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CGhe Detroit Marine Historian VOLUME 11, NO.4 MARINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF DETROIT ROR KK RRR ROR OK OK OK OK KK ROK KR ROR ROK OK OK KOK ROR OR KOK OK KOK KK THE MATHEWS FLEET by John H.Bascom DECEMBER, 1957 The BRUNO Photo, courtesy Ivan S.Brookes The Mathews Fleet was founded in 1856 by James Mathews of Toronto. The partnership of J. and J.T.Mathews continued until 1902 when James Mat- hews retired. In the same year A.E.Mathews, a son of the founder, formed Mathews SS.CO. with his brother J.T.Mathews. The latter soon withdrew from the Company and in 1905 A.E.Mathews made the firm a limited Company. Due to financial difficulties around 1910 it became necessary to dispose of several vessels to the Merchants Mutual Line of Montreal. During the early Twenties A.E.Mathews was associated with James Playfair of Midland in several different shipping ventures, including the return of the famous "Wolvin" canallers to lake trade (See DMH v.11, n.3). The association with Playfair lasted for a short period only When the Depression made itsel? felt in 1929 Mathews SS.Co. ran in- to financial troubles and several fleet units were sold to other owners. “The firm became insolvent in 1932 and a receiver was appointed. During 1932- 1933 the fleet was operated in connection with Toronto Elevators, Ltd. (Upper Lakes & St.Lawrence Trans.Co.) In 1933 Colonial Steamships, Ltd., formed by Capt.R.Scott Misener and associates, was the successful bidder when the remaining units of the fleet were offered for sale.