Rice & Partners: Buffalo, New York

Name: Rice & Partners

Location: Buffalo, New York

Era of Activity: Late 19th century

Role: Owners and operators of schooners and other Great Lakes vessels

After its initial years of service under Dilman, the City of the Straits changed ownership to a group of investors based in Buffalo, New York, led by an individual or family named Rice. Buffalo, as a crucial port on Lake Erie, was central to Great Lakes shipping, serving as a gateway for goods flowing from the Midwest to the East Coast. Vessels owned by Rice and partners played a role in this trade network, moving products like lumber, coal, and grain through one of the busiest channels in the region.

Rice and partners oversaw the conversion of the City of the Straits from a barkentine to a schooner-barge, a transformation that reflected the shift in shipping demands. As steam tugs and propeller-driven vessels gained prominence, schooner-barges, which could be towed rather than sailed, became more economical for moving bulk goods. By modifying the vessel, Rice and partners extended its operational life, adapting it to the era’s changing technology and economic realities.

As operators in Buffalo, Rice and partners were part of a vibrant maritime industry that helped sustain Great Lakes communities. Their ownership of vessels like the City of the Straits illustrates how investors worked to keep older vessels profitable by modernizing them for new trade demands, contributing to the evolving face of Great Lakes commerce.

Conclusion

The interconnected histories of J. M. Jones, J. E. Dilman, and Rice & Partners reflect a rich era of Great Lakes maritime development. J. M. Jones’s shipyard in Detroit produced sturdy vessels like the City of the Straits, crafted for long service in challenging conditions. J. E. Dilman’s early ownership of this vessel underscores the role of Detroit’s merchants in driving Great Lakes trade. Later, Rice and partners in Buffalo adapted the vessel to meet evolving economic demands, reflecting broader shifts in Great Lakes shipping as steam technology grew. Together, these figures contributed to the growth and resilience of 19th-century Great Lakes commerce.

Tags

#J.M.Jones #DetroitShipbuilding #GreatLakesMaritime #J.E.Dilman #RiceAndPartners #BuffaloShipping #CityOfTheStraits #GreatLakesCommerce