Smith, Wilbert L.

1903                                  Wilbert L. Smith                                  1946

Steel Great Lakes bulk freighter

Built at Lorain OH by American Ship Building Co., Hull 325
Launched June 30, 1903

400’ LOA, 380’ LBP, 50’ beam, 28’ depth
1 deck, hold beams, 11 hatches @ 24’, coal-fired boilers, triple expansion engine, 1500 IHP

Enrolled at Cleveland OH July 20, 1903(#3)
380.0 x 50.0 x 28.0, 4319 GT, 3039 NT     US 200067     to:
American Ship Building Co., Cleveland OH (home port Cleveland OH)

Reenrolled at Cleveland OH July 23, 1903 (Temp #4) to:
United States Transportation Co., Cleveland OH (home port to Oswego NY)

Entered service 1903

Permanent enrollment at Oswego NY May 16, 1904 (#8)

Wilkinson fleets merged 1911 into Great Lakes Steamship Co., Cleveland OH

Cargo hold rebuilt 1914 to arch construction

Traded in 1943 with four other vessels of the fleet to U. S. War Shipping Administration, Washington DC on the purchase price of strs. J. Burton Ayers and J. H. Hillman Jr.  Operated during World War II by Great Lakes Steamship Co.

Laid up end of 1944 season at Erie PA

Sold for scrap 1946 to Steel Company of Canada.  Towed to Hamilton ON Dec 1946 and scrapped there.

 

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2 thoughts on “Smith, Wilbert L.

  1. My Grandfather., J C O ‘Brien was a Steward on this Ship. Do you. have any other records on her?

    • I’ve got nothing more on her but I remember her well from back when she was sailing. I remember no incidents of note. She was a very ordinary kind of vessel for her day, did her work quietly and was always a joy to see when she passed on the river.

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