed under the bottom to act as rollers, the progress was slow but sure. It was a side wheeler, and on open water the side wheels were all that was necessary but when warping had to be done, the cable was attached to a stump on the shore and the steam drum would be brought into action. This gave the greatest possible towning strength.
The Alligator was so named because of its ability on both land water. It did not travel through the water at any great speed, but it was ideal for towing, on account of its great power.

4

Norm MacKay discusses the Steam Alligators used in the Gilmour log drive.
June 2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

5

The "John Bull", a steam alligator
1900-1910
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

6

The "John Bull", a steam alligator
1900-1910
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

7

Gilmour Tramway Model - The Muskoka (an alligator tug)
2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

8

Gilmour Tramway Model - Lake of Bays and the Lake of Bays Jackladder
2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

9

Gilmour Tramway Model - Lake of Bays end
2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

10

The first obstacle to be overcome was the first height of land. To lift the logs over this rise Gilmour built a steam powered jackladder which would lift the logs out of the Lake of Bays and deposit them into the trough.

11

The Lake of Bays Jackladder
1894
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Willie Boyd

12

The Lake of Bays Jackladder discussed by Norm MacKay (1 of 2)
June 2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

13

The Lake of Bays Jackladder discussed by Norm MacKay (2 of 2)
June 2009
Dorset, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Dorset Heritage Museum

14

The Lake of Bays Jackladder
Circa 1896
Dorset, Ontario, Canada