Overview
Kinney Transportation Co. was a prominent shipping company based in Cleveland, Ohio, active during the early 20th century. The company was involved in the transportation of bulk goods, particularly on the Great Lakes. It owned and operated a fleet of freighters, including wooden and steel-hulled vessels, which played an essential role in the economic development of the region.
Connection to C.W. Elphicke
The C.W. Elphicke, a wooden-hulled bulk freighter, was acquired by Kinney Transportation Co. in its later years. At the time of its acquisition, the vessel had already served several owners and had been involved in various operations and incidents. Kinney Transportation Co. became its final owner before the ship’s ultimate wreck at Long Point in Lake Erie on October 21, 1913.
Historical Significance
Kinney Transportation Co., like other Great Lakes shipping enterprises of its time, contributed to the industrial growth of Cleveland and the broader Great Lakes region. The company focused on moving essential commodities such as coal, wheat, and iron ore, which were critical to the steel industry and other manufacturing sectors that thrived in Cleveland and other nearby cities.
Vessel Operations and Incidents Under Kinney Transportation Co.
• Operational Role: The C.W. Elphicke under Kinney Transportation Co. primarily transported bulk commodities like wheat and iron ore. The vessel was integral to the company’s shipping operations on Lake Erie.
• Wreck of the C.W. Elphicke (1913): While carrying a cargo of wheat, the vessel was caught in a gale and driven onto Long Point. It broke in two and sank in shallow water. This marked the end of its service under Kinney Transportation Co. and added to the challenges faced by the company in maintaining its fleet.
Cleveland, Ohio: Maritime Hub
Cleveland was a major hub for shipping and trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Companies like Kinney Transportation Co. leveraged the city’s strategic location to facilitate commerce, contributing to Cleveland’s reputation as an industrial powerhouse.
Resources and References
1. Cleveland Historical Society
For insights into Cleveland’s maritime history and the role of shipping companies like Kinney Transportation Co.
2. Great Lakes Maritime Database
Contains detailed records of vessels, including those owned by Kinney Transportation Co.
• Great Lakes Maritime Database
3. C.W. Elphicke History
Detailed records about the vessel and its ownership, including its time with Kinney Transportation Co.
Kinney Transportation Co.‘s ownership of the C.W. Elphicke reflects the company’s participation in the vibrant yet challenging maritime trade of the Great Lakes, navigating both economic opportunities and environmental hazards of the era.
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