Myrtle Kool, known to everyone as Molly, was born in Alma in 1916. Her father was a Dutch sea captain, who built and operated a scow the Jean K., named after Molly's older sister. The scow, a small ship which is used to transfer cargo back and forth between ships anchored out in the Bay and the shore, operated in the waters around Alma, Point Wolfe, Moncton, and sometimes traveled as far away as Boston.

At the age of 21, Molly entered the Merchant Marine School in Saint John, but only after convincing them that she was capable. She was the only woman to ever attend the school, and after receiving her Mate's Certificate, Molly was made a mate on the Jean K. At first, some of the men who worked under her gave her a hard time, but she soon came to be respected and admired by the crew. 

When her father stepped down, she became Captain of the Jean K and remained Captain until her retirement. Her career only came to an end when the Jean K. caught fire. It was towed to Maine for repairs and Molly had expected to return to the sea when the repairs were completed. However, the break from the sea made Molly realize that she was ready for a change, and decided to enjoy her retirement years living in Maine.

This photographic print shows the Jean K. at low tide on the Market Slip at Saint John, N.B.