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George Czerny Captures Shipyard Memories in Two Books |
"Hang on tight!" Advice George Czerny received prior to riding on a huge ship on launch day |
George Czerny was always fascinated with the Collingwood Shipyards. The former publisher of the Enterprise Bulletin newspaper, now retired local author, has published two books that celebrate Collingwood's proud shipbuilding past. "I decided to accumulate the material that I had and put it into a book as a tribute to the people who built the ships." The Collingwood Shipyards is filled with vintage photographs and interesting stories about what was at one time Collingwood's largest employer and driving force behind the town's economy. A Salute to Side Launchings is a scaled down version of the first book, containing historic photographs of side launches that always attracted huge crowds along Collingwood's harbour front. "I put together my book which is the story of now and then. Now, Collingwood is known as one of Canada's most popular year-round recreation playgrounds. Then, the town's economic stability was tied closely to the business of building ships. "It's something I knew right from the get-go. The Collingwood Shipyards was the economic backbone of Collingwood. I think what surprised me was how significant that shipyards effect for years and years and years. People came from Collingwood and district to work at the shipyards. At one time, 1,200 people worked there." George was fortunate enough to "ride one in" on launch day. "When I was on board prior to the launch, I asked advice from one of the shipyard employees as to what I should do at launch time. He said hang on tight!" Czerny's books are available in various formats including a downloadable version. Visit George's web site: www.collingwoodshipyardsbooks.vpweb.ca www.blurb.com lets you preview the two books and purchase online. George Czerny was fortunate enough to be aboard the Algoport for its Georgian Bay sea trials. George talks about the interesting beginning the ship had when it first hit the water at the Collingwood Shipyards. The YouTube video below shows the breathtaking and tragic end of the ship's service. |
Video posted on YouTube captures the sinking of the Algoport |