IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The ADELE was a wooden barge constructed in 1893 in Yamaska, Quebec. It was designed as a “pin flat” barge, a type commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for transporting goods across the Great Lakes and connecting waterways. The barge featured a square stern and was carvel-built, a construction method where planks are laid edge to edge, creating a smooth hull surface. This method of construction was typical for vessels requiring durability and cargo capacity.
HISTORY: #
The ADELE served as a workhorse on the Great Lakes, contributing to the transportation of various goods across the region. Its robust construction and sizable dimensions—127.3 feet in length and 28.5 feet in beam—made it well-suited for carrying heavy loads. With a gross tonnage of 301.57 tons, the ADELE was a significant vessel in the fleet of barges that operated in the area.
The barge operated for over a decade, during which time it likely saw extensive use in the transport of bulk materials such as timber, coal, and other goods vital to the economy of the Great Lakes region. The vessel’s last recorded owner was A. Lomer, who was responsible for the barge in its final years of operation.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
In 1908, the ADELE met its final fate. It was wrecked and subsequently abandoned in the inner harbor boneyard of Kingston, Ontario, located on the Cataraqui River. This site, often referred to as a “boneyard,” was a common final resting place for vessels that had outlived their usefulness or were no longer seaworthy. The ADELE was left to deteriorate in the waters of the Cataraqui River, where it remains a part of Kingston’s maritime history.
The wreck of the ADELE now lies submerged in this historical harbor, contributing to the underwater archaeological record of the region. Its presence serves as a reminder of the bustling commercial activity that once characterized the Great Lakes and their connecting waterways.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
- Navigational Warning: The area around the inner harbor boneyard in Kingston, Ontario, should be approached with caution due to submerged wreckage, including the ADELE.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Great Lakes Ships: Provides detailed records and historical accounts related to vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Hanley Spur: Offers insights into the history of Kingston’s industrial waterfront, including the inner harbor where the ADELE was abandoned.
CONCLUSION: #
The ADELE was a significant barge during its time, contributing to the commercial life of the Great Lakes region. Its abandonment in Kingston’s inner harbor boneyard marks the end of its operational life but also solidifies its place in the maritime history of Ontario. Today, the wreck of the ADELE serves as an underwater historical artifact, offering insights into the shipbuilding and commercial practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
KEYWORDS: #
ADELE, Barge, Pin Flat, Kingston Ontario, Cataraqui River, Great Lakes maritime history, Wooden shipwreck, 19th-century barge, Maritime boneyard.
