Hannah Anderson

Mrs. Hannah Anderson, shown here as a passenger on the Frebertel, was a business pioneer in Nanaimo. She and her husband started the Reliable Boat House in 1916. 

When their marriage ended, Hannah carried on with the Boat House, supporting her two children by renting rowboats and canoes. Later, with the help of her brother, Manny Coundley, she operated a ferry business to Gabriola, Newcastle and Protection Islands. 

She and her family ran a dance hall on Protection Island and expanded the business to create Happyland, building cabins, picnic facilities and a playground. In an era when few people had cars, she catered to people from Nanaimo seeking an easy getaway across the harbour for over 40 years.