Persephone Restoration - Town of Gibsons

Where is the Persephone?

On October 20, 2021, the Persephone, aka The John Henry, was moved from its location at the corner of Gower Point Road and School Road (Five Corners) to the Town of Gibsons’ Public Works Yard, where it is being safely stored until it can be restored and moved to a new home.

BC Ferries to Help Fund Restoration

Weather and time have taken a toll on the Persephone so getting the boat back into shape will require major restoration work. On December 8, 2020, we announced that BC Ferries has generously committed to funding the restoration of the Persephone. Read the related Press Release in full here.

Furthermore, a super-fan and BC-based boatmaker has graciously agreed to lend his services to help restore the vessel!

Watch a quick video about the restoration project here.

A new location for Persephone has been determined

Once the boat has been restored and the site is prepared, the Persephone will be moved to the Northeast corner of Holland Lands (see below).

How can you get involved?

The Persephone needs your help! It will require additional funds to restore the boat and build it a new home where it can live protected from the elements for many years to come. A fundraising campaign will launch later this month through Canadahelps.org. Stay tuned for updates!

Email persephone@gibsons.ca to be notified of the fundraising launch or if you have any questions.

History of the Persephone

The wood and steel star of the TV series “The Beachcombers” and her skippers Nick Adonidas and Jessie Jim, rivaled Relic in his jet boat as they roamed the waters of Howe Sound. Thirty years after the end of filming, people still flock to Gibsons, BC to visit Molly’s Reach and the former resting spot of the Persephone. Thousands every year gathered around, to have their pictures taken and reminisce on Sunday evenings past, and favourite episodes fondly remembered.

The Beachcombers often pulled in more viewers than “Hockey Night in Canada” – a huge record for this unique series. The show was also one of the first of its kind to feature First Nations performers, an aspect of this series that will be highlighted at the Persephone’s new home.

July 30, 2020, marked the 30th anniversary of the filming of the final episode of The Beachcombers.

To listen to a Canadian History EHX podcast on the history and impact of The Beachcombers, please click here.

Read the Canadian Encyclopedia entry on The Beachcombers here.