Tip Top U59171 (1862, Canalboat)

The Tip Top was a wooden canalboat constructed in 1862 at Phoenix, New York. Designed for the transport of bulk goods through the canal system, the vessel featured a single deck, typical of canalboats of the era. With a tonnage of 124 (old style), the Tip Top was built to navigate the canal routes, carrying materials vital to the development of the region.

HISTORY #

The Tip Top was a canalboat built with the specific purpose of navigating the narrow and often treacherous canal routes that crisscrossed the northeastern United States during the 19th century. Characterized by a single deck, which was typical of canalboats of the era, the Tip Top had a tonnage of 124 (old style), making it a relatively small but essential vessel for transporting materials critical to the development of the region. Canalboats like the Tip Top were indispensable in carrying heavy cargoes such as stone, coal, and lumber, which were vital for the infrastructure projects that supported the growing towns and cities along the canals and rivers.

The Tip Top‘s service on the Oswego River and surrounding waterways was part of the broader effort to improve harbors and other maritime infrastructure in New York State, a region that was rapidly industrializing in the late 19th century. On the morning of July 31, 1882, the Tip Top departed Bundyville on the Oswego River, loaded with a cargo of stone intended for harbor improvements at Oswego, New York. The crew consisted of four local men—John Richardson, Joseph Aker, Artemus Burchim, and Martin Herrick—who were all well-acquainted with the region’s waterways and the challenges that came with navigating them.

After successfully arriving at Oswego, the Tip Top was taken in tow by the tug Steve H. Lyons, a common practice for canalboats that needed assistance in navigating the larger and often more perilous waters of Lake Ontario. As the convoy made its way towards the harbor, they encountered increasingly rough waters just outside the Oswego lighthouse. The waves began to roll over the Tip Top, creating a precarious situation for the crew. Aker and Richardson, recognizing the imminent danger, took action by attempting to prevent water from boarding the scow. They held planks at the bow, trying to shield the vessel from the relentless onslaught of waves.

Despite their best efforts, the Tip Top‘s hull, already under immense pressure from the heavy cargo and the rough conditions, suddenly gave way. The bottom of the vessel failed catastrophically, causing the entire structure to collapse. In an instant, the Tip Top disintegrated, and all four men were plunged into the cold, turbulent waters of Lake Ontario. The suddenness of the disaster left little time for the men to react, and the chaotic scene underscored the dangers that even routine voyages could pose on the Great Lakes.

The loss of the Tip Top was a stark reminder of the vulnerability of canalboats and other small vessels that operated in the often unpredictable conditions of the Great Lakes. While canalboats were well-suited for the calm waters of rivers and canals, they were far less capable of handling the open waters and rough seas that could arise unexpectedly. The tragedy that befell the Tip Top and its crew was not uncommon in the era, as many such vessels were lost to the powerful forces of nature that they were ill-equipped to withstand.

FINAL DISPOSITION #

The Tip Top was lost on July 31, 1882, due to hull failure while carrying a cargo of stone. The vessel’s bottom dropped out as it struggled against the waves in Oswego harbor, causing the sides to fall apart and the scow to sink rapidly. Three of the men onboard were rescued by the tug Steve H. Lyons, but Martin Herrick tragically drowned. Despite efforts to search for his body, Herrick was never recovered.

LOCATED BY & DATE #

Located by: Not specified; the wreck site has not been definitively identified in available records.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Tip Top wreck site. The exact location of the wreck remains unknown and is not marked on navigational charts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #

Due to the Tip Top being a missing wreck, it is not accessible to divers or researchers. The location remains unknown, and the condition of the wreck, if it still exists, is uncertain.