Identification & Site Information

•Name(s):

• B.W. Aldrich (original) W.B. Aldrich (1903) J.M. Diver (1904)
• Official Number(s): U.S. 2701 C 116394
• Built: 1868, by Allen McClelland & Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Construction Material: Wood
• Dimensions (as built): Length: 65.16 feet (19.86 meters) Width: 15.08 feet (4.6 meters) Depth: 6.58 feet (2.0 meters) Gross Tonnage: 49.24 Net Tonnage: 24.62
  Rebuilt (1904-1905): Length: 67.6 feet (20.6 meters) Width: 16.4 feet (5.0 meters) Depth: 9.0 feet (2.7 meters) Gross Tonnage: 48 tons
• Registered Tonnage: 33 tons
• Power: 40 horsepower

Vessel Type Description

The B.W. Aldrich was a wooden Tugboat built in 1868, later repurposed for use in the wrecking industry. Tugboats of its class were essential for towing and salvage operations on the Great Lakes. Its reconstruction and renaming reflect its adaptability for different roles, including service under the Reid Wrecking Co.

History Early Years: The B.W. Aldrich was constructed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1868 by Allen McClelland & Co. It served as a Tugboat, providing essential support for towing and other maritime operations.

Sale and Canadian Transfer: In 1903, the vessel was sold by Fowler & Smart of Port Huron, Michigan, to the Reid Wrecking Co., a prominent salvage company on the Great Lakes. The U.S. registry was surrendered on July 1, 1903, as the vessel was sold to Canada.

Rebuild and Renaming: The Tug was renamed W.B. Aldrich upon its transfer to Canada and underwent substantial rebuilding in Sarnia, Ontario, in 1904 and Chatham, Ontario, in 1905. It was further renamed J.M. Diver in 1904 and officially registered in Canada under number C116394.

Operational Role: Under Reid Wrecking Co., the J.M. Diver became part of the company’s fleet, specializing in wrecking and salvage operations on the Great Lakes. The upgrades increased its tonnage and horsepower, optimizing it for demanding salvage tasks.

Final Disposition

The ultimate fate of the vessel remains unknown. There are no records detailing its final years or its potential loss, dismantling, or retirement.

Legacy

The B.W. Aldrich/J.M. Diver serves as a testament to the evolving needs of Great Lakes shipping and the ingenuity of repurposing vessels to extend their service life. Its role in the wrecking industry underscores the critical importance of salvage operations in maintaining safe navigation and protecting valuable cargo in a region known for harsh maritime conditions.

Resources & Links

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Repository of Great Lakes vessel histories and incidents.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive database of Great Lakes Ships and maritime operations.
• The Salvager: The Life of Captain Tom Reid on the Great Lakes: Historical insights into salvage operations on the Great Lakes.
• Sessional Papers of the Dominion of Canada, Volume 11; Volume 42, Issue 11: Primary sources on Canadian maritime registrations and updates.
• Bowling Green State University Historical Collections: Archival records on Great Lakes vessels.

Keywords: B.W. Aldrich J.M. Diver Reid Wrecking Co. Great Lakes Tugboat Salvage Operations Maritime History of Canada