AMERICA (1897, Tug (Towboat))

Description

Identification

Construction and Ownership

Power

Propulsion:: Screw
Engine Type:: For-and-Aft Compound
# Cylinders:: 2
# Boilers:: 1
# Propellers:: 1
Propulsion Notes:: 16 & 32 x 28", 490 hp engine @ 150 rpm; built H.G. Trout, Buffalo, 1897; firebox boiler 10' x 13', 150# steam, 1 water-tight bulkhead.

Hull Dimensions

History

Chronology:

1897, Jul 28 Launched.

1899 Owned William Hill, James Ash, John Johnson & Abner C. Harding, Hand & Johnson Tug Line, Buffalo, NY.

1916 Great Lakes Towing Co, Cleveland, OH.

Undated measurement: 83.2 x 21.2 x 9.6; 93 gross/ 63 net tons.

1941, Oct 23 Sunk Detroit River while assisting freighter B.F. Jones; 6 lives lost.

1950-53 Converted to deisel; 83 x 21.2 x 9.6; 105 gross/71 net tons.

1977, Sep Pilot house damage while assisting freighter FEDERAL ST. CLAIR, Detroit River.

1979, Nov 1 Upper decks damaged by fire, Detroit; Taken to Cleveland for repairs.

1981, Summer Repaired Great Lakes Towing Co., Cleveland.

Notes

From the Collection of:: C. Patrick Labadie
Sources:: American Bureau of Shipping; Bowling Green State University, Historical Collections of the Great Lakes; Great Lakes Register; Inland Lloyds’ Marine Directory; William MacDonald Collection, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit; Steamboat Era in the Muskokas by Richard Tatley; Peter J. VanderLinden