Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co.

Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. was a notable manufacturer of marine engines and ship machinery in the 19th century, based in Ontario, Canada. The company specialized in creating steam engines and associated components for vessels operating in the Great Lakes and nearby waterways. Their products were widely recognized for their reliability and engineering precision, which were critical for powering wooden and steel vessels of the era.

Key Contributions:

• Marine Engine Manufacturing: The company was known for producing high-quality steam engines, including the 12×12-inch engine installed in vessels such as the Dominion. These engines provided the power needed for screw-propelled and paddlewheel steamships. Engines designed by Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. often featured simple but durable mechanisms, suitable for both commercial and private vessels navigating the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes.
• Regional Influence: Based in Ontario, Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. played a significant role in supporting the burgeoning maritime economy of the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Their work enabled the efficient transportation of goods and passengers, contributing to regional economic development.
• Shipbuilding Partnerships: The company worked closely with shipbuilders like John Bruce in Wallaceburg, D. Tait in Wellington, and others across Ontario. Their engines were integrated into various types of vessels, from small tugs to larger schooners and propeller-driven steamers.

Notable Vessels Powered:

• Dominion (1890): A wooden propeller vessel built in Chatham, Ontario, featuring a Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. 12×12 steam engine. Despite the vessel’s conversion to a barge later in its life, the engine remained a testament to the durability and quality of the company’s work.
• The Steinhoff was a single-decked wooden steamship, powered by a high-pressure screw propulsion system. It featured an 18” x 18” engine producing 120 horsepower, built by R. Parkinson in Chatham, Ontario. The vessel underwent significant modifications over its lifespan, including the installation of a compound engine in 1889 and the addition of a hurricane deck and forward pilothouse in 1894.

Records suggest that Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. engines were installed in a variety of vessels during the late 19th century, reflecting their widespread use and the trust placed in their products.

Legacy

While specific historical records about Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co. are limited, their contribution to Canada’s maritime history is evident through the vessels they powered. Their engines played a vital role in enabling the transportation and trade that fueled the economy of the Great Lakes region during the industrial expansion of the late 19th century.

Resources & References:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Offers insights into shipbuilders and engine manufacturers of the era.
• Canadian Historical Shipbuilding Archives: May include records of Dalgarno, Parkinson & Co.’s contributions to ship construction and marine engineering.
• Local Historical Societies (Chatham, Ontario): Potential sources for detailed company and product records.

Keywords:

Dalgarno Parkinson Engines, Canadian Marine Engineering, 19th Century Shipbuilders, Ontario Steam Engines, Great Lakes Maritime Industry.