Vessel Name: Elsie Doris #
Official Number: C.138184
Year of Build: 1921
Built at: Midland, Ontario
Propulsion: Originally steam-powered (boilers and engine removed in 1945)
Dimensions:
- Length: 63.5 feet
- Beam: 14.5 feet
- Depth: 7 feet
- Gross Tonnage: 64 tons
- Net Tonnage: 22 tons
Construction and Early History
The Elsie Doris was a wooden tug built in 1921 in Midland, Ontario. Originally constructed for the Minister of Mines of the Province of Ontario, the tug was designed to assist in harbor operations and various governmental tasks related to mining and exploration activities.
Ownership and Operations
During the 1930s, the Elsie Doris was acquired by H. J. Dixon and the Toronto Drydock Company Ltd., where it was repurposed as a harbor tug in Toronto. The vessel provided essential towing and maneuvering services in and around Toronto’s busy harbor, helping larger vessels dock and undock in a bustling commercial environment.
Final Disposition: Scuttling in 1945
By November 1945, after decades of service, the Elsie Doris was decommissioned. The tug’s boilers and engine were removed, rendering the vessel non-operational. Following its decommissioning, the hull of the Elsie Doris was towed out into Lake Ontario, where it was scuttled in deep water. Scuttling was a common practice at the time for vessels that had outlived their usefulness, serving as an efficient way to dispose of older ships.
Historical Significance
The Elsie Doris is a reflection of the utilitarian vessels that were built during the early 20th century to support growing industries in Ontario. Initially serving the government and later assisting in the commercial operations of Toronto Harbor, the tug played a vital role in supporting both public and private sectors.
While the vessel no longer exists, having been scuttled in Lake Ontario, its legacy lives on as part of the region’s rich maritime history, demonstrating the evolution of harbor and towing services in Ontario.
Summary of Key Events: #
- 1921: Built in Midland, Ontario for the Minister of Mines.
- 1930s: Acquired by H. J. Dixon and the Toronto Drydock Company Ltd., used as a harbor tug in Toronto.
- November 1945: Boilers and engine removed, hull scuttled in Lake Ontario.
The Elsie Doris is a prime example of the working vessels that supported maritime operations during the early to mid-20th century, serving both government and commercial interests before being retired and scuttled in the waters of Lake Ontario.
