IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Ellen was a yacht designed for personal and leisure use, built with the classic early 20th-century yacht design. With modest dimensions, it was ideal for navigation on the St. Lawrence River and nearby waters, offering a balance between speed and comfort. The vessel was relatively small but well-crafted, reflecting the craftsmanship of its time.
HISTORY #
Built in 1901 in Rockport, Ontario, the Ellen was a symbol of personal luxury for its owner, F. Huck. Over its brief operational life, the yacht likely saw frequent use on the St. Lawrence River, showcasing the early 20th-century boating lifestyle. The vessel was part of a burgeoning recreational boating culture that was becoming popular in the region at the time.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On November 7, 1905, the Ellen met a tragic end when it was destroyed by fire in Cardinal, Ontario. The fire’s cause remains undocumented, but it led to a total loss of the yacht. Captain George Reid, from Cardinal, successfully negotiated with the insurance underwriters and received $1,700 in settlement while choosing to retain the damaged vessel. Captain Reid then commissioned Fred Huck, an engineer from Rockport, to raise and rebuild the yacht. The hull was recovered and plans were set in motion to restore the Ellen to her former state, although records of the reconstruction’s completion are not detailed.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
There is no information available about the current condition or location of the Ellen. Given that the vessel was planned for restoration, it is unclear whether it was successfully rebuilt or if remnants of the original structure exist today.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Preserve Our Wrecks Kingston
- Additional resources related to early 20th-century yachts and shipbuilding in the Great Lakes region.