The Alligator Tug

Photos by contributor Wayne Adam
with special thanks to the staff at the Norfolk County offices - Posted September, 2010

 

Plaque Location

The County of Norfolk
In Simcoe, inside the brick building south of
Argyle Street and Norfolk Golf, near the Alligator Tug W.D. Stalker
with access available during Alligator Tug events

Coordinates: N 42 50.260 W 80 18.020

Plaque Text

By the late 19th century, Ontario's lumber industry had harvested much of the timber from along its waterways. As lumbering moved further inland, it became increasingly difficult and expensive to move timber. The Alligator or Steam Warping Tug was invented by Joe Ceburn West to tow log booms cheaply and efficiently. The amphibious Alligator was driven by paddle wheels and used a winch to tow log booms and to pull itself over land from lake to lake. In 1889, West began manufacturing the tug in partnership with James Peachey and their Simcoe foundry quickly became the major producer of Alligators. By 1932, when they stopped manufacturing the tug, over 230 Alligators had been built. The lumber industry used the Alligator Tug throughout North America for many years.

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Posted February 24, 2010
The plaque is located inside the Alligator Interpretive Centre (the brick building beside the boat). The plaque sent out has a spelling error and it was decided not to put it back up until it is fixed.

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