The river barge known as BELLA, previously named CAYUGA, had a significant history from 1872 to 1916. Originally built in 1870 by Henry Roney at Garden Island, Ontario, the barge had a capacity of 20,000 bushels and measured 135.3 feet in length. It had a gross tonnage of 402 tons and a register tonnage of 360.89 tons. However, after being rebuilt, the BELLA’s dimensions changed, and it had a gross tonnage of 454.49 tons and a register tonnage of 434.02 tons. Its length increased to 166.0 feet. The barge had a round stern and was never rigged with spars, but it did have at least two masts, especially after the rebuilding process.
Throughout the years, the BELLA went through various ratings and valuations. In 1874, it was rated 1 out of a possible 3 and valued at $9,400. In 1878, it maintained its rating of 1 but had a lower value of $7,500. By 1884, its rating changed to B1. In 1886 and 1890, the barge achieved a rating of A2 and had a value of $8,000. However, in 1892, it maintained the same rating but decreased in value to $7,500. In 1896, the BELLA’s value increased to $9,000, and it retained an A2 rating. The following year, in 1897, it was downgraded to a B1 rating and had a value of $6,000, requiring repairs. From 1902 to 1913, the value of the barge steadily decreased, going from $2,000 to $500, reflecting its aging condition.
Initially, the Calvin Co. was likely the first owner of the CAYUGA, but by 1872, ownership had transferred to the Montreal Transportation Co. The barge underwent repairs in 1881 and a significant rebuild in 1884-85. During the rebuild, it was lengthened and equipped with a steel keelson. It was during this time that the barge was renamed BELLA after John Gaskin’s daughter, Isabella, who was born in 1872. Another rebuild took place in 1903, further modifying the barge.
In 1916, according to reports from the Montreal Transportation Co., the BELLA was listed as being for sale. However, tragedy struck on June 29, 1916, when the barge foundered off the north end of Canada Island in the Galops Rapids of the St. Lawrence River. This marked the final chapter of the BELLA’s history, which had spanned over four decades. The original name, CAYUGA, like other barges owned by Calvin Co., was inspired by the tribes of the Iroquoian group.
