IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Loretta was a tugboat built in 1907 by Polson Iron Works in Toronto, Ontario. With a screw propulsion system and a modest size of 77 feet in length, this vessel was designed to serve the Dominion Government, primarily operating on the Rideau Canal. The Loretta was powered by an engine with specifications of 9-18×12, also constructed by Polson Iron Works.
HISTORY: #
The Loretta played a vital role in the maintenance and operation of the Rideau Canal. Every spring, local Jack Forrester was called back to work aboard the Loretta as it plied the waters of the canal, dredging and ensuring the waterway remained navigable. The vessel was part of an essential fleet that contributed to the upkeep of the Rideau Canal, a significant transportation route in Ontario.
The Loretta was a workhorse of its time, enduring years of service as it dredged and maintained the canal. Built with durability in mind, the vessel exemplified the robust construction standards of early 20th-century tugboats.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
After many years of service, the Loretta was eventually broken up. The exact date of its dismantling is not provided in the available records, but its contribution to the maintenance of the Rideau Canal remains a significant part of its legacy.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The Loretta was built in Toronto, Ontario, and primarily operated on the Rideau Canal. Its historical presence in the area is noted in various maritime records.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed records and historical accounts related to vessels operating in the Great Lakes and surrounding waterways.
- Marine Museum of the Great Lakes: Houses listings and scrapbooks that include references to the Loretta and other similar vessels.
CONCLUSION: #
The Loretta was more than just a tugboat; it was a crucial part of the Rideau Canal’s operational history. Its role in dredging and maintaining the canal ensured the continued use of this vital waterway. Although the Loretta has been broken up, its story is preserved in maritime records, highlighting the importance of such vessels in Canada’s industrial and transportation history.
KEYWORDS: #
Loretta, Tugboat, Rideau Canal, Polson Iron Works, Toronto, Dominion Government, Dredging, Canal Maintenance, Canadian Maritime History, Early 20th Century Tugboats.
