A Dredge Roll Call – Contracts 1 and 4

So far, I have identified nearly 40 dredges of various types that were used to build the NYS Barge Canal between 1905 – 1918. Most of these were given a name, but not all. So here is a roll call.

Contract 1 – The Peconic and the Pontiac dipper dredges.

There were two sister dredges built for Contract 1 on the Hudson River, dredge No. 1 and No. 2. They were also given the names Peconic and Pontiac, but so far I have not been able to say which was which.

The dredge loading a scow at Crockers Reef.
This is the Pontiac. Note the rear leg that was used to anchor the dredge against movement as the dipper dug into the ground.
Here is Dredge 2 looking all new and spiffy.
Contract 4 – The Oneida, Ontario, Owego and a grapple.

The Oneida and Ontario were steel-hulled hydraulic dredges designed by Lindon Wallace Bates, either the senior or junior. Both were well know Civil Engineers of the period. Lindon Bates Jr., was in charge of the engineering firm that held the contract.

The dredges were designed to fit through the Enlarged Erie Canal locks so they could move from place to place, however the dredges were found to be too tipsy, so side pontoons were added to help with the stability.

The dual cutter-heads were quite unique for the project and the photographer took a lot of images of them. The cutters proved not to be suitable for the work and the dredges were refitted in 1909.

Lindon Wallace Bates Jr., died in the sinking of the Lusitania.

The Ontario at work digging a new channel. Note the dual smokestacks for the duel pumps.
The Oneida at work.
We get a look at the dual cutters of the Ontario. These would later be replaced with a single cutter.
A close up of the Lindon W. Bates designed cutters.
A rare look at the controls of the Ontario.

The Owego was a smaller hydraulic dredge used for softer materials. This is the only image I have found so far.

This small “orange-peel” dredge is only seen in silhouette. The name orange-peel describes the bucket in use. These would be used for small tasks around docks and piers.