Long Gone: Crafting a Coffee Table Book About My Hometown

In 2018, I had the privilege of collaborating with the Municipality of Kincardine to bring to life a coffee table book titled Long Gone: Kincardine Marine History. This project not only celebrates the rich maritime heritage of Kincardine but also serves as a fundraiser for the annual Kincardine Marine Heritage Festival.

The Journey Begins

The seeds for this book were planted during my second year in college, during a project described by the students as the “Museum Project.” Our task was to create a comprehensive exhibit complete with a logo, posters, merchandise, and a book. My inspiration came from my grandmother, June, a dedicated curator at the Walker House Museum and an active board member of the Marine Heritage Festival. I drew from her displays, particularly one that highlighted the history of the Kincardine harbour, to frame my project.

A Focus on Shipwrecks

For Long Gone, I decided to spotlight local shipwrecks, tales from a time long past. These stories often dated back over a century, which meant I relied heavily on archival photographs. With the support of the Bruce County Museum, I was able to scan and enhance images, applying a duotone filter in Photoshop to unify the visual narrative and elevate the quality of the historical photographs.

A Day in Kincardine

To enrich the book further, I spent a memorable day in Kincardine with my grandmother. Our first stop was the Walker House, where I photographed artifacts from local shipwrecks on display. Next, we ventured to Boiler Beach, where remnants of the Erie Belle lay exposed on the sand. That year, the low water levels allowed us to explore the wreckage in a way that felt like stepping back in time. We capped off our day at Station Beach, where the enduring remains of the Ann Maria peered through the waters. As the sun dipped below Lake Huron, painting the sky in vibrant hues, I felt a deep connection to this history we were preserving.

Bringing the Vision to Life

Back at school, I crafted the layout of the book in InDesign, blending the contemporary photographs I took with the historical images. To complement the content, I chose an old-style typeface that resonated with the maritime theme. The first copy was a labor of love: hand-bound and wrapped as a Christmas gift for my grandmother.

Her excitement sparked a new chapter. During a Marine Heritage Festival board meeting, she presented the book, and to my astonishment, they expressed a desire to publish it for sale as a fundraiser. After a few minor adjustments, Long Gone was born—a beautiful testament to our local maritime history, closely resembling the original book I created for my college project.

Conclusion

Long Gone: Kincardine Marine History is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a bridge connecting past and present, an homage to the resilient spirit of Kincardine’s maritime community. I am proud to have contributed to this legacy and to have worked alongside my grandmother to celebrate our town’s history. The book remains a cherished part of my portfolio, embodying not only my growth as a designer but also the rich narratives that define Kincardine’s heritage.

Graphic Design: Tawny McFadyen