Gananoque's Pangea House and Meet Henry from the Boat Museum

Pangea House

If you could sleep in five continents
Without ever stepping on a plane
You’d say that is impossible
Like always sunshine; never rain

But you would be wrong
Because here in our little Town
Is a place called Pangea House
It is truly well renowned

You have your choice of rooms
Five continents are waiting for you
Oh wait an amazing experience
It’s like a dream come true

You never have to get a plane
To travel far and wide
Because Pangea House is right here
Just wait until you get inside

You can spend your night in Antarctica
Africa or Australia too
Maybe South America or Asia
Is the place that appeals to you

To add to this you are pampered
You are treated to food beyond compare
Your host and hostess are one of a kind
Their home with you they share

Perhaps after dinner you’d like to
Just sit and quietly enjoy the view
That’s what makes your stay special
It is truly all about you

To add to that our Town
Has so much for you to do
Boat Cruises, live theatre and music
To name just a very few

Gananoque has so much to offer
This is just a little peek
So if you’d like a wonderful holiday
Our Town is just what you seek

By Gretchen Huntley, Poet Laureate
Town of Gananoque

Henry

His name is Henry
You will see him there
Down at the Boat Museum
In his motorized chair

He is not young
That is true
But Henry does more
Than many others would do

He volunteers everyday
Sadly his wife has now gone
It helps to fill the void in his life
But in his heart she’ll always live on

He talks about the memories
He shares stories with everyone
Folks look forward to seeing him
He’s friendly, kind and fun

When it comes to boating
Henry has knowledge by the score
The staff at the boat museum
Brighten when he walks through the door

I chatted with a few
Of the staff today
My heart skipped a beat
At what some had to say

Apparently Henry noticed
When one of the girls seemed blue
He pulled out a box of Smarties
He shared with her one or two

She never forgot that moment
That is what sets Henry apart
Another said he was like her Grandpa
I knew it came from her heart

And when the day comes to a close
The staff tired and ready to leave
Henry is there to help them out
He is one to give not receive

Apparently he’s quick with funny remarks
I loved this lad’s point of view
He said this wonderful man was
Helpful, productive and vigilant too

I could go on for hours
Of the wonderful things I’ve heard
But I think you get the drift, my friends
So I have just a few closing words

The last young man I spoke to
Said it better than I ever will
When it comes to our Henry
“He really fills the bill!”

By Gretchen Huntley, Poet Laureate
Town of Gananoque

TI Life has been fortunate that Gretchen often shares her work with our readers. Gretchen Huntley was appointed Poet Laureate for the Town of Gananoque in March 2021. In October 2024, Gretchen wrote "Tributes by Gananoque's Poet Laureate" for TI Life, and we have reviewed two small books that Gretchen recently published: "Reality and Me" by editor, Susan Smith in November, 2020 and "Poetry Through a Lens" by John Swift in June 2021. Both books featured photography by Sam Battams. If you are fortunate to meet Gretchen in Gananoque one day, I hope you will join me in thanking her for sharing her work.