Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Ivy

•Year of Build: 1874

•Built At: Montreal, Quebec

•Type: Sidewheel Steamboat

•Hull Material: Wood

•Number of Decks: 1

•Dimensions:

•Length: Approximately 30.5 meters (100 feet)

•Beam: 5.8 meters (19 feet)

•Depth: 2.1 meters (7 feet)

•Tonnage (Gross): 76 tons

•Engine: 26×84 (manufacturer unknown)

Vessel Type Description

The Ivy was a wooden sidewheel Steamboat constructed for towing operations on the waterways of Quebec and Ontario. With a single Deck and a Gross Tonnage of 76 tons, the vessel was designed to tow goods and other vessels, playing a vital support role in regional commerce. Its 26×84 engine powered its sidewheels, though the manufacturer remains unknown, leaving part of the vessel’s technical history a mystery.

History

The Ivy was launched in 1874 in Montreal by G. Smith and quickly began operations as a Towboat. It changed ownership several times during its service life:

•1877: Owned by W. G. Perley of Ottawa, the vessel became a key part of towing operations in the region.

•1886: Ownership transferred to D. Murphy, also based in Ottawa, continuing its use in maritime transport and logistical support.

The Ivy’s role as a Towboat made it an essential component of the regional maritime network, supporting trade and transportation in the burgeoning economies along the waterways. Despite its modest size, the vessel was known for its reliability and effectiveness in its role.

Final Disposition

The Ivy met its demise when it was destroyed by fire in Hull, Quebec, at an unspecified date. Fires were a constant risk for wooden vessels, especially steamers, due to the combination of flammable materials and engine operations. The loss of the Ivy highlights the vulnerabilities of such vessels, which, despite their utility, faced significant operational hazards.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the Ivy, as its wreck has not been formally located or marked.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed records of vessels like the Ivy and their operations.

2.Ottawa Historical Archives: Additional context on the history of steamers in the Ottawa and Hull regions.

Conclusion

The Ivy exemplifies the vital role of sidewheel steamers in 19th-century Canadian maritime history. These vessels were indispensable for towing operations, facilitating the movement of goods and vessels across critical waterways. The Ivy’s destruction by fire underscores the ever-present risks faced by wooden steamships and the challenges of operating in a period of evolving maritime technology. Though lost to history, the Ivy remains an important part of the narrative of transportation and trade in Quebec and Ontario.

Keywords

Ivy, Sidewheel Steamboat, Montreal Quebec, Ottawa, Hull Quebec, 19th-Century Maritime History, Wooden Shipwreck, Fire, Towing Operations.