The Reid Wrecking Company, established in the early 20th century, was a prominent maritime salvage firm operating primarily on the Great Lakes. Based in Sarnia, Ontario, the company was founded by Captain Thomas Reid, a notable figure in Great Lakes maritime history.
Throughout its operational years, Reid Wrecking Company was involved in numerous salvage operations, assisting vessels that encountered difficulties on the Great Lakes. One notable incident involved the steamer Mataafa, which ran aground near Duluth in 1905. The company’s crew worked diligently to salvage the vessel, showcasing their expertise in maritime recovery operations.
In addition to salvage operations, the company also acquired vessels for its fleet. For instance, in 1916, they purchased the steamer Kongo, which was later renamed Overland. This acquisition expanded their capabilities in towing and salvage services across the Great Lakes.
Captain Thomas Reid’s leadership was instrumental in the company’s success. His life and contributions to maritime salvage are detailed in the book “The Salvager: The Life of Captain Tom Reid on the Great Lakes,” which provides an in-depth look at his career and the operations of the Reid Wrecking Company.
The Reid Wrecking Company’s legacy is a testament to the vital role of salvage operations in ensuring the safety and navigability of the Great Lakes, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of maritime enterprises during that era.
Vessels associated with
- Advance was a versatile composite steam barge initially constructed with an iron frame and wooden hull. Designed as a package freighter, it underwent multiple transformations to adapt to changing needs in maritime trade. By 1904, it became a bulk carrier with a capacity for carrying significant loads, including wheat and pig iron. These changes highlight the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels to evolving transportation demands.
- Appomattox (Salvaged) was a wooden-hulled bulk freighter built in 1896 by renowned shipbuilder James Davidson in West Bay City, Michigan. At 320 feet long, she was one of the largest wooden ships ever constructed for Great Lakes service, reflecting the transitional period when wooden freighters were still competing with steel-hulled vessels for dominance in the shipping industry. Designed to carry bulk commodities such as coal, the APPOMATTOX was a significant player in the Great Lakes freight network during her operational years.
- Minnesota Built: 1880 by Wolf & Davidson, Milwaukee, WI Hull: Wooden propeller-driven bulk freighter Dimensions: 206 ft length × 36 ft beam × 18 ft depth; 1,138 gross tons / 903 net tons Registry No.: 91272 (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, Marsh Historical Collection)
- James Reid – Originally launched as the Protector in 1875, this steam-powered tug was designed for heavy towing and salvage work. These versatile vessels were essential to the maritime economy of the Great Lakes, capable of handling both towing duties and emergency wrecking or salvage operations. After being rebuilt and re-registered in Canada, she was renamed James Reid, operating under the Reid Wrecking Company.
- John B. Ketcham 2nd played a critical role in the Great Lakes maritime industry, serving diverse functions across its operational life. Its sinking highlights the dangers of navigating Lake Superior, particularly during unpredictable weather. The wreck serves as a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes sailors and the hazards they faced.
- Spokane Built: 1886; one of the first steel ships to operate on Lake Superior (reportedly) Tonnage & Type: Initially a steel package freighter—later used as a barge