George Hand & Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co.

Who Was George Hand?

George Hand was a Great Lakes maritime businessman, likely involved in shipping, salvage, and the lumber industry. He was part of the ownership group of the steam tug George Hand (built 1868), which was used for harbor work and ship salvage.

Hand’s name appears in Great Lakes vessel records, but little is documented about his personal life or broader business ventures. However, given his involvement in vessel ownership, he was likely a key figure in the shipping industry, particularly in the movement of lumber, coal, and other bulk goods on the Great Lakes.

Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co.

• A major lumber company that operated in the Great Lakes region, primarily in Michigan and New York.
• Based in Buffalo, New York, the company was heavily involved in the Great Lakes timber trade, supplying lumber to sawmills, construction, and shipbuilding industries.
• The company’s name appears frequently in records related to lumber schooners and tugs, suggesting it had a fleet of vessels used for transporting logs and processed lumber.

Vessels associated with

• George Hand was a wooden propeller steam tug, built in 1868 by Hitchcock in Buffalo, New York. She was small but powerful, designed for harbor work and salvage operations. Measuring 35 feet (10.7 m) long, 13 feet (4 m) wide, and 6 feet (1.8 m) deep, she had a gross tonnage of 25 tons and was primarily used for lumber industry work and ship recovery effort

Legacy

• Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co. was one of the largest lumber companies in the region during the late 19th century, helping fuel the construction boom in cities like Buffalo, Chicago, and Detroit.
• While George Hand’s direct role in the company remains unclear, his involvement in Great Lakes shipping and salvage suggests he was an important figure in the maritime industry.
• The tug George Hand was lost to fire in Oscoda Harbor, Michigan, in 1888, ending its service in the lumber and salvage trade.

Conclusion

George Hand and Gratwick, Smith & Fryer Lumber Co. were deeply connected to Great Lakes commerce, particularly the lumber industry. Their role in maritime shipping and salvage operations helped facilitate timber transport and economic growth in the region. While their names have faded from history, their impact on Great Lakes industry and navigation remains significant.

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