Samuel Hodge Iron Works, Detroit, Michigan (1889)

Overview

The Samuel Hodge Iron Works, based in Detroit, Michigan, was a prominent manufacturer of marine engines and industrial machinery in the late 19th century. The company specialized in building steam engines, boilers, and related equipment for ships operating on the Great Lakes. Their expertise in engineering contributed significantly to the region’s maritime and industrial development during this period.

Connection to the C.W. Elphicke

• Year of Manufacture: In 1889, Samuel Hodge Iron Works supplied the triple expansion steam engine for the C.W. Elphicke, a bulk freighter built in Trenton, Michigan.

• Engine Details:

• Type: Triple expansion steam engine.

• Cylinders: Three (measuring 19 inches, 30 inches, and 50 inches in diameter).

• Stroke: 42 inches.

• Horsepower: 975.

• Operation: The engine ran at 80 revolutions per minute and was known for its efficiency and reliability, hallmarks of Hodge’s craftsmanship.

• Boiler Construction: The C.W. Elphicke was also equipped with a Scotch boiler manufactured by T.M. McGregor, a Detroit-based company, but the boiler operated in tandem with the Samuel Hodge engine.

Samuel Hodge’s Contributions to the Maritime Industry

1. Engineering Innovations:

• The triple expansion engine provided greater fuel efficiency compared to earlier steam engines by utilizing steam three times in separate cylinders, extracting more energy from the same amount of coal.

• This made Samuel Hodge’s engines popular for large freighters like the C.W. Elphicke, which needed powerful yet economical propulsion systems to handle heavy bulk cargo.

2. Reputation for Quality:

• Samuel Hodge Iron Works earned a reputation for producing durable and high-performance marine engines. Many vessels outfitted with their machinery became critical assets in the Great Lakes shipping network.

3. Impact on Regional Economy:

• The company supported Detroit’s rise as a hub for industrial manufacturing, contributing to the city’s maritime legacy alongside other major industrial firms.

Historical Significance of the C.W. Elphicke Engine

• The engine built by Samuel Hodge Iron Works was a cutting-edge system for its time and played a key role in the freighter’s ability to transport up to 3,100 gross tons of cargo efficiently.

• The vessel’s propulsion system reflected the technological advancements of the late 19th century, showcasing the shift toward larger, more powerful freighters that could meet the growing demands of industrialization and trade on the Great Lakes.

Legacy of Samuel Hodge Iron Works

While detailed records of the Samuel Hodge Iron Works’ operations are scarce, their contributions to marine engineering remain evident in the vessels they powered. The engines and equipment they manufactured were integral to the growth of the Great Lakes maritime industry, supporting commerce and transportation for decades.

Resources & References

1. Detroit Historical Society

• Information on Detroit’s industrial and maritime history.

• Detroit Historical Society

2. Great Lakes Maritime History

• Archives detailing the history of freighters like the C.W. Elphicke and their engineering components.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

3. Samuel Hodge Iron Works Records

• Mentioned in shipbuilding and engine manufacturing directories of the 1880s and 1890s.

Samuel Hodge Iron Works played a pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape of Great Lakes shipping, exemplified by their contribution to the C.W. Elphicke, a vessel that relied on their innovative engineering for its operations.