Memoirs of the Sea published for museum

William Henry Smith told stories of being at sea to his son Thomas Brenton Smith who compiled the book in the 1940s.

At the time, he bound three copies.

“Here’s what happened, my sister Grace decided she’d have this published in a number of volumes and she was going to donate them to the museum,” says Jim McMaster.

Unfortunately she passed away over a year ago, before the book was completed.

She along with Jean Smith worked at putting together the book.

“Grace committed herself to supplying the museum with these copies so they could make some money off it,” he explains. “So I’m just following through and I’m looking after finances.”

McMaster, who is originally from Liverpool, now resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

He is a retired real estate broker and a building contractor.

The book holds many of his grandfather’s memories of his life at sea from 1884 to 1898.

It includes the story of how Smith’s father and a few of his brothers were lost at sea, adds McMaster.

The Queens County Museum received just over 100 copies of the book.

Museum Director, Linda Rafuse says they are selling the book for $30 with all proceeds going to the museum.

Rafuse adds they appreciate the family’s donation.

“That was such a generous offering from that family to give us the opportunity to bring in more revenue for our programming.”

McMaster feels great about the book being complete, although he is not sure how exciting the book will be to some, he adds with a laugh.

This is Smith’s second book. His first one recalls growing up in Sandy Cove, which is also available at the Queens County Museum.

It is called “The History of Sandy Cove: Memoirs of William Henry Smith.”