IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
SITE DESCRIPTION
The wreck of the D.D. CALVIN, a sturdy wooden steam barge, lies in shallow waters near Garden Island, Lake Ontario. Resting at a depth of 18 feet, the wreck is relatively accessible and provides an intriguing dive site for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The shallow depth makes it ideal for divers of varying experience levels, offering a unique opportunity to explore a significant piece of Lake Ontario’s industrial past.
HISTORY
The D.D. CALVIN was constructed in 1883 by Calvin & Son at Garden Island, Ontario. The vessel was designed and built to handle the challenging task of transporting heavy pine timber across Lake Ontario. Measuring 166 feet in length, with a beam of 32.5 feet and a depth of 15.1 feet, the D.D. CALVIN was a robust and capable vessel. With a gross tonnage of 750 and net tonnage of 483, the barge had the capacity to carry significant loads, including up to 24,500 bushels of wheat.
The D.D. CALVIN was powered by a compound engine manufactured by Globe Iron Works in Cleveland, Ohio. The engine’s design included fore and aft cylinders and was complemented by a screw propulsion system with a large propeller, making the vessel both powerful and efficient.
After its construction, the D.D. CALVIN was towed to Cleveland for the installation of its machinery, which was completed at Presley’s slip. The vessel served on Lake Ontario for nearly three decades, transporting goods and towing barges. However, the D.D. CALVIN’s operational history was not without incident. It collided with a swing bridge in Port Colborne in 1886, and in 1889, it was involved in a tragic event where the BAVARIA was lost during a gale on Lake Ontario.
The D.D. CALVIN met its final fate on April 11, 1910, when it caught fire and was completely destroyed at Garden Island, Ontario, while being prepared for the upcoming season. The vessel, owned by Parlow and Smith at the time, was a total loss.
FINAL DISPOSITION
The remains of the D.D. CALVIN now lie in 18 feet of water off Garden Island. The wreck is largely intact, with the wooden structure preserved by the cold waters of Lake Ontario. Despite its shallow resting place, the wreck provides valuable insight into the construction and operation of steam barges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES
There are no specific Notices to Mariners related to the D.D. CALVIN wreck, but divers should be mindful of the shallow depth and potential for entanglement on remaining structures. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the site, which is an important part of the region’s maritime heritage.
LOCATED BY & DATE
The D.D. CALVIN wreck has been known to local divers and maritime historians for many years. Its accessible location near Garden Island makes it a popular site for exploration and study.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY
The wreck of the D.D. CALVIN lies in shallow water, making it highly accessible to divers, snorkelers, and even those interested in underwater archaeology. The remains of the hull and some machinery components can still be observed, offering a tangible connection to the vessel’s past. The site is suitable for recreational diving, though caution should be exercised to preserve the wreck for future generations.
RESOURCES & LINKS
- Genealogy: Genealogy
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships: Great Lakes Ships
- The Archaeology of Watercraft Abandonment: Watercraft Abandonment
- Ship Building History: Ship Building History
KEYWORDS
- D.D. CALVIN, Steam Barge, Wooden Propeller, Garden Island, Lake Ontario, Maritime History, Great Lakes, Shipwreck, Fire.
ANALYSIS The D.D. CALVIN serves as a remarkable example of the steam-powered wooden vessels that were once common on the Great Lakes. Its story, from construction to tragic loss, encapsulates the challenges and dangers of maritime transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The wreck site near Garden Island offers divers a unique opportunity to explore a well-preserved piece of history, providing insights into the vessel’s construction, operation, and ultimate demise. The D.D. CALVIN’s legacy continues through the stories of its voyages and the preservation of its final resting place, offering a lasting tribute to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders.
