It was first sighted off Flowerpot Island in 1948. According to a report in the Owen Sound Sun Times, dated July 23, 1948.....

"While men yelled and one woman fainted aboard the City of Detroit III, a Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Co., liner, a sea serpent slithered through Georgian Bay.

That was the report of an eyewitness, Miss Bess Munroe of Michigan, the ship's social hostess.

Miss Munroe's report of a 60-foot green and purple scale monster with a huge horned head, was confirmed by more than a dozen passengers and several of the ship's crew.

The 'thing' was sighted by the travellers as the ship was entering the bay near Flowerpot Island. It came within 500 feet of the ship and remained in sight for approximately 15 minutes. It then disappeared in the fog and rain.

"I've sailed the Great Lakes for many years," said the captain, "and have yet to see any monster. However, some of the informants in this case have always been persons of sound judgment and character."

When the news of the sighting reached Tobermory, one local old timer was heard to comment "I am sure this 'spirit' came from a bottle"!

Since the first sighting in 1948, people around Tobermory have looked for the Flowerpot Island Sea Monster, but she wasn't to be found - until the summer of 2005 when she was spotted several times around Tobermory. She visited the Sweet Shop, checked out the Chi Cheemaun and enjoyed a stroll on the boardwalk and is seen frequently at the Flowerpot Island Lightstation.

The Flowerpot Island Sea Monster Toy is available through the Friends of Bruce District Parks. All proceeds from its sale will support the ongoing work at the Flowerpot Island Lightstation.

To order your very own Flowerpot Island Sea Monster, please send $15.-- plus $5.00 ($7.00 to USA addresses) for shipping and handling, to the Friends c/o Box 66, Tobermory, Ontario, N0H 2R0. We promise to ship it directly to you ASAP.

The Sea Monster will be available at Flowerpot Island Lightstation, the Cyprus Lake Campground and at the Friends' Ship-Gifts with Purpose.