For Immediate Release: September 7, 2005
CANAL CORPORATION’S HISTORIC TUG URGER NAMED BEST VINTAGE TUG AT NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM TUG BOAT CHALLENGE
Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the historic Tug Urger was awarded the Best Vintage Tug Cup at the annual National Lighthouse Museum Tug boat Challenge held this past weekend, September 4, 2005, on Staten Island.
“The historic Tug Urger is a proud symbol of New York’s rich maritime
heritage and one of our most recognizable ambassadors for education and
interpretation of the historic Erie Canal,” said Mantello. “The Canal
Corporation is honored that the Urger has been recognized with such a
distinguished award.”
Celebrating over 100 years of service, the 1901 Tug Urger travels the historic New York State Canal System offering educational presentations to New York State’s fourth-grade students and participates in waterfront festivals during the summer months. In addition, the Urger offers boat tours and educates the general public on the history and development of New York’s famous waterway system.
The Urger was built by Johnston Brothers Shipyard in 1901 in Ferrysburg, MI as the Henry J. Dornboss for the VerDuin family. One of the finest vessels in the local fishing fleet, she was often used by the U.S. Lifesaving Service (a forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guard) for lake rescues due to her exceptional seaworthiness. In 1922 the Henry J. was acquired by the New York State Department of Public Works for service as a maintenance vessel on the new Barge Canal, and renamed “Urger.” From 1922 until her retirement in1986, she continued to serve as a maintenance vessel. In 1993, the State Council on Waterways began using the Urger to teach school children about and promote the New York State Canal System.
The Urger is a direct-reversing “bell boat.” This means that the engine has no transmission, and has to be stopped and restarted in reverse to stop or back up. The Captain of the vessel has no direct control of the engine, and must sound a series of bells and jingles in the engine room to alert the engineer. Originally steam-powered, the Urger is now powered by a 1936 Atlas Imperial diesel engine, representing first-generation diesel technology.
For more information about the Urger’s educational programs or public boat tours, call 518-471-5349 or visit the Canal Corporation’s website at www.canals.state.ny.us.
Dates and events are subject to change and are weather dependent.
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