G.H. Notter, Buffalo, New York

Builder Profile: G.H. Notter, Buffalo, New York

Background

G.H. Notter was a 19th-century shipbuilder operating out of Buffalo, New York, a significant shipbuilding hub during the Great Lakes maritime boom. Buffalo’s strategic position at the eastern end of Lake Erie made it a natural center for ship construction, repair, and innovation. Builders like Notter contributed to the rapid expansion of maritime commerce in the region, focusing on durable vessels capable of navigating the often-harsh conditions of the Great Lakes and connecting waterways.

Contributions

• Maritime Focus: G.H. Notter specialized in constructing cargo vessels, including ships like the Argosy, which were tailored to transport bulk commodities as coal, lumber, and grain. These vessels played a vital role in the industrialization of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River region.

• Shipbuilding Techniques: Notter’s designs reflected the prevailing shipbuilding methods of the mid-19th century, focusing on wooden hulls, sturdy frameworks, and efficient cargo handling capabilities. His vessels were designed to endure the rigors of extensive shipping routes while providing reliable service for their owners.

• Regional Impact: Shipbuilders like Notter contributed to Buffalo’s reputation as a hub of maritime industry, facilitating the movement of goods and fueling economic growth throughout the Great Lakes basin.

Legacy

• Ed. L. Anthony was a small, wooden-hulled tugboat constructed in 1869 by G. Notter in Buffalo, New York. Tugs of this size were commonly used for towing operations, assisting larger ships in harbors, and performing general utility work along the Great Lakes. Owned by Captain Reed of Chicago, the tug was a familiar sight in the bustling waters around Chicago Harbor and South Chicago.
• Argosy, built by G.H. Notter, exemplifies his shipbuilding capabilities, offering durability and functionality for decades of service. Its eventual abandonment near Ogdensburg in the St. Lawrence River marked the end of its operational life but left a lasting legacy as a testament to the quality of Notter’s craftsmanship.
• Protection was a wooden propeller vessel built in 1851 at Brockville, Ontario by the shipbuilder George H. Notter. Originally owned by H. Jones & Company of Brockville, Ontario, the PROTECTION was a screw-propelled steamship with a hull tonnage of 120 tons. The ship underwent major repairs in 1854 in Montreal, and at some point was upgraded to a tonnage of 160 tons. It continued its service along the Saint Lawrence River, notably for the Jones & McDonald Company Freight Line, which ran between Hamilton, Toronto, and Montreal.
• Tiger was a steam tug, built in 1860 by G.H. Notter in Buffalo, New York. A typical tug of the period, she was a wooden vessel used for pushing or towing other ships and barges through the waters of the Great Lakes. With a relatively small size, measuring 41 feet (12.5 meters) in length, 11 feet (3.35 meters) in breadth, and a depth of only 5 feet (1.52 meters), she was well-suited for maneuvering in shallower waters, particularly around docks and piers. The Tiger had a steam engine that powered a propeller for propulsion, which was typical of steam-powered tugs during the 19th century. This made her a crucial vessel for assisting larger ships in navigating harbors and through difficult or congested waters.
• Rudolph Wetzel was a small but robust steam tug built to support shipping operations by towing larger vessels in and out of harbors. Tugs like the Rudolph Wetzel played a crucial role in the bustling maritime commerce of the Great Lakes, particularly in ports like Racine, Wisconsin, where the vessel was based under the ownership and command of Captain Frank F. Lovell.

Buffalo’s prominence in the shipbuilding industry during Notter’s era owes much to the work of individuals like him, whose ships became the backbone of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes and beyond.

Significance

G.H. Notter’s contributions as a shipbuilder highlight the importance of skilled craftsmanship in the development of 19th-century maritime infrastructure. Vessels built by Notter, such as the Argosy, offer valuable insights into the design and operational requirements of cargo ships during a transformative period in North American maritime history.

For additional details, local archives, such as the Buffalo History Museum, or databases like the Maritime History of the Great Lakes, may provide further context about Notter’s career and shipbuilding achievements.