You will find author George Czerny's books "The Collingwood Shipyards" and "A Salute to Sidelaunchings" of great interest. Not only did the author ride in the Lake Wabush during its sidelaunching, he photographed the Algoport as it was launched and then sailed aboard during her sea trials. He has witnessed the closure of this once-proud industry and watches the redevelopment at Collingwood harbour's waterfront with interest.

 

   George Czerny's many colour and black-and-white photographs and stories in the 48-page "The Collingwood Shipyards" ($38.95 Cdn.) keep the memory of this industry alive and pay tribute to those who worked there through 103 years. The 20-page "A Salute to Sidelaunchings" ($19.00 Cdn.) draws on unique sidelaunching and aerial photographs, in both colour and black and white,  from his first book to provide a historic focus on the sidelaunching aspect which attracted thousands of spectators every time there was a launch.

 

   A retired newspaper publisher, George Czerny-Holownia (George Czerny is his writing name) grew up in Barrie, Ontario. He is a past-president of the Collingwood Rotary Club, a past-president of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce and was honoured with the "Order of Collingwood" in 1993.

 

   His books are available in the history section of the online bookstore at www.blurb.com. Shipping and handling charges will apply additionally to the cost of the books, which are worthwhile and enjoyable reading for anybody who enjoys historical matters and thrills to the strengths and challenges of shipbuilding. Although they cost more, hardcover versions are recommended.

 

In Collingwood, Czerny's books are available at "The Station", home of  The Collingwood Museum, The Olde Red Hen (near the corner of Hurontario and Third streets) and at Saunders (opposite the historic, former post office building) on Hurontario St., in Downtown Collingwood.

 

When in town, you can also contact George at 705-446-1714 and purchase a book directly from him. He is currently working on a book about Collingwood's "Walk of History" an historic and scenic, waterfront walk at Heritage Drive.

 

   The only thing missing from Czerny's shipyards books is the sound of a ship's horn! You'll have to imagine it.