WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR., records

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0092

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

The WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. was built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ecorse, MI and launched in 1912. The items compiled here were acquired by the SNYDER's chief engineers between 1932 and 1980. A series of catalogs and one of briefer sales brochures illustrate the choices available to engineers purchasing equipment and parts, and a series of manuals provide the information needed to operate the purchased equipment. A final series containing log books provides information on the daily operations of the engines and boilers the engineers were responsible for maintaining.

Dates

Creation: 1932-1980

Extent

6.66 Cubic Feet (6 records storage cartons and 2 letter manuscript boxes)

Creator

Interlake Steamship Company (Organization)
Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company (Organization)

Scope and Contents

This seven cubic foot collection contains literature used to sell electrical and mechanical equipment to shipping companies operating marine fleets. The items compiled here were acquired between 1932 and 1980 by the succession of chief engineers serving on the WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR.

Instruction manuals for 1937-1980 provided engineers with technical information needed to effectively operate the valves, gauges, electrical appliances, and other devices used in vessel operations. These manuals were frequently sent to the customers after making a purchase from catalogs such as those in series 2 (3 cubic feet) for 1937-1980. Parts for motors and electrical systems were portions of the merchandise available from these catalogs.

Other sales literature of a briefer form directed customers to the manuals and catalogs, 1932-1979. Oil gauges, pumps, and other engine parts were advertised in these publications.

Log books for 1957-1980 provided a means of monitoring the equipment purchased for the WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. through daily observations of engine and boiler operations. Trip records for fuel consumption and lubrication oil use reflected the effectiveness of the equipment once placed in operation.

Vessel History

The WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. (US 209662) was built by the Great Lakes Engineering Works at Ecorse, Michigan, as Hull 83. The launch date was January 27, 1912. The original dimensions were a length of 590 feet, a width of 64 feet, 2 inches, and a depth of 34 feet, 2 inches. The original tonnage measurements were 8,603 gross and 6,650 net. These figures changed to 8,625 and 5896 after rebuilding work was performed in 1971.

The SNYDER, JR. was named for William Penn Snyder, Jr. Mr. Snyder was born in 1888 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and enjoyed a lengthy career in Great Lakes commerce including serving as president of the Shenango Furnace Company and the Snyder Mining Company. Snyder died in 1967.

The Shenango Furnace Company owned the WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. for most of its active sailing life from 1912-1967. The Interlake Steamship Company purchased the boat and used it from 1967-1971. The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company sailed the WILLIAM P. SNYDER, JR. for the years 1971-1983. The American Bulk Shipping Company of Los Angeles, California operated the boat fro 1983 until it was sent to Port Colborne, Ontario for scrapping in January 1988.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.