The year was 1937. The canal boat Birchton sat in Muir Brothers Drydock for repairs. Willy How was servicing John Harrigan's tugboats and the St. Catharines 140 pound eight had just pulled up to the old dock at the present site of Rennie Park.

There was cause for celebration as the crew had just defeated the heavily favoured Toronto Argonauts to win a gold medal at the 34th annual Henley Regatta. Members of the eight were bow Ron Carr, Jack Reid, Dave Mullen, Les Hart, George Henry, Fred Glass, Vince Kirkpatrick and stroke Walter Abraham. Not shown in the picture was cox Cleve Harper.

It is this dedication and commitment to excellence that carries St. Catharines' rich rowing tradition right up to the present. This painting is a tribute to all those who participate and support in out community.