Kingston Stave Forwarding Company

Kingston Stave Forwarding Company – Overview

The Kingston Stave Forwarding Company was a prominent 19th-century Canadian business headquartered on Garden Island, near Kingston, Ontario. The company specialized in the production, transport, and export of staves—wooden planks used for barrel-making, which were essential for shipping goods such as flour, liquor, and other commodities. During its peak, the company was one of the largest contributors to Kingston’s booming maritime economy, linking the Great Lakes trade with global markets.

Key Details

• Founded: Likely during the early 1830s to meet the growing demand for staves in international markets, particularly in Europe and Quebec.
• Headquarters: Garden Island, Ontario, a small island near Kingston strategically positioned for timber processing and shipping operations.
• Primary Business: Harvesting, processing, and shipping staves and lumber to major ports like Quebec City, for onward export to Europe and other destinations.

Operations

• Stave Production: The company employed 100–150 men on Garden Island, cutting and shaping staves from the surrounding timber-rich region.
• Shipping Fleet: To transport staves, the company relied on schooners and barges, including vessels like the Queen Victoria, launched in 1839. Many of these ships were built locally, further stimulating the Kingston shipbuilding industry.
• Timber Rafting: Large rafts of lumber were floated downriver to Quebec, where they were processed for international shipping. During the 1839 season alone, the company shipped seven rafts, with eight to ten more planned for later that year.

Economic Impact

The company was a cornerstone of Kingston’s 19th-century economy. It provided significant employment and generated substantial revenue, much of which was reinvested into the local community.

• In 1839, it reported earnings of £26,000 for the season, with projections of £100,000 for the year—a substantial sum at the time.
• The business helped transition Kingston into a regional maritime hub, attracting trade and supporting other industries like shipbuilding and transportation.

Trade Challenges

Despite its success, the Kingston Stave Forwarding Company faced several obstacles:

• Shortage of British Vessels: The company struggled to find enough Canadian or British-registered vessels to transport its goods. As a result, it turned to American ships, although these were restricted from delivering cargo directly to Canadian ports due to regulatory prohibitions.
• Competition with French Creek, NY: Prior to establishing its base on Garden Island, much of the company’s business was conducted at French Creek (now Clayton, NY). However, economic incentives and logistical advantages led to the relocation of much of its operations to Kingston.

Garden Island: A Company Hub

Garden Island became a bustling center for the company’s operations, housing workers, processing timber, and serving as a shipbuilding site. It remained a key location for Canadian maritime activity throughout the 19th century.

Decline

The Kingston Stave Forwarding Company’s decline coincided with the dwindling lumber trade and the advent of more modern shipping and manufacturing technologies in the late 19th century. Changes in trade routes and increased competition from other ports also contributed to its eventual closure.

Legacy

The Kingston Stave Forwarding Company played an essential role in transforming Kingston into a vital maritime hub during the mid-19th century. Its influence extended beyond timber, supporting the local shipbuilding industry and connecting the Great Lakes to global markets. Today, the company is remembered as part of Kingston’s rich maritime heritage.

Resources for Further Research

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Archives of Ontario (Records on Kingston businesses and Garden Island): ontario.ca/archives
• Local History Resources: Kingston museums and historical societies often feature exhibits and materials on the company’s contributions.