ROOSEVELT U203203 (formerly J.C. RITCHIE and BAYVILLE)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #

The ROOSEVELT was a steam screw vessel, a type of steamer powered by a steam engine driving a single screw propeller. These vessels were versatile and widely used for both freight and passenger services in the early 20th century. The wooden hull construction typical of this era made them susceptible to fire, particularly as they aged.

HISTORY & SERVICE RECORD #

The ROOSEVELT had a varied career, marked by multiple name changes and shifts in its role within the maritime industry:

1. J.C. RITCHIE: The vessel began its life in 1906, serving as a freight carrier based out of Wilmington, Delaware. It was registered under U.S. No. 203203 and operated primarily in the Delaware region.
2. BAYVILLE: Sometime after 1922, the vessel was renamed BAYVILLE. This change likely coincided with a shift in ownership or service type.
3. ROOSEVELT: Eventually, the vessel was renamed ROOSEVELT and transitioned to passenger service. Its home port was Cape Vincent, New York, under the ownership of J. Herbert Hutchinson. The vessel played a role in the regional transport of passengers in the Thousand Islands area, a popular destination for tourism during this period.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

On October 8, 1938, while docked at Edgewood Park in Alexandria Bay, New York, the ROOSEVELT was tragically consumed by fire. Although five individuals were on board at the time, all escaped unharmed. However, the vessel was completely destroyed and declared a total loss. The cause of the fire remains undocumented, though it likely involved the inherent risks associated with wooden ships and steam engines.

The ROOSEVELT’s demise was not uncommon for vessels of its type and era, where fire posed a significant threat. The loss marked the end of a vessel that had served various roles over its more than three decades of operation.

SITE INFORMATION #

• Location: Edgewood Resort Bay, Alexandria Bay, St. Lawrence River
• Coordinates: N 44°19’57.17″, W 75°55’10.22″
• Depth at Site: Approximately 10 feet (3 meters)

The site of the ROOSEVELT’s destruction is shallow, with the wreckage likely dispersed and degraded over time due to environmental factors and possible salvage operations. The remains might be accessible to divers, particularly those interested in exploring the history of the region’s maritime activities.

SIGNIFICANCE #

The ROOSEVELT’s history reflects the evolution of maritime commerce and transportation in the early 20th century, highlighting the transition from freight to passenger services in response to economic demands. Its tragic end underscores the vulnerabilities of steam-powered vessels, particularly those with wooden hulls.

The vessel’s story offers insights into the maritime history of the Thousand Islands and the broader Great Lakes region, where similar vessels played crucial roles in the development and connectivity of communities.

RESEARCH & RESOURCES #

Further exploration of the ROOSEVELT’s history and its impact on the region can be pursued through the following:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides broader context and records related to vessels operating in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
• Merchant Vessel Lists: The U.S. Merchant Vessel Lists from 1909, 1925, and 1939 document the vessel’s registration details and the incident reports.
• Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan: Offers insights into the historical significance and preservation efforts in the Alexandria Bay area, including references to notable maritime events