Identification & Site Information
- Name: H.C. Leroy (often referred to as “Leroy”)
- Former Names: None recorded
- Official Registration Number: Not documented in available records
- Date Built & Launched: Exact date unknown; operational in the early 20th century
- Measurements: Specific dimensions not documented; capacity for 110 passengers suggests a vessel of moderate size
- Date Lost/Decommissioned: Not specified; presumed retired or dismantled mid-20th century(Facebook) assumption buried under bridge during land reclamation
Vessel Type
Passenger Steamboat(historicsoduspoint.com)
Description
The H.C. Leroy was a square-sterned Steamboat, colloquially known as a “pickle dish” due to its distinctive shape. Designed for passenger transport, she could accommodate up to 110 individuals. The vessel was a familiar sight on Sodus Bay, serving both residents and tourists during the early 1900s.(historicsoduspoint.com, Facebook)
History
Operated and captained by Henry DoVille of Sodus Point, the H.C. Leroy played a significant role in the local maritime activities of the early 20th century. Steamboats like the Leroy were integral to the transportation network of the time, facilitating movement across Sodus Bay and connecting communities along its shores. The vessel’s design and capacity indicate it was well-suited for short-distance travel, catering to the needs of both daily commuters and leisure passengers.(Facebook)
Final Disposition
There is no documented evidence of the H.C. Leroy’s sinking or catastrophic loss. Given the lack of records, it is presumed that the vessel was decommissioned and dismantled as newer transportation methods emerged and the demand for Steamboat services declined.
Located By & Date Found
No known wreck or remnants of the H.C. Leroy have been discovered to date.
NOTMARs & Advisories
- Obstructions: None reported related to the H.C. Leroy.
- Navigational Advisories: No specific advisories pertaining to this vessel.
Resources & Links
- Steamboats on Sodus Bay
- Wayne County Historical Society Facebook Post(historicsoduspoint.com, Facebook)
Conclusion
The H.C. Leroy stands as a testament to the era when steamboats were the lifeblood of communities along Sodus Bay. While specific details about the vessel’s construction and ultimate fate remain elusive, its contribution to the region’s maritime history is undeniable. Further research into local archives and historical societies may yield additional insights into the vessel’s operational years and eventual disposition.
Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms
- Keywords: H.C. Leroy, Sodus Bay steamboats, Henry DoVille, early 20th-century maritime transport
- Categories: Historical Vessels, Great Lakes Maritime History, Passenger Steamboats
- Glossary Terms:
- Square-sterned: A vessel design where the Stern (rear) is flat and squared off, common in certain steamboats.
- Pickle dish: A colloquial term used to describe the distinctive shape of some steamboats, resembling a pickle dish.(Facebook, historicsoduspoint.com)