Bluenose: A Canadian Icon

Bluenose as Canadian Icon

Within two weeks of winning the 1921 International Fishermen's Race, Bluenose was already larger-than-life and well on its way to becoming a Canadian icon. At first the excitement was mostly confined to Atlantic Canada and New England, where it was understood that the victories of the early years "brought Halifax and Lunenburg, and Nova Scotia generally, to the attention of thousands of people who never before had thought of these places as anything more than names."

Angus Walters was hailed as "the man of the hour" and a role model everywhere for youth growing up into the seafaring life. His crew were "courageous men...identified with a great industry," and the annual races were seen as an opportunity for "international friendship" beyond the confines of Nova Scotia. Bluenose's primary role as a Grand Banks schooner was also heavily promoted, because this reinforced Nova Scotia as a continuing player in the offshore fishery, wooden shipbuilding, and international trade—at a time when the province's leadership in all three was beginning to fade.

It was in the depths of the Great Depression that Bluenose grew into a truly national symbol as a floating advertisement for Canada, its people and its maritime heritage. Officially representing the country at the Chicago World's Fair (1933) and at the Silver Jubilee of King George V in England (1935) was a large responsibility for a tiny schooner. It brought out the best in Bluenose and its crew. Tough, elegant, resourceful and dependable, refusing to be defeated in anything, the vessel sailed into the hearts of Canadians as something larger than themselves — and again, at a time when tangible expressions of these values were badly needed. As the Toronto Evening Telegram observed, "Her name is household word. She has knit Canada together."

The schooner's fame was confirmed in 1929, when the Canadian Postal Service issued a distinctive blue stamp known as the 'Fifty-cent Bluenose Commemorative' to honour the vessel's racing record. Cult status was assured in 1937 when the image of an unnamed but unmistakable salt-banker under full sail first appeared on the Canadian dime. The image remains on the coin to this day, and the currency is known to everyone as the 'Bluenose dime'.

Astute product marketing has always followed in Bluenose's wake — corporate interests have been quick to identify and promote the commercial value that exists in the schooner's enduring, indefinable allure. In the early days it was calendars, milk, paint, tea, skis, even underwear. Ginger ale followed soon after, produced and marketed by marine architect William Roué's family bottling company. In the 1940s, native-born photographer Wallace R. MacAskill produced several limited-edition books on Nova Scotia and the sea, featuring the Bluenose and introducing a new generation to the elegance and grace of vessels under sail.

Since the arrival of Bluenose II in the 1960s, commodification has continued—beer, books, clothing, trinkets and related products are constant, virtually subliminal reminders of the indelible image engraved on our collective memory. In the end, Bluenose remains—a symbol, an icon, a lingering reminder of what the world of the Grand Banks fishing schooners was like in all its toughness, speed, elemental danger and terrible beauty.

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