Boat Building – Kitts & Chandler's Yard

Wherever building or improvements are in progress, the journalist finds a ready field for his pen. When the engine has performed its labor, when the hammer and the saw have been thrown aside, and the paint has dried upon the hulk of a vessel, then the people desire to read of the new-born craft, and the press finds it legitimate sphere. Our readers cannot fail to be interested in whatever relates to the property or industry of Oswego. If they will go with us to Kitts and Chandler's ship yard, situate at the East Cove, we will endeavor to tell them what is going on there. They need not leave their easy chair in so doing, and all the exertion necessary on their part will be to carefully pursue the Advertiser.

There seems to be little room for anything more at this yard. Beside the mill in daily operations, every available corner is occupied with timber, logs or some kind of boat material. The dry docks are full of vessels, some of them undergoing transformation from rude looking, sea beaten hulks, to crank appearing, sea worthy crafts.

In February last the keel of a new vessel was laid, upon which work has been actively in progress up to the present time. She was modeled by Mr. Brower Morgan and Mr. William Brown. It is believed that no vessel of her shape was ever before built in this city. She is of the largest size that can pass through the Welland Canal. Nothing, but the very best timber, is used in her construction and every spike is driven with the utmost care. It is not intended that one gale or two shall disable her, and we advance the opinion that when once in the water she will not soon be on the ways for repairs. Already boat owners have a sly eye upon her, she seems to sit so gracefully upon the stocks. Elevator men see in her a capacious depository for grain, and conjecture as to the fortunate owner. Still the work of bringing her into life goes rapidly forward. She will be finished sometime during the coming summer.--

We do not hesitate to say that she will be as staunch a craft as ever left Oswego harbor.

In the dry dock at this yard we notice the schooner Traveler of Detroit, which has been entirely timbered anew, and now the paint is just being applied to her sides. She is owned by parties in Detroit, who we think show good sense in having her repaired in Oswego. Also the schooner Theodore Perry, owned by Messrs. Keller & Lynch is being thoroughly repaired and will soon be ready for the reception of a cargo. The Emue owned by Messr Lyons & Finney, is nearly ready to be cast off, having undergone a complete rejuvenation. A number of other craft are awaiting the attention of Messrs Kitts & Chandler.

Mr. Wm. H. Wilmot, the Foreman of the yard, understand how to build a vessel, as well as Mr. Morgan knows how to model one. They unite their labors, and vessels are builded. To Mr. Wilmot we are under obligations for many civilities while visiting the yard. We are sure that Messrs. Kitts & Chandler are very enterprising builders, and shall anxiously await the launch of the craft we have mentioned.