Community

Persephone Restoration

A side view of the Persephone boat at it's old location in Gibsons

Where is the Persephone?

In 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 the restoration is completed and it can be relocated for public display.

Restoring the Persephone

Weather and time have taken a toll on the Persephone so getting the boat back into shape requires major restoration work. On December 8, 2020, we announced that BC Ferries has generously donated $25,000 towards the restoration of the Persephone. Read the related Press Release in full here.

View the ‘Save the Persephone’ campaign page to learn more and donate.

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 is underway – click here to donate.

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

History of the Persephone

A poster from the Beachcombers TV series.

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.

Persephone/The Beachcombers In the News

Click below to hear the (highly nostalgic) Beachcombers theme music: