The City of Belleville was a propeller vessel that played an essential role in the transportation network of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Built in 1878 in St. Catharines, Ontario, by the skilled shipbuilder L. Shickluna, this wooden-hulled vessel was a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. With a robust engine and practical design, the City of Belleville served its owners and the communities along its routes until its untimely destruction by fire in 1914.
Construction and Specifications #
The City of Belleville was constructed with a wooden hull, typical of many vessels of its time. It featured two decks, providing ample space for both cargo and passengers. The ship was powered by a single high-pressure screw engine, manufactured by G.N. Oille of St. Catharines, Ontario. This engine had one cylinder with dimensions of 16 inches by 16 inches, delivering 50 horsepower. The engine’s power was sufficient to navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
In terms of dimensions, the City of Belleville measured 89.4 feet in length, 15.4 feet in beam, and had a depth of 7 feet. With a gross tonnage of 101.17 tons and a net tonnage of 68.8 tons, it was a moderately sized vessel, well-suited for the regional routes it serviced.
Operational History #
Throughout its operational life, the City of Belleville primarily served the Collingwood & Parry Sound route. This route was vital for connecting communities along the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. The vessel’s owners, Bogart, McIntosh & Leavens, were based in Belleville, Ontario, and the ship’s operations contributed to the economic vitality of the region.
The City of Belleville was a reliable workhorse in the fleet, navigating the Great Lakes with steady service for over three decades. However, like many vessels of its era, it faced challenges inherent to the maritime industry, including the dangers of fire.
The Tragic End #
On February 17, 1914, the City of Belleville met a tragic end when it was consumed by fire. The incident occurred in Prescott, Ontario, along the St. Lawrence River. Details about the cause of the fire remain scarce, but the event marked the abrupt termination of the vessel’s service.
Despite the efforts to control the blaze, the wooden structure of the ship provided little resistance to the flames. The fire completely destroyed the vessel, rendering it a total loss. Fortunately, there are no reports of casualties from the incident, but the loss of the City of Belleville was a significant blow to its owners and the communities it served.
Legacy #
The City of Belleville is remembered as a vessel that served its purpose diligently, connecting towns and facilitating trade along its routes. Its destruction by fire in 1914 is a reminder of the risks faced by maritime vessels during this period, particularly those constructed with wooden hulls.
While the ship itself no longer exists, its story is preserved in maritime records and the collective memory of the Great Lakes shipping community. The City of Belleville stands as an example of the hardworking vessels that were the backbone of commerce and transportation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Conclusion #
The City of Belleville was more than just a vessel; it was a crucial part of the regional infrastructure, supporting economic activity and community connections across the Great Lakes. Its legacy, though marred by its fiery demise, continues to be a part of the rich maritime history of Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
External Links and References #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: A resource for further exploration of vessels like the City of Belleville and their impact on the region.
- St. Catharines Historical Society: For information on shipbuilders like L. Shickluna and the shipbuilding industry in St. Catharines during the 19th century.
- Prescott, Ontario Historical Archives: Local records and accounts related to the fire and the final days of the City of Belleville.
