Unearthed After Decades: The Aquatic Mystery of a Vintage Taxicab in Larder Lake, Ontario!

For more than eighty years, the enigma surrounding a sunken taxicab in Larder Lake, Ontario, has captured imaginations, but it wasn't until this summer that local resident Jason Ploeger finally unveiled the hidden treasure beneath the icy depths. A story dating back to December 1937, when this cab tragically fell through the ice while transporting riches from the now-defunct Martin Bird Mine, has kept Ploeger on a relentless quest to uncover its secrets since his teenage years.

Located southeast of Kirkland Lake, Larder Lake is not just another picturesque Ontario locale; it was once the hub of gold mining activities, with tales bursting with adventure and allure. With its origins tied to the Martin Bird Mine which primarily operated in the 1930s, the lake is shrouded in a history of treasure and tragedy.

"I first heard the stories about the taxicab at the young age of 10,” recalls Ploeger. “The mystery drew me in, and now, after about 35 years—and many stories later—my pursuit changed from chasing treasure to uncovering the narrative behind it."

This summer, while participating in a local fishing tournament, Ploeger's long-standing search finally bore fruit. Amidst casting lines and hopes of a good catch, he spotted something remarkable on his fish finder. “There was no doubt in my mind what it was,” he explained, excitement bubbling over as he described the moment he found the legendary vehicle.

With the help from his diving companions, Ploeger braved the murky waters, plunging about 50 feet deep. There, lay the 1929 REO Flying Cloud, a relic from yesteryears, almost entirely consumed by time yet still holding its character. “The wheels are still intact,” he noted, though the body shows significant signs of deterioration after nearly nine decades submerged. “The passenger door is ajar, and you can still see the dashboard and steering column,” he added, detailing the fascinating glimpse into the past.

Interestingly, while the quest for gold proved fruitless, the discovery of several intact liquor bottles within the cab revealed another layer to this submerged story. “I tasted one bottle—it was still good alcohol!” Ploeger said, chuckling at the unexpected find, with some of the bottles set to be auctioned off to benefit the Friends of Larder Lake community initiative.

As Ploeger prepares to further share his discovery and the tales surrounding it, he emphasizes his commitment to preserving the cab’s resting place. "I have no plans to remove it from the lake," he stated firmly, recognizing the historical significance and the captivating story that this artifact represents—a narrative rich with adventure, tragedy, and perhaps, a bit of redemption for its final resting spot.

The adventures of Jason Ploeger and the taxicab of Larder Lake serve as a delightful reminder that sometimes, the treasures we seek are not just gold and jewels, but the stories and connections that bind us to our past. With every dive, he uncovers not just remnants of a bygone era, but also the spirit of a community that remembers its history fondly. So, what other mysteries lie beneath the surface of this shimmering lake? Stay tuned to find out!