Shout-out to the Craigleith Heritage Depot! We are proud to share these insights courtesy of their incredible archives. The Depot is an essential guardian of the unique stories and ecosystems that make our watershed so special. Check out their Collections to see more of our shared heritage!
Ever heard of a “River Rat”?
In the spring of 1957, a local tradition was born right here in Heathcote that defined a generation of creativity and community spirit.
[Photograph of competitors in the Beaver River Rat Race, most likely on the shore of the Beaver River in Heathcote, preparing to start the race. Barbara Crosskill, photographer. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
The Beginning
It all started with a few “peculiar” homemade vessels and some brave (or maybe just adventurous) captains who emerged in Clarksburg looking like drowned rats. From that soggy beginning, the Beaver River Rat Race was born!
[This is a coloured photograph of competitors paddling down the Beaver River in their homemade “boats” during the Beaver River Rat Race. The location along the river during the race is unknown. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
Why we love this local history:
The Motto
“Anything that Floats!”
[A coloured photograph of racers who had gotten their homemade “boat” stuck sideways on the Haines dam. Two of the racers on the boat had gotten out and were trying to right the boat and one was standing in the boat hanging on the top of the metal walkway bridge above the dam. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
The Craftsmanship
Competitors built wild, entertaining vessels from whatever they could find—no two boats were ever the same.
[A coloured photograph of racers in their homemade “boat” during the Beaver River Rat Race. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
The Community
For over 20 years, crowds lined the shores of Heathcote and Slabtown to cheer on the carnage and the triumphs.
[Photograph of two, possible competitors, stranded on an island in the Beaver River. Spectators can be seen along the bank of the river watching the Beaver River Rat Race. Barbara Crosskill, photographer. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
The Heritage
While the races eventually stopped due to the risks of the river’s dips and currents, the stories remain a cherished part of our local identity.
[A coloured photograph of racers going down the Slabtown Dam during the Beaver River Rat Race. Two competitors have already successfully made it down the dam two more racers are getting ready to go down the dam. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
The Memories
It was a “different time” defined by a love for our natural waterways and a serious sense of humor. Did you or your family ever witness the Rat Race? Share your favorite memories or “vessel” designs below!
[Photograph of men jumping into the Beaver River on the day of the Beaver River Rat Race. Credit: Craigleigh Heritage Depot]
