Question: On Dec. 19, 1898, a major fire erupted south of the dam. The picture shows the aftermath of the fire. Can you identify the businesses? One of the businesses ended up having to move to Syracuse, where it became a major employer. What was it called while in Baldwinsville and what did it become when it moved to Syracuse?
Last week’s answer: Designed and built by John W. Haywood, the Anna Lee was named after his wife. Hailed as the first of its kind, the Anna Lee was launched into the Seneca River the evening of May 29, 1906, just in time for the new summer season.
John W. Haywood was an inventor who specialized in wagon design. He was the general manager of the Haywood Wagon Works, a large wagon manufacturing company located on the Baldwin Canal at the corner of Lock and East Genesee streets. While commercial wagons were his specialty, Haywood turned his creative mind to leisure pursuits, as well. In addition to the cruiser, he also designed and built a notable bobsled.
The Anna Lee was constructed on the banks of the Baldwin Canal near the wagon works during the winter of 1905-06. Haywood incorporated several innovative features into its design. The boat was constructed of sheet steel with heavily riveted joints. It was 46 feet long with a 10-foot beam. The entire hull was decked over creating a large enclosed cabin space below. The Gazette described the area as “being most conveniently arranged.” Sleeping accommodations with several spacious berths were located in the bow. The main cabin was located amidships and was described as “handsomely finished.”
The boat was powered by two Fox gasoline motors, each one having a reversible propeller and two six horse power cylinders.
The extensive deck allowed room for 75 passengers. The Gazette noted “the conveniences are such that a large party can be accommodated for a long cruise.” The Gazette concluded its account by describing the Anna Lee as “one of the most substantial, comfortable and serviceable boats in Central New York.”
Haywood was an active member of the Vagabondia Boat Club. The Anna Lee flew the club’s colors and was nicknamed “Vagabondia Annex.” The distinctive vessel was often seen plying the waters of the Seneca River with a large contingent of smiling guests aboard.
Contact Editor Sarah Hall at [email protected] or leave a message at 434-8889 ext. 310 with your guess by 5 p.m. Friday (please leave the information in the message; we are not generally able to return calls regarding History Mystery responses). If you are the first person to correctly identify an element in the photo, your name and guess will appear in next week’s Messenger, along with another History Mystery feature. History Mystery is a joint project of the Museum at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse and the Baldwinsville Public Library.
