Other Names
- Sir S.L. Tilley
The Advance, formerly known as the Sir S.L. Tilley, had a diverse and eventful history as a composite steam barge and package freighter. Originally launched on May 8, 1884, in St. Catharines, Ontario, by L. Shickluna, the vessel had an iron frame and a round stern. As a package freighter, it measured 1,177.77 tons gross and 669.15 tons net, with a length of 168.0′ between perpendiculars. However, in 1904, it underwent a significant rebuild and transformation into a bulk carrier, reducing its gross tonnage to 1,031 tons and net tonnage to 568 tons. The length increased to 175′ between perpendiculars, allowing for a capacity of 37,000 bushels of wheat or 1,200 tons at a 14′ draft. The vessel was powered by a fore-and-aft compound engine, generating 510 indicated horsepower and 116.26 rated horsepower.
The ownership of the Sir S.L. Tilley, later renamed the Advance, changed hands throughout its operational years. Sylvester Neelon and James Norris of St. Catharines owned the vessel from 1884 to 1896, operating it as part of the “Merchant’s Lake and River Steamship Co. Line” with destinations including Duluth, Minnesota. However, in July 1889, the vessel encountered an unfortunate incident when it collided with a lighthouse at the mouth of the Detroit River. The ownership was then transferred to R.O. and A.B. Mackay of Hamilton, Ontario, from 1896 to 1900. In December 1897, it was reported that the vessel would undergo a lengthening of 60′, which was carried out by Polson Iron Works of Toronto. Tragedy struck again in August 1899 when the Advance caught fire and grounded off Fairport, Ohio, leading to its abandonment.
Despite the previous setbacks, the vessel was rebuilt in Toronto between 1899 and 1900 and acquired by James Carruthers in 1900. Repairs were also conducted in 1902. However, further misfortune struck in October 1903 when a coal cargo fire broke out at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, resulting in the vessel burning down to its main deck. The damaged hull was eventually purchased by Montreal Transportation Co. and rebuilt as a bulk carrier in Kingston in 1904, with modifications including a reduction to the main deck amidships. The Montreal Transportation Co. intended to utilize the Advance for purposes other than grain transportation.
The vessel underwent several repairs and continued its service under the “Merchant’s and Montreal Lake Superior Line” in 1907. In September 1907, it faced a delay at Thorold on the Welland Canal due to wage-related claims by four crew members. Another incident occurred in August 1909 when the Advance broke its rudder and ran aground at the head of the Galops Rapids while carrying a cargo of pig iron in the St. Lawrence River. The vessel was involved in a three-way collision with the canaller Fairfax and Montreal Transportation Co.’s Simla in the Lachine Canal in August 1916 but was subsequently repaired.
Efforts to sell the Advance took place in 1918, but no successful transaction materialized. Repairs were conducted in 1919, and in 1921, the vessel was transferred to Canada Steamship Lines as part of the final winding up of the Montreal Transportation Co. fleet. Eventually, in 1923, the Advance was sold to Reid Wrecking of Sarnia, Ontario, which was associated with Canada Steamship Lines at that time.
