Wiarton (1907, Steam-Powered Lake Freighter)

Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Wiarton (1966–1971)
  • Original Name: Thomas Lynch
  • Type: Steam-Powered Lake Freighter
  • Owner (1966-1971): Upper Lakes Shipping Company, Canada
  • Build Details: Year Built: 1907  Builder: Constructed in Chicago, Illinois
  • Measurements: Length: 183.2 metres (601 feet) Propulsion: Steam-powered
  • Final Disposition: Sold for scrap in 1971.
  • Hulled and scuttled in Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, along with steamers Grovedale and Henry R. Platt Jr., to create a breakwall.

History

Early Life: Thomas Lynch (1907–1966)

Built in Chicago in 1907 as the Thomas Lynch, the vessel spent its early career as a steam-powered freighter operating on the Great Lakes, transporting bulk cargo such as coal, grain, and ore.  The Thomas Lynch served various owners during its career, adapting to the demands of Great Lakes commerce during the 20th century.

Ownership by Upper Lakes Shipping (1966–1971)

In 1966, the vessel was acquired by the Upper Lakes Shipping Company, which renamed it Wiarton in honour of the small Ontario town of Wiarton.  The town of Wiarton, located on the shores of Georgian Bay, held personal significance for the company, as many of its sailors and officers hailed from the area. During its tenure with Upper Lakes Shipping, the Wiarton continued to serve as a lake freighter, transporting bulk materials vital to regional industries.

Final Disposition

Retirement: By 1971, the Wiarton had reached the end of its serviceable life. Scrapping and Scuttling: The vessel was sold for scrap and towed to Hamilton, Ontario, where it was scuttledalongside two other retired steamers, the Grovedale and the Henry R. Platt Jr. The three vessels were used to create a breakwall in Hamilton Harbour, repurposing their hulks to protect the shoreline.

Significance

Honouring Wiarton, Ontario The vessel’s renaming reflected the maritime heritage of Wiarton, a small town with strong ties to the shipping industry and the sailors who worked on Great Lakes freighters.  Naming vessels after small communities was a common practice in the Great Lakes shipping industry, fostering a sense of pride and connection between ships and their namesake towns.

Role in Upper Lakes Shipping

As part of the Upper Lakes Shipping Company fleet, the Wiarton contributed to the company’s reputation as a major operator of lake freighters during the mid-20th century. Upper Lakes Shipping (1931–2011): This privately owned Canadian company maintained a significant presence on the Great Lakes, operating a fleet of freighters that transported bulk materials. The company’s assets, including its fleet, were sold to Algoma Central in 2011.

Environmental Reuse

The scuttling of the Wiarton and its companion vessels for a breakwall represents a common practice of repurposing retired ships to serve new functions, reducing waste and contributing to infrastructure projects.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Wiarton, originally built as the Thomas Lynch, served for over six decades as a key component of the Great Lakes’ bulk shipping industry. Its time with the Upper Lakes Shipping Company highlighted its legacy as a working freighter and its connection to the Ontario town of Wiarton. Its final role in forming a breakwall in Hamilton Harbour ensures that the vessel continues to serve a protective purpose long after its retirement.