The LANCASTER was a river barge that was in service from 1873 to 1899. It had a gross tonnage of 219.7 tons and measured 125.1 feet in length. The barge had a capacity of 17,500 bushels and was built by Alexander Stickler (or Streckler) at Lancaster, Ontario, in 1873. It did not have any masts and featured a round stern design. The LANCASTER was constructed based on the same basic plans as the GLENGARRY, LORNE, and ROYAL OAK barges.
In 1874, the LANCASTER received a rating of 1 out of a possible 3 and was valued at $7,000. By 1878, its rating dropped to 2, and its value decreased to $5,000. In 1884, it obtained a rating of A2. However, by 1897, its rating had declined to B1, and the barge was valued at $3,600, requiring repairs.
The LANCASTER underwent significant rebuilding in 1880-81, costing $6,000. It underwent a complete overhaul at Portsmouth in 1884, which included the installation of a new bottom and bilge cheeks, floor, ceiling, frames, and keelson. The barge was also repaired in 1894. In 1904, it was listed in the Mercantile Navy List as owned by Pierre Paul of Ste.-Anne-de-Sorel, Quebec. Paul continued to be listed as the owner in 1907.
According to reports, the LANCASTER was lost in Bayfield Sound of Georgian Bay in 1907. However, its registry was not officially closed until July 6, 1915.
Sources:
- J. Gaskin Letter Book 1884-86
- Montreal Transportation Co. Kingston grain ledger 1898
- Alpena Public Library Great Lakes Maritime Database
- Association of Canadian Lake Underwriters Marine Register 1874
- Board of Lake Underwriters Lake Vessel Register 1878
- Canada List of Shipping 1877, 1895, 1910, and 1912
- Canadian Heritage Ship Information Database
- Directory of the Marine Interests of the Great Lakes 1884
- Inland Lloyd’s Vessel Register Canadian Hulls 1890, 1892, and 1897
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes Canadian Ship Registers online
- Mercantile Navy List 1892, 1898, 1899, 1904, 1907, and 1911
- British Whig 25 March, 10 and 30 May, 10 June 1881, 19 September, 30 December 1884, 20 and 30 March 1885, and 15 June 1886
- Kingston Daily News 21 September 1872, 7 May 1874
