D. Flook, Chatham, Ontario

Overview:

D. Flook was a shipowner and potentially a maritime operator based in Chatham, Ontario, during the late 19th century. Chatham, located along the Thames River, was a notable hub for shipbuilding and maritime commerce at the time, making it an ideal base for individuals involved in the shipping industry.

Role in Maritime History:

1. Ownership of the Dominion:

• D. Flook is recorded as the owner of the wooden propeller vessel Dominion, built in 1890 in Chatham, Ontario.

• The Dominion was initially constructed as a propeller steamship with dimensions of 95 feet in length, 24 feet in beam, and 5 feet in depth, boasting a gross tonnage of 138 tons. It served as a multipurpose vessel for cargo and regional trade.

2. Maritime Contributions:

• As the owner of the Dominion, D. Flook likely played a role in the regional economy, facilitating transportation of goods via Ontario’s waterways. Vessels like the Dominion were essential for moving agricultural products, lumber, and other materials in the late 19th century.

3. Vessel Loss and Rebuilding:

• The Dominion, under D. Flook’s ownership, faced challenges such as its wreck in March 1898 due to ice damage while tied to a dock along the Thames River. Despite being declared a total loss, the vessel was rebuilt as a barge the same year in Chatham, indicating Flook’s investment in its continued service.

• The barge may have served different roles after its conversion, likely adapted for hauling bulk cargo.

4. Connection to Chatham’s Maritime Industry:

• Flook’s involvement aligns with Chatham’s history as a center for shipbuilding and trade during this period. Owners like D. Flook were crucial to the region’s maritime economy, supporting industries reliant on river and lake transport.

Legacy:

D. Flook’s activities reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of the Great Lakes shipping industry in the 19th century. Though details about Flook’s broader maritime dealings are sparse, his ownership of the Dominion places him among the key figures contributing to Chatham’s maritime history.

Associated Vessel: Dominion:

• Type: Wooden Propeller Vessel (later converted to a barge)

• Built: 1890, Chatham, Ontario

• Owner: D. Flook

• Builder: Likely a local shipbuilder in Chatham

• Dimensions: 95 x 24 x 5 feet; 138 gross tons

• Engine: Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. (12×12 steam engine)

Resources & Links:

• Chatham-Kent Museum: May have additional records or exhibits on shipbuilding and local maritime operators.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Includes databases of vessel records and ownership.

• Local Historical Societies: Organizations in Chatham or along the Thames River may provide more insights into Flook’s contributions.

Keywords:

D. Flook, Chatham Ontario, Dominion Vessel, Great Lakes Maritime History, Thames River Shipping, 19th Century Shipowners.