Steam Screw Sailor Queen (1901, Formerly John J. Noble)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Sailor Queen (formerly John J. Noble)
• Official Number: 107136 (Canada)
• Type: Steam Screw Vessel
• Build Year: 1901
• Builder: Constructed in Goderich, Ontario
• Home Port: Goderich, Ontario
• Owner (1933): Booth Fisheries Canadian Co., Wiarton, Ontario
• Dimensions:  Length: 68.1 feet (20.8 metres)  Beam: 15.1 feet (4.6 metres) Depth: 6.9 feet (2.1 metres)
• Gross Tonnage: 33 tons
• Net Tonnage: 22 tons
• Engine Power: 13 horsepower, steam-powered Screw Propulsion

History

Construction and Early Service Built in 1901 at Goderich, Ontario, the Sailor Queen began its career under the name John J. Noble Originally constructed as a small Steam Screw Vessel, its compact size and reliable engine were ideal for short hauls and coastal operations.

Ownership and Operations  By 1933, the vessel was owned by the Booth Fisheries Canadian Co., based in Wiarton, Ontario. The Booth Fisheries Company was a major player in the commercial fishing industry on the Great Lakes, suggesting that the Sailor Queen may have been used for transporting fish, supplies, or crew to and from fishing operations. Name Change  The vessel was renamed Sailor Queen during its career, likely to reflect its updated ownership and role.

Final Disposition: Scuttled Near Parry Sound

At the end of its serviceable life, the Sailor Queen was scuttled near Parry Sound in Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Purpose of Scuttling: It was common during the mid-20th century to repurpose aging vessels as breakwalls, dock reinforcements, or for disposal by sinking. The exact location of the wreck remains undocumented but is presumed to lie in shallow water near Parry Sound, potentially accessible to divers.

Historical Significance

Small Commercial Steam Vessels  The Sailor Queen represents the era of small, versatile steamships that played vital roles in supporting industries such as fishing, freight, and local transport on the Great Lakes.

Booth Fisheries Connection  Owned by Booth Fisheries, the vessel contributed to the commercial fishing trade, a significant economic activity in the Georgian Bay region.

Maritime Resourcefulness Its eventual scuttling reflects the Great Lakes’ practice of repurposing aging vessels for practical infrastructure uses, ensuring their materials and hulls served a purpose even after their careers ended.

Further Exploration and Resources

• Parry Sound Historical MuseumThe museum may have records or photographs related to the Sailor Queen and Booth Fisheries’ operations in Georgian Bay.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca  Contains detailed records of the vessel and its role in Canadian Great Lakes shipping.
• Canadian Vessel Registry Archives Explore archives from the Registry Books of the Dominion of Canada for more information on its build and ownership history.

Conclusion

The Sailor Queen, originally launched as the John J. Noble in 1901, was a versatile Steam Screw Vessel serving industries on the Great Lakes. Owned by the Booth Fisheries Canadian Co., it supported the Georgian Bay fishing trade during its later years. Its final scuttling near Parry Sound reflects the ingenuity of Great Lakes communities in repurposing obsolete vessels. The Sailor Queen remains a small but significant piece of maritime history, embodying the working spirit of early 20th-century Great Lakes shipping.