The Museum at Campbell River presents David Esson Young, the former shipmaster of the Uchuck and author of The Uchuck Years: A West Coast Shipping Saga (Harbour Publishing). He will be reading tales and showing photos from his forty years of experience working on the Uchuck – the last of Canada’s historic coastal shipping lines – at the museum on Saturday, May 25, from 1-2:30 p.m.
The Uchuck Years is a fascinating account of the life on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island, and the shipping company – whose entire fleet was named Uchuck – that provided a lifeline to civilization.
These vessels started with service from Port Alberni carrying groceries and liquor, freight, and passengers to Ucluelet and Bamfield, as well as other ports up and down the inlet. Later, after the highway went in, Uchuck service moved to the Nootka Sound.
There are few people who lived in the coastal towns or camps in these areas that would not recognize the name “Uchuck”—and understand its vital role in the region. The Uchuck III is 71-years-old this year, and is still providing service up the coast of Vancouver Island.
Esson Young started as a youngster with the company and later grew up to become senior master, president and part-owner. It is clear that working on the Uchuck was a labour of love for Young. He now lives in Royston, B.C.
The Uchuck Years abounds with stories and fond memories of unique coastal characters, including logging camp bosses and genius engineers. It is an enthralling historic account of one of B.C.’s most fascinating regions, written by someone who lived most of his life in the heart of it. To reserve a seat call the museum at 250-287-3103. The cost to listen to the talk is $6.