The historic tugboat, S.S. Naramata, launched in 1914 and served Okanagan Lake, towing barges filled with fruit, produce, and other goods from the region’s orchards and farms to market, contributing significantly to the local economy. After 53 years of service, it was decommissioned in 1967. Its original owner sold the vessel and it passed through the hands of several commercial owners before being acquired by Kettle Valley Railway Society who recognized its historical value. It was designated a “heritage vessel” in 1975. In 1991, the SS Naramata was towed south to Penticton, where it was docked at the mouth of the river channel and later taken out of the water and placed on permanent display beside the SS Sicamous.
I just happened to come across the tug in 1991 when it was docked at Paddlewheel Park & Beach in Vernon, BC. I loved the still, quiet, setting of this late afternoon, early fall scene and had to paint it.
For those interested, there’s much more detail to be found on the S.S. Naramata at: https://www.sssicamous.ca/ss-naramata