Identification & Site Information
Vessel Type Description
The vessel, originally named Florence, was a wooden-hulled, single-deck propeller ship primarily used for general transportation and propulsion tasks on the lakes. It was equipped with a screw propulsion system powered by a 13-horsepower for-and-aft compound engine, along with a 160-pound steam Scotch boiler, both manufactured by Jno. Inglis & Sons in Toronto. The ship was designed for smaller-scale operations, ideal for navigating the waterways of Ontario.
History
Construction and Early Years (1901 – 1908):
The Florence was built in 1901 at Mortimers Point, Ontario, by Alfred Mortimer. Initially measuring 82.4 feet in length, with a beam of 13.2 feet, the vessel was used primarily for transportation and propulsion on Ontario’s lakes. Its small size and versatility made it an essential asset for various tasks during its early years.
First Rebuild and Renaming (1908 – 1909):
In 1908, the Florence underwent a significant rebuild by William Robinson in Huntsville, Ontario. This rebuild altered its dimensions to 94 x 19.42 x 7.42 feet, and its gross tonnage increased to 167, with a net tonnage of 103. The following year, in 1909, the vessel was renamed Mohawk Belle, reflecting its new role and perhaps a change in ownership or purpose.
Second Rebuild and Later Years (1913 – 1964):
The vessel was rebuilt again in 1913 by William Robinson, this time in Muskoka, Ontario. The rebuild adjusted the vessel’s measurements slightly and redefined its tonnage to 76.25 gross and 51.85 net. The Mohawk Belle continued to serve in its capacity until it met with disaster later in its life.
Final Fate:
The vessel, after years of service and multiple rebuilds, eventually met its end when it burned out and became a hulk. The remains of the ship were scuttled near Bigwin Island, located in Lake of Bays, Ontario. This event marked the end of the Florence/Mohawk Belle’s service life. The vessel’s final registry was officially closed on January 27, 1964.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The remains of the Florence, now known as the Mohawk Belle, lie in the vicinity of Bigwin Island in Lake of Bays. The exact depth of the wreck is not specified, but it remains a potential site for exploration by divers interested in Ontario’s maritime history. Given the vessel’s history of burning, it is likely that only the lower portions of the hull and other fire-resistant elements may remain intact.
Points of Interest:
- Hulk Remains: The wreck likely includes the lower hull and other components that survived the fire before the vessel was scuttled.
- Engine Components: Given the historic nature of the engine, remnants of the Jno. Inglis & Sons engine or boiler may still be found at the site, providing insight into early 20th-century marine engineering.
Resources & Links
- Google Maps Location: Link to location on Google Maps
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link to Great Lakes Maritime Resources
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: Link to David Swayze Shipwreck Resources
Conclusion
The Florence/Mohawk Belle is a testament to the evolution of small, versatile vessels that served Ontario’s lakes during the early 20th century. With its multiple rebuilds and eventual tragic end, this ship’s story is a fascinating chapter in the region’s maritime history. The remains of the vessel near Bigwin Island in Lake of Bays continue to offer a glimpse into the past for those who seek to explore it.
