A number of readers of Sea Breezes have asked for particulars of the Maid of the Mist on the 3 cents U.S.A. stamp of 1948. The design shows the old bridge linking the United States and Canada known as the Niagara Railway Suspension Bridge. Below the bridge, almost too small to be seen, is a pleasure steamer, the original Maid of the Mist, built in 1846 and operated for a couple of years. It was then discontinued as impractical. In 1850, a second vessel was built and operated until the American Civil War. At present (1954) there are two vessels in service between May and October. Maid of the Mist I was built in 1885 and is 71 ft. long with a beam of 16 ft., powered by a Canadian-built Doty engine; the Maid of the Mist II was built in 1890. She is 82ft. long, and has a beam of 18ft. 6in. The vessels go in almost to the foot of both the American and Canadian falls and the passengers are provided with waterproof protection against the fine mist or spray. In winter the vessels are laid up on ways on the Canadian side and are protected with canvas covers. They are owned and operated by Mr. Le Bond of Lewiston.
SG958 Sea Breezes 6/54