On April 22, 1955, as the Maids were being readied for the coming season, a spark from a welder's torch set both ablaze. Sadly, attempts to preserve the fire-ravaged boats failed, and wrecking orders were issued. An enterprising Chamber of Commerce supervisor salvaged some of the wood, carving out wooden nickels and imprinting them with likenesses of the Maids of the Mist.
Only 40 of the 38,000 collector's items distributed to tourists were actually redeemed. Quickly launching a 40-foot open yacht they called The Little Maid, the boats' owners saved the season.
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