Athens in Leeds and Grenville United Counties, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Jeffrey Boats

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 18, 2019

1. Jeffrey Boats Marker

Inscription.

Jeffrey Boats. .

Astonishingly, Myles Jeffrey never made a boat for himself. Myles gained his knowledge working for Gilbert's in Brockville, Pyke in Lachine, PQ, and Chris-Craft in Michigan, USA. But he preferred working at his own pace and to his own high standards. So, he worked alone and built approximately 50 custom made racers, runabouts, and utility boats for his appreciative clients. He favoured butternut wood to give the boat lightness and speed, white oak for strength, and mahogany for the gleaming, varnished brightwork. A unique feature of his design was a long built-in locker under the bow deck for paddles or a boat hook. Various engines were used including Ford and Chrysler automobile engines modified for marine use as well as Kermath Marine Engines. Jeffrey boats have won trophies at boat shows and regattas at Rideau Ferry, Charleston, Newboro, Gananoque, and Beauharnois, Que. Myles also used his skills to make furniture for his children and grandchildren and even made the family's first radio in the 1920s. Downplaying his achievements he was quoted by the Toronto Telegram: "I like the place (Athens). It suits me. I get a boat out in June and fish and fool around all summer."

[Photo captions, counterclockwise from top left, read] , . Myles Jeffrey's small shop was formerly a blacksmith's forge. It restricted the longest boat length to 22 feet.

. Teachers from the Athens Public School next door would sometimes let their children out in the spring to watch Myles lower a boat down from the second story of the shop to complete the finishing on the lower floor.

. Myles pauses, cigarette in mouth, beside the "Mum". Hulls were lowered on this 4-wheel trailer and moved into the lower shop for installing the engine, outfitting hardware, and finishing.

. Myles Jeffrey (1883-1963)

. Background Image: Waves on Charleston Lake reflect on the hull of "Dancy's Dream"

. After winning the cup 3 times, Lyman Judson earned the right to take the Stewart Cup home permanently in 1939.

. Two Jeffrey boats racing for the Stewart Cup at Rideau Ferry. Lyman Judson in "Miss Joan" (foreground) powered by a 220 hp aircraft engine and Mert Campbell in "Sky Breeze", 1939

. Race officials at Rideau Ferry

. A beautiful Jeffrey runabout with covered engine compartment amidship

[Photo captions, counterclockwise from top left, read]
• Myles Jeffrey's small shop was formerly a blacksmith's forge. It restricted the

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longest boat length to 22 feet.

• Teachers from the Athens Public School next door would sometimes let their children out in the spring to watch Myles lower a boat down from the second story of the shop to complete the finishing on the lower floor.

• Myles pauses, cigarette in mouth, beside the "Mum". Hulls were lowered on this 4-wheel trailer and moved into the lower shop for installing the engine, outfitting hardware, and finishing.

• Myles Jeffrey (1883-1963)

• Background Image: Waves on Charleston Lake reflect on the hull of "Dancy's Dream"

• After winning the cup 3 times, Lyman Judson earned the right to take the Stewart Cup home permanently in 1939.

• Two Jeffrey boats racing for the Stewart Cup at Rideau Ferry. Lyman Judson in "Miss Joan" (foreground) powered by a 220 hp aircraft engine and Mert Campbell in "Sky Breeze", 1939

• Race officials at Rideau Ferry

• A beautiful Jeffrey runabout with covered engine compartment amidship

Erected 2013 by Athens & Area Heritage Society and Brenda (Scott) Foss.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 44° 37.685′ N, 75° 57.081′ W. Marker is in Athens, Ontario, in Leeds

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 18, 2019

2. Jeffrey Boats Marker

and Grenville United Counties. Marker is on Henry Street north of Wellington Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens ON K0E 1B0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Farmersville Model School (within shouting distance of this marker); Athens Medical History (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Former Murals (about 150 meters away); The Brockville & Westport Railway (about 150 meters away); First World War Memorial (about 180 meters away); 100 Acre Farm and Log Buildings circa 1700 (about 180 meters away); Immigrants From Quarrier Homes Scotland 1923 (about 180 meters away); War Memorial (about 180 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Also see . . . Jeffrey Boats. (Submitted on October 31, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2019. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 293 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.