Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Kelderhouse, J.
- Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Buffalo, New York
- Dimensions: 64.2 ft (19.5 m); Beam 15.8 ft; Depth of hold 6.8 ft
- Registered Tonnage: 43 gross register tons / 21 net register tons
- Location: Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, NY
- Official Number: 76 567
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The J. Kelderhouse is classified as a wooden propeller tug/towboat, a type of vessel commonly used for towing and harbor operations in the late 19th century.
Description
Built in 1884, the J. Kelderhouse was a wooden tugboat measuring 64.2 feet in length, with a beam of 15.8 feet and a depth of 6.8 feet. It was powered by a high-pressure single-cylinder engine and a firebox boiler, both manufactured in Buffalo, New York.
History
The operational history of the J. Kelderhouse spans from 1884 to 1907. Initially active in Buffalo harbor, it sustained significant fire damage while docked in 1890. It continued operations under the Maytham Tug Line until it stranded near Dunkirk, New York, in 1907, leading to its dismantling.
Significant Incidents
- 1884–1890: Active in Buffalo harbor and towing services.
- 1890, June 20: Sustained significant fire damage while docked at Heffert’s Dock, Buffalo.
- 1899–1900: Continued operations under Maytham Tug Line; suffered minor fire damage at Buffalo in May 1900.
- 1907, April 24: Final incident—stranded near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie; subsequently dismantled.
Final Disposition
After stranding on April 24, 1907, the J. Kelderhouse was dismantled piece by piece. No wreck remains are present, as the vessel was not left submerged or abandoned underwater.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As there are no remains of the J. Kelderhouse, there are no diving opportunities or wreckage to explore.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”j-kelderhouse-us-76567″ title=”References & Links”]
The J. Kelderhouse serves as a historical example of late-19th-century wooden tugs, reflecting the operational hazards of steam propulsion and the practices of vessel dismantling during that era.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Identification & Vessel Details
- Vessel Name: Kelderhouse, J.
- Official Number: 76 567
- Year Built: 1884
- Built At: Buffalo, New York
- Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat
- Engine & Machinery:
- High-pressure single-cylinder engine (19″ × 21″, ~300 hp @ 130 rpm) by Bell Engine Works, Buffalo
- One firebox boiler (6′ 8″ × 13′ @ 110 psi) by M. Riter, Buffalo
- Dimensions: 64.2 ft L × 15.8 ft beam × 6.8 ft depth
- Tonnage: 43 gross register tons / 21 net register tons
Operational History
- 1884–1890: Active in Buffalo harbor and towing services
- 1890, June 20: Sustained significant fire damage while docked at Heffert’s Dock, Buffalo
- 1899–1900: Continued operations under Maytham Tug Line; suffered minor fire damage at Buffalo in May 1900
- 1907, April 24: Final incident—stranded near Dunkirk, New York, Lake Erie; subsequently dismantled
Wreck Details & Fate
- Incident Date: 24 April 1907
- Location: Lake Erie, near Dunkirk, NY
- Cause: Stranded (specific cause not detailed—likely grounding or collision)
- Disposition: Dismantled after stranding; no wreck remains
- Salvage: Removed piece by piece; not left submerged or abandoned underwater
Historical Significance
- Kelderhouse, J. represents a robust class of late-19th-century wooden tugs central to harbor and coastal towing operations
- Her multiple minor fires (1890, 1900) reflect the operational hazards of steam propulsion in port environments
- The 1907 stranding near Dunkirk and subsequent dismantling demonstrate practices of the time: vessels deemed uneconomical to repair were taken apart rather than refloated
Research & Documentation Opportunities
- U.S. Life-Saving Service Logs (1907): Dunkirk-area station logs may detail the grounding event or any crew rescues (lighthouseantiques.net, archives.gov)
- Dunkirk Local Media: Archives of the Dunkirk Evening Observer or Buffalo Courier from April–May 1907 likely contain reports on the stranding, salvage operation, and any advisory issued
- Harbor & Vessel Records: Maytham Tug Line and Buffalo harbor records may list details on the event and eventual dismantling
Keywords & Categories
- Region: Dunkirk / Buffalo, Lake Erie
- Vessel Type: Wooden propeller tug/towboat
- Cause of Loss: Grounding/stranding—dismantled, no wreck
- Casualties: None known
- Build Year: 1884
- Loss Year: 1907
- Fate: Removed—no wreckage or diving interest remains