The activity at Quayle’s Sons’ Yard is unmatched in the city, with a significant workforce engaged in the construction of three steam barges. Among them, the JOHN B. LYONS, built for Captain Frank Perew, is nearly completed and will be launched soon. After the launch, her spars and engines, manufactured by the King Iron Works, will be installed. Captain John Perew is set to command her.
Another vessel, the CITY OF ROME, is also nearing completion. She boasts double the amount of iron straps typically used in such constructions. With her planking well underway and sealing done, she will be commanded by Captain B. S. Wolvin, and her owners include Messrs. H. J. and R. K. Winslow, Captain B. S. Wolvin, and Mr. B. L. Pennington.
Furthermore, the barge CUMBERLAND is undergoing construction, with sealing and lower deck frames in progress. Iron strapping is being installed, including an additional arch extending aft from the engine. Captain John Coulter will be in charge of this vessel, built for Mr. W. S. Winslow.
Once the JOHN B. LYON is launched, the keel will be laid for yet another vessel, which will be 260 feet long, 38 feet wide, and 23 feet deep. This upcoming vessel, also iron strapped, is scheduled to launch and be delivered around August 15th. Her owners include Captain Thomas Wilson, Messrs. J. E. Upson, Thomas Quayle, and George L. Quayle. The Globe Iron Works is constructing her engine and boiler.
The CITY OF ROME’s boilers and engine are in place, and she will be launched approximately on May 10th. During her grand launch, she drew much attention due to her impressive size and sleek design. Her dimensions are as follows: 268 feet length of keel, 288 feet overall, 40 feet beam, and 21 feet hold. With the capacity to carry around 85,000 to 90,000 bushels of corn, she is the largest vessel on the lakes. Captain B. S. Wolvin, who played a significant role in overseeing her construction, will command her.
However, despite her impressive beginnings, the steamship CITY OF ROME met a tragic fate later. On May 7, 1914, she suffered a fire off Ripley, about 30 miles west of Dunkirk, N.Y. Fortunately, all 17 crew members on board were rescued, but the vessel was lost.
The work at Quayle’s Sons’ Yard is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship and dedication put into building these mighty vessels that navigate the Great Lakes.
