H. & S. Jenkins – Shipbuilders of Chatham, Ontario

H. & S. Jenkins – Shipbuilders of Chatham, Ontario

H. & S. Jenkins was a notable shipbuilding firm based in Chatham, Ontario, operating during the mid-19th century. The company played an important role in crafting vessels for the growing maritime trade in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River regions. Known for constructing durable and well-crafted ships, H. & S. Jenkins contributed to Chatham’s reputation as a hub for shipbuilding during this era.

Key Features of H. & S. Jenkins’ Shipbuilding

• Location and Operations: Situated in Chatham, Ontario, near the Thames River, H. & S. Jenkins had direct access to important shipping routes that connected local industries to larger ports on the Great Lakes. Their location in Chatham was strategically significant, as it supported the growing demand for vessels to transport timber, grain, and passengers to markets in Detroit, Windsor, and beyond.
• Specialization: The company specialized in the construction of sidewheel steamers and other vessels tailored for regional passenger and freight service. Their designs balanced speed and capacity, which was essential for ships competing in the rapidly developing Great Lakes shipping industry.
• Innovations:  The firm earned a reputation for beautiful and symmetrical designs that combined functionality with aesthetic appeal. Their vessels, including the Canadian, were equipped with advanced steam engines of the time, which increased speed and efficiency.

Notable Vessels

• Steamer Canadian (1853): One of the most famous vessels built by H. & S. Jenkins. A 390-ton sidewheel steamer that served as a key link between Chatham, Detroit, Windsor, and Amherstburg before being converted into a towboat.  Known for its speed, reliability, and distinctive design, praised by both passengers and maritime professionals.
• 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.

Legacy

H. & S. Jenkins contributed to the shipbuilding heritage of Chatham and the broader Great Lakes region, helping to meet the demand for reliable vessels during a period of significant economic and industrial growth. Their work reflects the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Canadian shipbuilders in the mid-19th century.

Research Opportunities

• Primary Sources
• Maritime History of the Great. Lakes
• Archives such as Library and Archives Canada or the Chatham-Kent Museum may hold records of the Jenkins firm and their shipbuilding activities.
• Historical shipping registries, such as the Register of British Shipping for Inland Waters, often provide detailed specifications for vessels like the Canadian.
• Maritime Historians: Researchers like Ron Beaupre, who has written about the Canadian, might offer additional insights into H. & S. Jenkins’ contributions to Great Lakes maritime history.