Wm. Powers, Shipbuilder – Kingston, Ontario (1871)

Shipbuilder Context

Wm. Powers was an active shipbuilder in Kingston, Ontario, during the mid-to-late 19th century, contributing to the thriving maritime trade and ship repair industry in the region. Kingston, strategically located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario and near the St. Lawrence River, was a significant hub for shipbuilding. The city’s well-established maritime infrastructure and skilled workforce made it a key location for building, repairing, and reconstructing vessels for Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River navigation.

Reconstruction of the CAROLINE (1871)

• Renamed Vessel: The CAROLINE, originally built in Prince Edward County in 1854, was extensively rebuilt by Wm. Powers in 1871 at his Kingston shipyard. After the reconstruction, the vessel was renamed the B.W. FOLGER.

• Improvements:

• Dimensions: The vessel’s length was increased to 83 feet, with a beam of 24 feet and a depth of 9 feet, enhancing its cargo capacity and structural integrity.

• Gross Tonnage: Updated to 152 tons, with a net tonnage of 117 tons.

• Configuration: Retrofitting improved the schooner’s durability and efficiency for the growing demands of Lake Ontario trade, particularly in the coal and general cargo sectors.

• Purpose: The rebuild allowed the vessel to remain competitive in the ever-evolving shipping industry, extending its service life and ensuring it could handle the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes.

Shipbuilding and Repair in Kingston

• Kingston as a Maritime Hub: During the 19th century, Kingston was a center for shipbuilding due to its access to resources like timber and iron, as well as its location on critical trade routes. Wm. Powers operated within this vibrant environment, contributing to the maintenance and modernization of aging vessels like the CAROLINE.

• Expertise in Rebuilding: Shipbuilders like Powers specialized in upgrading older ships to meet new standards and demands. The reconstruction of the CAROLINE into the B.W. FOLGER exemplifies this expertise, as Powers revitalized the vessel to continue its service in challenging waters.

Legacy of Wm. Powers’ Work

The reconstruction of the CAROLINE by Wm. Powers in 1871 highlights the critical role of shipbuilders in adapting existing vessels to new maritime conditions. By upgrading the schooner’s size, capacity, and durability, Powers ensured the vessel remained viable in a competitive shipping market.

Kingston’s shipbuilders, including Powers, played an essential part in sustaining the economic vitality of Great Lakes trade. Their efforts not only extended the lives of individual vessels but also supported the broader maritime industry that connected communities and economies across the region.

Significance of the B.W. FOLGER

Following its reconstruction, the B.W. FOLGER served for decades, experiencing various owners, incidents, and even additional repairs. The vessel’s endurance reflects the quality of Wm. Powers’ craftsmanship and the importance of Kingston as a center for maritime innovation during the 19th century.