The Russian Revolution brought an end to
voyages to St. Petersburg that previously had offered such
good prospects to Saimaa’s tar steamers. Wood in its various
forms was still transported, but now increasingly to ports at
Vyborg bay and towns along the Gulf of Finland, with the
occasional voyage to Tallinn and Stockholm. The return cargo
was often grain. Flour, hulled grain and grits were ground in
shopkeeper Alpo Jordan’s mill at the goods port of Haislahti
–bay. The goods were transported to the harbour by train
before proceeding elsewhere in the province.
Liners headed for Hovilahti passenger harbour
along the shores of Haapasalmi- strait. There was every reason
for the harbour to be seen as the centre of town as the area
also served as a market place complete with indoor stalls.
Large white-flanked ships conveyed passengers from
Lappeenranta via Savonlinna to Joensuu and Kuopio, while
smaller vessels were in charge of local connections to nooks
of hundreds of islands. Passenger traffic to the bathing
establishment in the 1930’s did not compare to the
Russian-influenced bathing habits and continental amusements
that prevailed at the end of the autonomous period. Citizens
of the republic would now admire the lake scenery and ancient
monuments on their boat trips, Olavinlinna –castle being the
most imposing sight to see. The Puljonki –pavilion and a
Traveller’s Hotel at the edge of the market attracted
tourists in the harbour vicinity. Nälkälinna restaurant and
observation tower could not be missed on the way from the
harbour to the castle.
The number of ship passengers began to dwindle,
as trains were far speedier than boats. The trend was
additionally boosted by improved roads and increase in
passenger vehicles. It took a long time, however, for small
local archipelago vessels to be replaced with road connections.
