The “Daddy boat” Duen
This is a type of model known as a diorama, and it was made by the fisherman Egil Brynjulf Bækvold in 1993. It shows the steamboat D/S Duen 2 by the quay in Vollen in Asker. From the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, ferries crisscrossed the Oslofjord. Many of the boats, such as Duen 2, were known as “Daddy boats”.
“Daddy boats”?
The ferries were nicknamed “Daddy boats” because they carried fathers to and from their offices in the city, while the mothers and children were on holiday in the countryside. But was transporting fathers the boats’ most important job? Timetables from the time show clearly that fathers commuting from their holiday homes could not account for the number of boats, the volume of traffic or the many ports involved. What was the purpose of these ferries?
Ferries in the Oslofjord
Taking this diorama as a starting point, History student Tor Mølmen has provided an insight into the multifaceted role the ferries played in the Oslofjord. You can listen to what he found out here.
Chosen by Tor, History student (65)
Artefact no. A.04692, on loan from Asker Museum