Lake Sailors In '92

An excerpt from the March 31, 1892 issue of the "Marine Record," a publication which flourished near the close of the 19th century has been received from William F. Pidgeon, Lakewood, O., and with the penning of navigation in Oswego harbor this week, is particularly timely, Many of the names of Oswego sailing men mentioned are familiar to most Oswegonians.

The "Marine Record" was a weekly publication which dealt with marine news exclusively. It was founded in 1878 and went out of existence in 1902. It carried marine items from each port from Duluth and Chicago to Montreal, as well as news from each American ocean port and enjoyed wide circulation.

The following article was captioned "Oswego Marine, 1892." It read:

"The Marine engineers and Vessel masters of Oswego are preparing to leave here for the opening of navigation on the lakes.

"Monday night the engineers tendered the Vessel Masters a banquet in their pleasant rooms, "Snug Harbor," in which about 150 invitations were sent and accepted. Among those present were ex-Mayor Mitchell, Captain John Molther, U.S. Inspector of Hulls, Ex-Aldeermen Parsons and McGann, Editor George A. Glynn of the Utica Saturday Globe, Mr. H.H. Carrier, Kr., Mr. John K. Lynch and other well known citizens.

"Those who were unable to attend sent letters of regret. The banquet was served by William Wagner, the well known caterer, and the handsomely decorated tables fairly groaned under the weight of good things provided. The reception committee, consisting of Captain Timothy Heagerty, Captain Thomas McGuire, Harry Gallagher, Thomas Dorsey looked after the comfort of the guests in fine style.

"When the good things were disposed of, speeches and songs were in order. Peter Dougherty of the engineers association was toastmaster and set the ball in motion with one of those happy speeches, for which he is famous. "Our Canal Schooners" was responded to by Captain Patrick Woods and Doctor Lester took care of the "Medicine Chest.

Steam vs. Sail

"Steam versus Sail" was the theme discussed by Captain William Scott, who reviewed the important changes that have taken place in lake navigation in the last quarter of a century.

"Deeper Waterways to the Sea" was the theme discussed by Thomas Navagh. Frank Holland looked after the comfort of the ladies in his usual courteous manner.

"There were many informal speeches and Captain Frank Maguire, Captain Henry Miner and Michael Gordon sang several fine selections that drew forth hearty applause.

"Taken altogether, the banquet was one of the most enjoyable affairs held in the city in many years. Promptly at 12 o'clock the company arose and drank to the health of the Vessel Masters and Marine engineers.

"During the coming season Oswego men will command the following steamers and and sailing vessels: Steamer Charles S. Parnell - Captain Patrick Griffin; Steamer Monteagle - Captain William Griffin; Steamer Saxon - Captain Steve Murphy; Steamer Hecla - Captain Dan Hourigan; Steamer Arctic - Captain James Pappa; Steamer E.P. Ross - Captain Thomas McGuire.

Sailing vessels: Annie M. Peterson - Captain Charles Bough; George C. Boughton - Captain John Carr; Oliver Mitchell -Captain Matt Hourigan; Westside-Captain John McDowell; Madeline T. Downing - Captain Patrick Woods; Camanche - Captain Patrick Hurley; Mystic Star - Captain John Hurley; M.J. Cummings - Captain John J. Moltke; Willie Keller - Captain James Gibson; BargeMills of Ogdensburgh - Captain James Langan; Bradley of Detroit - Captain George Richards; W.H.Rounds of Toledo - Captain George Williams; Reuben Dowd of Toledo - Captain William Lennon; Moonlight of Cleveland - Captain Frank Maguire; C.A. King of Detroit - Captain Micael J. Pidgeon; Belle Hanscom, Detroit - Captain Byron Hawkins; John T. Mott - Captain George Blair.

Captain Patrick Hart and Çaptain Morgan Hart will again this season command tugs on the Chicago River.

The flowing have been engaged as engineers n the following steamers: Spencer Axtell, Steamer Monteagle; Jerry Moran, Steamer India of the Anchor Line; Frank Holland, tug E.P. Ross of Fair Haven; Robert Cronley, Steamer Gladstone of Cleveland; James Donovan, tug Wisconsin of Ashtabula.

To Work on Soo

The following have been engaged to go as Captains and Engineers of tugs doing contract work up in the Soo River: Captain Timothy Heagerty, Captain Thomas Joyce, Captain Larry Hart, Captain William Spencer, Captain A.L. Hubbard, Engineers: Harry Gallagher, Thomas Dorsey, John Mettingill, Michael Gordon, E.S. Manwaring and William Bishop.

There will be no changes in the tug fleet at this port. They will be commanded as last season, excepting the tug Eliza J. Redford. Captain John Blackburn recently purchased the interest of Captain Henry Featherstonehaugh and will be in command. George Ferris goes as engineer.

Captain Peter Cronley is to command the new steam yacht designed by Gardner of New York for Mr. W.B.Cogswell of the Solvay Process Works, Syracuse.This new aquatic wonder is guaranteed to run third miles an hour or no sale and should she come up to the expectations of the designer she will be one of the fastest steamers afloat.