Anchors Away…

From the moment the anchor emerged dripping from the waters of the St. Lawrence River, the twelfth grade students of Thousand Islands Secondary School (TISS) knew this project would be one of those rare experiences which they would cherish well beyond graduation. As the heavy iron anchor was gently placed on the pavement of Blockhouse Island, the students snapped photographs – only vaguely aware that they were capturing a moment of historic importance. The swift motion of the pressure washer removed glistening zebra muscles from the artefact, and onlookers braved the fresh-water mist for a closer glimpse. Slowly, it dawned upon all involved that this overcast October day was one that would be immortalized in the history of Brockville.

While moving the anchor onto a padded flat bed trailer, spectators acknowledged the positive impact this piece of history would have on their beloved city of Brockville. However, the students did not yet realize the effort they would be putting forth in the days ahead, nor did they yet understand the opportunities with which it would provide them.