(Canadian Side-Wheel Steamer, later Diesel Propeller)
Registry: Canada | Official Number: C100662
Builder: George Thurston, Kingston, Ontario
Launched: Constructed in Glasgow, Scotland, shipped in pieces to Kingston; assembled and launched August 1871; registry first issued January 12, 1872 (Wikipedia)
Identification & Vessel Specifications
- Original Dimensions (1871): 114 ft length × 19 ft beam × 6 ft depth (Hull); Draft ~3 ft, ~120–133 gross tons; capacity approx. 550 passengers (Wikipedia)
- Hull & Materials: Composite—wood Hull over iron frame, reinforced steel understructure for durability (Wikipedia)
Vessel History & Modifications
- 1871–1895: Operated under name Maud for passenger and cargo service on Lake Ontario (Picton–Belleville route); powered by a 200 hp compound steam engine driving side paddlewheels (~13 mph speed) (Wikipedia)
- 1895 Rebuild: Reconfigured and enlarged at Kingston by Robert Davis; Rebuilt to 153 ft × 35 ft × 6.5 ft, approx. 553 gross / 287 net tons; renamed America (Wikipedia)
- 1899 Rebuild: Another refit recorded slightly different dimensions (153.16 × 33.16 × 6.33 ft); registered tonnage ~521 gross / 266 net (Wikipedia)
- 1921 Renaming: Became City of Midland, later known as Midland City; registry maintained under Canada, Official No. C100662 (Wikipedia)
- 1933 Rebuild: Converted from side-wheel Steamer to diesel-propeller propulsion; dimensions slightly adjusted: 149.16 × 22.16 × 6.33 ft, ~580 gross / 476 registered tons (Wikipedia)
Disposition and Wreck Site
- Final Fate: On May 7, 1955, Midland City was intentionally grounded at the mouth of the Wye River in Midland Bay, Ontario. She was set alight and burned to the waterline, then left in place to serve as a Breakwater for the Wye Heritage Marina (Wikipedia)
- Present Status: The Hull remains visible above water as part of the Breakwater and is accessible to snorkeling, diving, and visible in satellite imagery; over time parts have been filled and connected to shore, creating a short pier-like form (Wikipedia)
Historical Significance
Built originally for inland passenger service, the vessel had a remarkable 84-year operational lifespan, transitioning through multiple rebuilds and propulsion systems. Her sailing life ended deliberately in 1955 to form functional shoreline protection and public heritage interest.
Summary Table
| Phase | Name | Length × Beam × Depth (ft) | Gross / Net Tons | Propulsion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1871–1895 | Maud | 114 × 19 × 6 | ~120–133 gross | 200 hp steam side wheels |
| 1895–1921 | America | 153 × 35 × 6.5 | ~553 gross / 287 net | Steam side-wheel |
| 1921–1933 | Midland City | 153.16 × 33.16 × 6.33 | ~521 gross / 266 net | Steam |
| 1933–1955 | Midland City | 149.16 × 22.16 × 6.33 | ~580 gross / 476 reg. | Diesel propeller |
Research References & Further Resources
- SS Midland City entry and career history, vessel modifications, final grounding — Wikipedia summary with primary references (Wikipedia)
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes site coverage (referred therein)
- Local museum archives and newspapers (e.g., Huronia Museum, Midland Ontario) may hold contemporary photographs or articles on the 1955 event.
Conclusion
The vessel launched as Maud in 1871 stands out among Great Lakes steamers for her longevity and multiple conversions—from side-wheel Steamer to diesel-propeller Ferry. Her final conscious burning in 1955 at the Wye River mouth deliberately created a Breakwater, preserving her Hull as a static heritage relic visible to this day. This site now serves both practical and historical interest.
Let me know if you’d like access to period ship plans, newspaper clippings about the 1955 burning, or help contacting regional maritime museums.