IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Ivy was a wooden sidewheel steamboat constructed in 1874 in Montreal, Quebec, by G. Smith. With a gross tonnage of 76 tons and dimensions of approximately 100 feet in length, 19 feet in width, and a depth of 7 feet, the Ivy was designed primarily as a towboat. The vessel played an important role in towing operations along the waterways, assisting in the movement of goods and other vessels.
HISTORY: #
The Ivy began its service shortly after its construction in 1874, initially serving under various owners throughout its operational life. In 1877, W. G. Perley of Ottawa became the owner of the Ivy, utilizing the vessel in towing operations in the region. Later, in 1886, ownership passed to D. Murphy, also from Ottawa, reflecting the vessel’s continued significance in regional maritime activities.
The Ivy’s engine, which measured 26×84, was a key component of its power system, enabling the vessel to perform its towing duties effectively. Despite the importance of the engine, the specific manufacturer remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to the vessel’s technical specifications.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The Ivy met its tragic end when it was destroyed by fire in Hull, Quebec, Canada. The details surrounding the fire, including the exact date and circumstances, are not specified in the available historical records. The loss of the Ivy marked the end of its service on the waterways, highlighting the risks that wooden steamers faced, particularly from fires that could quickly engulf and destroy these vessels.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Ivy wreck have been identified.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides records and historical accounts related to the vessels of the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- Ottawa Historical Archives: For further research into the history of steamers like the Ivy and their impact on regional transportation.
CONCLUSION: #
The Ivy’s history as a sidewheel steamboat reflects the critical role such vessels played in the towing operations along the waterways of Quebec and Ontario during the late 19th century. Despite its relatively modest size, the Ivy was an essential part of the regional maritime infrastructure. The vessel’s destruction by fire in Hull, Quebec, marked the end of its operational life, but its legacy continues as a part of the rich tapestry of Canadian maritime history. The story of the Ivy serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by wooden steamers and the vital role they played in the development of the region’s transportation networks.
KEYWORDS: #
Ivy, Sidewheel Steamboat, Montreal Quebec, Ottawa, Hull Quebec, 19th-century maritime history, wooden shipwreck, fire, towing operations.
