CITY OF MEAFORD (Formerly SEAMAN): A Coaster’s Legacy

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Names: SEAMAN (original name), CITY OF MEAFORD

• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Passenger and Package Freight Steamer (“Coaster”)

• Year Built: 1906

• Builder: L. Chisholm, Meaford, Ontario

• Dimensions:

• Length: 111 feet (33.8 m)

• Beam (Width): 24 feet (7.3 m)

• Depth: 9 feet (2.7 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 328 tons

• Passenger Capacity: Licensed to carry up to 128 passengers (as of 1914)

• Primary Use: Passenger and package freight transportation along the Great Lakes

• Final Disposition: Destroyed by fire on May 18, 1919, at Collingwood, Ontario, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The CITY OF MEAFORD was a wooden-hulled coaster, a type of vessel built for close-shore navigation and short-haul passenger and freight transportation. Coasters like this were vital for connecting small ports and communities along the Great Lakes, providing a reliable means of transport for both people and goods. Equipped with a propeller and powered by steam, the CITY OF MEAFORD was designed for efficiency and versatility in servicing routes throughout Georgian Bay and Lake Huron.

HISTORY

Construction and Early Years

The vessel was built in 1906 by L. Chisholm in Meaford, Ontario, and was originally named SEAMAN. Its wooden Hull and compact size made it well-suited for navigating the often-challenging waters of Georgian Bay. Initially owned by J. Perkes & Son, the SEAMANoperated as a passenger and package freight Steamer, offering vital transportation services to communities along the Great Lakes.

Renaming and Ownership

In 1907, the vessel was renamed CITY OF MEAFORD, reflecting its close association with its homeport of Meaford, Ontario. In 1917, ownership of the vessel transferred to the Collingwood Steamship Co., a company that managed several vessels servicing the Georgian Bay area. By 1914, the CITY OF MEAFORD was licensed to carry up to 128 passengers, underscoring its importance as a passenger Steamer in addition to its freight services.

Tragic Loss

On May 18, 1919, while docked at Collingwood, Ontario, the CITY OF MEAFORD was destroyed by a devastating fire. The exact circumstances surrounding the fire remain unclear, including whether any cargo was aboard at the time or if there were any fatalities. The fire consumed the wooden vessel, rendering it unsalvageable. The remains of the CITY OF MEAFORD were dismantled the following year, marking the end of its service.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The CITY OF MEAFORD was destroyed by fire in Collingwood, Ontario, on May 18, 1919. The ship was dismantled in 1920, with no significant remains left. Its loss marked a poignant conclusion to a vessel that had served the region for over a decade.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

• There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the CITY OF MEAFORD, as the vessel was dismantled following its destruction by fire.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Great Lakes Ships
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Bowling Green State University
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

CONCLUSION

The CITY OF MEAFORD, originally known as SEAMAN, was an essential vessel for Georgian Bay and Lake Huron communities, connecting people and goods across the region. Its tragic destruction by fire in 1919 highlights the risks faced by wooden steamships of the era, particularly from onboard and dockside fires. While its physical remains are gone, the legacy of the CITY OF MEAFORD endures in the annals of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a reminder of the pivotal role such vessels played in regional transportation and commerce.

Keywords: City of Meaford, Seaman, Collingwood Steamship Co., Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, passenger Steamer, package freight, Great Lakes maritime history, fire at dock.