Rideau Belle, 1895
The Rideau Belle was a steam barge built in 1885 in Kingston, Ontario. It had an official number of 88566. The initial construction of the vessel had the following specifications: it measured 85 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and had a gross tonnage of 89 tons. However, the Rideau Belle underwent two rebuilds during its lifetime.
In the first rebuild, which took place in 1886, the Rideau Belle was modified and its official number remained the same. It was equipped with a screw propulsion system. The specific dimensions of the vessel after the first rebuild are not provided in the available information.
During the second rebuild, the Rideau Belle continued to utilize a screw propulsion system. Its dimensions were recorded as 69 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and 6 feet in depth. The gross tonnage of the vessel at this stage was not mentioned.
Ownership of the Rideau Belle changed hands over time. It was initially owned by D. Noonan of Kingston in 1886. In 1893, ownership was transferred to E. & W. H. Fleming of Elgin, Ontario.
Shortly after its initial operation as a steam barge, the Rideau Belle was withdrawn for repairs. It underwent modifications, including the installation of a new after cabin and other necessary repairs.
Tragically, the Rideau Belle was destroyed by fire on December 3, 1895, while in its winter quarters in “West Bay” of Sand Lake. The exact circumstances leading to the fire are not provided in the available information. The final location of the vessel was near Davis Lock on the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada.
