Unidentified Wooden Sailing Scow (Belly Dumper)

Vessel Identification and Site Information

  • Vessel Type: Wooden Sailing Scow (Belly Dumper)
  • Possible Identification: Likely the L.C. AND S. NO. 1 (unconfirmed), also speculated to be the Petro Barge
  • Location: East side of an island near Ivy Lea in the St Lawrence River
  • Depth: 121 feet (37 meters)
  • Discovery: Located by Mike Ryan & Chris McCartney in 2004
  • • Survey: Non-contact survey conducted by the Great Lakes Underwater Explorers Club, including Save Ontario Shipwrecks president Brian Prince

Vessel Description

The unidentified Barge is a wooden sailing scow, thought to be a Belly Dumper used for hauling and dumping material. Lying in 121 feet of water near Ivy Lea in the St Lawrence River, this scow was likely built in the early 20th century and potentially registered in Montreal, Quebec. The presumed build date is around 1908. Given its history, the scow is suspected to have served during the construction of the Thousand Islands Bridge in the 1930s, specifically to carry rocks and other material from the blasting of bridge foundations.

Historical Context

The scow is believed to have played a vital role during the construction of the Thousand Islands Bridge, completed in April 1937. Reports suggest that after its use, the Barge was intentionally submerged over winter and then Abandoned. Its rediscovery in 2004 has spurred local interest in its historical significance, as it is thought to be one of the few remnants of the bridge construction project.

The vessel’s possible identity as the L.C. AND S. NO. 1 adds intrigue, as this scow was registered in Montreal with a Gross Tonnage of 52.9 and underwent a Rebuild in Cornwall, Ontario, in 1906. Its registry was officially closed on October 4, 1937, a date that aligns with the Barge’s rumored abandonment after the bridge’s completion. The timing, location, and local stories suggest a link to this scow, though confirmation remains elusive.

Survey and Current Condition

The non-contact survey by the Great Lakes Underwater Explorers Club indicated that the scow remains largely intact. It shows wear consistent with prolonged exposure to underwater conditions, but its stability and structure have been preserved remarkably well. The team conducted a detailed visual inspection without making physical contact, a common practice to protect fragile, historic underwater sites.

Mystery and Speculation

The true identity of the scow remains unconfirmed, partly due to the lack of detailed records and its functional, short-term role during construction. However, the local lore and speculation surrounding the Barge, combined with timing and location, have fueled the belief that it could indeed be the Petro Barge or the L.C. AND S. NO. 1. The lack of formal documentation, coupled with local stories, highlights the challenges of underwater archaeology and maritime history, especially for vessels not built for longevity or under government contracts.

The Barge’s rediscovery has added depth to the history of the Thousand Islands Bridge construction, connecting this historical period to modern exploration and community heritage.

Identification and Final Disposition

The L.C. AND S. NO. 1 is currently the best candidate for identification based on its registration details and historical timeline. This Barge was documented as having gone out of existence in 1937, with its registry closed that October, matching the timeframe of the bridge’s completion and the Barge’s abandonment. However, without definitive records, its identity as the Petro Barge remains speculative.

Resources and Further Research Links

For those interested in further details and context on this vessel and other Great Lakes shipwrecks, the following resources offer valuable historical records and local collections:

  • Maritime History of the Great Lakes – An extensive archive for Great Lakes vessels, including records and articles.
  • Leeds County Museum Photo Collection – Local images and historical documentation related to the Thousand Islands area.
  • •Great Lakes Underwater Explorers Club – Survey of Ash Island Barge.
  • • Historical Records of Pratt Co. Montreal – Provides context on shipping and Barge construction in Montreal during the early 20th century.

Conclusion

The story of this unidentified sailing scow is a testament to the challenges of identifying and preserving historic vessels, particularly those associated with industrial or construction projects. Whether it is indeed the Petro Barge or L.C. AND S. NO. 1, this vessel adds a unique perspective to the history of the Thousand Islands Bridge and its surrounding communities. Its discovery offers a rare glimpse into the tools and methods used in significant infrastructure projects of the 20th century and underscores the critical role of historical preservation and community memory in piecing together maritime history.

Keywords: #UnidentifiedBarge #PetroBarge #IvyLea #StLawrenceRiver #ThousandIslandsBridge #UnderwaterSurvey #WoodenSailingScow #GreatLakesShipwreck #MaritimeHistory