The MINNEDOSA was a schooner barge that operated from 1890 to 1905. It had a gross tonnage of 1,081.44 tons and a register tonnage of 1,041.38 tons. The barge measured 245.0 feet between perpendiculars and 250.0 feet overall. Its capacity was 90,000 bushels. The MINNEDOSA was launched on April 26, 1890, at Kingston, Ontario, by James Roney from Montreal Transportation Co.’s Place d’Armes Shipyard. During the launch, the ways under the barge spread under its weight, causing it to become stuck. It did not completely float until the following day. Approximately 6,000 people witnessed the launch, which cost $70,000.
The MINNEDOSA had four relatively short masts and featured a round stern. It was iron fastened and had a steel belt (8 inches wide, 3/4 inch thick) around the top of its ribs. The barge was heavily built and equipped with a centreboard and a steam winch. Initially, it had a figurehead in gold leaf depicting Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, with vegetables, wheat, and beavers. However, the figurehead was soon removed due to clearance issues in canal locks. The hull of the MINNEDOSA was painted black with two orange stripes on the bulwarks. The barge was capable of reaching speeds of up to 15 knots under sail, but that required a crew of 12 or more. It typically operated as a tow barge with a crew of eight.
In 1890 and 1892, the MINNEDOSA received a rating of A1* and was valued at $61,000. In 1897, it was rated A1 for 10 years and valued at $43,000. However, by 1903, its value had dropped to $18,000.
In October 1892, the MINNEDOSA was pushed against the side of a Welland Canal lock when the propeller ARABIAN, owned by Fairgrieve, broke open the upper lock door. As a result, the MINNEDOSA suffered a disalignment of its side and keel, which would have required $15,000 to repair. Although Montreal Transportation Co. collected the insurance money, they decided not to repair the barge.
On October 20, 1905, the MINNEDOSA was lost on Lake Huron, 2.5 miles off Harbor Beach, Michigan, with the loss of all hands, including the captain’s wife. At the time, the barge was being towed by the Montreal Transportation Co. canaller WESTMOUNT, along with the barge MELROSE. The MINNEDOSA was self-insured and listed on the company’s books for $17,000. Its registry was closed on April 18, 1906. The barge was frequently towed by the Montreal Transportation Co. tug WALKER in the grain trade from the head of the lakes to Kingston. The Minnedosa region of Manitoba, known for its abundant grain production, likely inspired the barge’s name.
Sources:
- Montreal Transportation Co. Annual Directors’ Reports 1903 and 1905
- Montreal Transportation Co. Kingston Grain Ledgers
- Alpena Public Library Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Bowling Green Great Lakes Vessels Online Index
- Canada List of Shipping 1895
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Gillham Ships in Trouble Great Lakes 1850-1930
- Inland Lloyd’s Vessel Register Canadian
