The Dossin Great
Lakes Museum
provided the following
information on the
Steamer Topinabee:
Built in 1899 at Charlevoix, Michigan
Vessel # 145,809
Built with a wood hull
The vessel was listed as 16 gross tons and 13 net tons
64.9 feet long, 14.5 feet wide, and depth of 2.5 feet.
Renamed Pe-To-Se-Ga in 1911
Rebuilt in 1911
and rebuilt again in 1917.
Homeport changed from Grand Haven, Michigan to Erie, Pa
1920,
owner Joseph Divell.
The vessel was listed as abandoned for age in 1926.
Additional Information about the Topinabee (not from Dossin)
Built by the Beauvals' ship yards (Charlevoix)
Oak used was: Ohio White Oak
Engines used: Two Sutton Brothers (high pressure) Engines
Twin Screws
Screw Size: Three Feet in Diameter
Screw RPM: 400
Steam: Strictly non-explosive Dearing water tube boiler at 250 PSI
Polished Quarter-Sawed Oak was used in the
Cabin, Office, Closets, Pilot House, and the Upper Works
Open water speed: 12-14 MPH
Cost to build: $5,000 - $6,000
Licensed to carry 250 passengers
Telescoping Smoke-Stack (to go under bridges)
Hinged Pilot House (to go under bridges)
Lower Deck: Was carpeted in Moquette, had French Plate Mirrors in Panels, and could be "housed in" with Canvas in bad weather.
All seats were Upolstered
Stair Treads, Hand-rails, and Trimmings were made of Brass
There was a "Toilet Room"
An Orchestra was employed at times to play for the passengers.
The Crew, Officers and Orchestra were in Uniforms.