1922 John A. Kling 1982
Steel Great Lakes self-unloading bulk freighter
Built at Manitowoc WI by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Hull 204
Launched Aug 5, 1922
450’ LOA, 430’3” LBP, 56’ beam, 30’4” depth
1 deck, arch cargo hold construction, hatches @ 12’, coal-fired boilers, triple expansion engine, 1600 IHP
Enrolled at
438.3 x 56.2 x 28.4, 5412 GT, 4003 NT US 222512 to:
Rockport Steamship Co., Sheboygan WI (home port Fairport OH)
Entered service Oct 2, 1922 clearing Manitowoc WI light for Rockport MI
Lengthened 1940 at Manitowoc WI by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co.
Remeasured to 546.3 length and 6825 GT, 5417 NT
Transferred 1964 to Reiss Steamship Co.
Converted to diesel engine 1966 at Sturgeon Bay WI by Christy Corporation
Remeasured to 6829 GT, 5413 NT
Fleet sold June 1969 to American Steamship Co., Buffalo NY (Fleet managed by Boland & Cornelius but continued as a subsidiary under its former name.)
Sold 1981 to Dale Transports Ltd., Mississauga ON, Westdale Shipping Ltd., Mgr. and renamed Leadale (2)
Enrolled Canadian at 548.0 x 56.0 x 28.0, 8332 GT, 5750 NT Can 800249
Ran on concrete dolphin Dec 7, 1982 while backing away from her dock at Thorold ON after unloading a cargo of salt and sank at the dock. Vessel considered not worth the cost of repairs.
Sold for scrap 1983 to Marine Salvage Ltd., Port Colborne ON and scrapped at Port Colborne.
IMO 5173113
See history in Scanner Nov 2005 (#295)
Also in Great Lakes Ships We Remember III p. 207
2202
Worked in galley during the summer of 1966. Wonderful and memorable summer experience. I remember being in Kay’s Lighthouse Bar in Indiana Harbor with Richard Speck the night he killed multiple nurses. I never actually saw Speck but several of the older crew members with whom I was with vividly recalled seeing him. I wished I had had a camera to record a most enjoyable time of my life. Sorry to read the Kling was scrapped. Also had a laundry bag from the Edmund Fitzgerald picked up during a laundry exchange in the Detroit River. Any alums out there? Please respond to my posted email address.
I have recently acquired the ships bell from the John A. Kling greats lake freighter that was launched in 1922 and scrapped in 1983. The bell was saved from the ship prior to it being scrapped but unfortunately the clapper and hardware to hang the bell was not. I am hoping to locate suitable hardware that will allow the bell to ring again. Once I have the hardware, I know I can build a stand to hold the bell.
The bell is solid brass and weighs approximately 50lbs. It is 10” tall and 14” wide at the bottom of the bell. The hole on the top of the bell is approximately 2” wide.
Please let me know if you can assist me in locating hardware suitable to replace the missing parts. Also, I am in the process of researching the ship and not finding much information. If you are aware of any resources for locating information or pictures of old freighters, I would appreciate any leads.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
I suggest you put this message on the Information Search on boatnerd.com.
I’m sure there are a bunch of people there who would be delighted to help you with the bell.
As for the pictures etc., there are others who can point you in the right direction.
My dad was the chief engineer on this ship. When I was a child, I spent a few weeks on the ship during the summer months. I have memories of the bell ringing, the fog horn sounding, the engine running and water splashing as we traveled from port to port.
I know the Klings after which the ship was named. Does the bell have the “Kling” name on it?
i have a life ring off the John kling, i know i carried stone and rock to the mackinaw bridge in 1957 when they were building it
I sailed on the Kling in 1979. I have a number of 35mm photos. Would be happy to correspond and share whatever I can with you.
What job did you have on the Kling? I was on about the same time. Gateman.
This ship was named after my great grandfather, John Adam Kling who started the Cleveland Builders Company. My parents even took an overnight trip on it back in the fifties. My father was named after my grandfather. So he’s John A. Kling ll. I sure wish our family had that bell.. so cool!
My grandfather was Chief Engineer of the John A King in the 1940’s. I would like to get a small piece of the Kling as memorila.