(1913) 1933 General Markham 1974
Steel St. Lawrence River canal size tanker
Built at Cleveland OH by American Ship Building Co., Hull 701
Launched June 21, 1913
261’ LOA, 250’ LBP, 43’ beam, 26’ depth
1 deck, arch cargo hold construction, oil-fired boilers, triple expansion engine, 1400 IHP
Enrolled at
250.0 x 43.0 x 26.0, 2487 GT, 1258 NT US 211610
Built for Standard Transportation Co., New York NY, a subsidiary of Standard Oil Co. (New York) as Radiant for off-Lakes service and left the Great Lakes upon completion
Renamed General Markham 1928
Sold 1933 to Cleveland Tankers Inc., Cleveland OH and returned to the Great Lakes.
Entered Great Lakes service 1933
Lengthened 1942 at Ashtabula OH by Great Lakes Engineering Works
Remeasured to 349.0 x 43.1 x 24.8, 3327 GT, 2457 NT
Renamed Rocket 1943
Operated at beginning of 1974 season but withdrawn from service shortly afterward when oil was found leaking into the lake from around her rivets
Sold for scrap 1974 to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne ON. Resold to Spanish shipbreakers.
Cleared Quebec QC July 8, 1974 with str. City of Green Bay towed by Polish tug Koral. Tow arrived Castellon Spain Aug 1, 1974
IMO 5298224
3302
Since it is Hallowen and all, spooky history on this boat, My grandfather was the Captian of the rocket starting in the 40’s for 14 years, he also died on this boat of a massive heart attack in the port of Onterio Cananda, (Captian Harry C. Gregg SR.)
If you have information to share I will be happy to share what I have, Cleveland Tanker paycheck stubs, etc, ship crew photo. stuff like that.
Thank you. Jon Gregg
I’ve checked the beginning of season captain and chief engineer appointments I have and if they are correct, this is the history on your grandfather:
His first announced master appointment by Cleveland Tankers Inc. was to the Orion in 1949. He was transferred to the Rocket in 1956, then to the Pleiades in 1957, then to the Mercury in 1960 and then to the Polaris in 1961. His last appointment was to the Polaris for 1963. I have histories on all these (as Edgewater for Orion).
I’m sure these assignments are changed during any season as captains get sick or go on vacation or vessels are laid up temporarily but this is the best I can find out as of now.
Sterling Berry
Would be interested in more info on Cleveland Tanker vessels. My father worked for CT from the late 40’s till he was killed on the M/V Venus, May 4th, 1972.
Its been two years to reply, but thank you very much on the information.
Would be interested in communicating with Jon Gregg. Can you ask him if I could have his email address?
I just ran in to this about Cleveland Tankers and their ships. My father Norman J. Rupp sailed for the from the 1950’s in to the 1980’s. Im just looking for any information. I took me on a trip on the Rocket 1965 from Kewaunee, WI to Muskegon, MI.
Thanks , much appreciated
Teresa Champeau.
Try asking your question on boatnerd.com. Click on Info Search. May be someone who visits that site (very many do) who could help you.
My grandfather, Calvin Radike, was Chief Engineer on the General Markham from ~1933 – ~1943 when he moved to The Meteor. If anyone can tell me where I can search for more detailed information to verify dates I’d appreciate it.
Sheryl Page