IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The R.R. Foster was a wooden steam barge constructed in 1912 in Ottawa, Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 135 tons, the R.R. Foster was designed for transporting goods, materials, or equipment along the waterways of Ontario and Quebec. Powered by a screw propulsion system, which utilized a propeller for movement, the vessel was typical of steam barges of its time, providing essential services for commercial and industrial operations along rivers, canals, and other water routes.
HISTORY: #
Upon its completion in 1912, the R.R. Foster was initially owned by the Rideau Canal Supply Co., which likely used the vessel for transporting supplies and materials along the Rideau Canal and other connected waterways. The vessel played a crucial role in the transportation infrastructure of the region, contributing to the movement of goods necessary for economic development during the early 20th century.
In 1921, ownership of the R.R. Foster changed hands, with the vessel coming under the ownership of R.R. Foster, based in Ottawa. It is unclear whether the vessel’s new owner was an individual or a company bearing the same name, but the change in ownership suggests that the steam barge continued to be a valuable asset for transportation and logistical operations in the region.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The specific details of the R.R. Foster‘s operations, incidents, or final disposition are not provided in the available historical records. As a steam barge, it likely served its owners by transporting various types of cargo along the waterways, contributing to the region’s economic activities. The absence of detailed records about the vessel’s later years leaves some uncertainty about its ultimate fate.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the R.R. Foster 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 steam barges like the R.R. Foster and their role in regional maritime activities.
CONCLUSION: #
The R.R. Foster was a typical steam barge of its era, built to serve the transportation needs of the Rideau Canal and other connected waterways. As a vessel with a gross tonnage of 135, it was well-suited for carrying various types of cargo essential for the economic development of Ontario and Quebec. Although detailed records of its later years and final fate are lacking, the R.R. Foster remains a part of the rich tapestry of early 20th-century maritime history in the region.
KEYWORDS: #
R.R. Foster, Steam Barge, Ottawa Ontario, Rideau Canal Supply Co., Screw-Propelled Vessel, 20th-century maritime history, wooden ship, transportation.
