Snug Harbor; or, The Champlain Mechanics

"Snug Harbor; or, The Champlain Mechanics" by Oliver Optic is a children's adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set around Lake Champlain and revolves around Dory Dornwood, a young hero who is presented with a series of adventures and challenges as he prepares to join the Beech-Hill Industrial School. The narrative combines elements of sailing, teamwork among boys, and the spirit of learning practical skills in mechanics. The opening of the novel introduces a thrilling incident on the lake where Dory saves a young man named Bolingbroke Millweed from drowning after his sloop is sunk by a steamer. This encounter leads to a deeper story involving a conspiracy, accusations of theft, and Dory’s determination to help his new acquaintance navigate the turbulent waters of both the lake and the challenges he faces after being mistakenly accused of a crime. Dory’s character is marked by his skill in sailing and a knack for adventure, setting the stage for an engaging story about friendship, courage, and the pursuit of practical education. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Taylor Adams, pseudonym Oliver Optic, was an academic, author, and a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.