Passenger ship.
Details of Site Location: In its lost state, this ship is buried beside the former Polson Ironworks at the east end of Toronto Harbour.
Boundary History: The precise boundaries of the space occupied by this craft and what remains of it, can be determined only by excavation.
Current Use of Property: The property is currently used for industrial purposes and shipping.
Historical Description: Knapp’s Roller Boat is the most unusual of ships ever to be built in Toronto’s shipyards or boat works. It was built in 1897 in the Polson Ironworks and Shipyards on the isthmus not far from the foot of Frederick Street. It cost $30,000, a high price to have paid for its very short life. The ship consisted of two metal cylinders, one inside the other. The inner cylinder remained stationary and carried passengers. The outer cylinder was 110′ long and 22′ in diameter with tapered ends, and was powered by two large engines. The outer cylinder rolled over the water like a big log. On a clear day it could go five miles per hour, but wind or waves. rendered it useless. After a couple of maiden voyages, clearly the system would not work effectively and the boat was scrapped. It was buried at the Polson site during redevelopment of the waterfront where Lakeshore Boulevard and Alloy Metal Sales meet. F.A. Knapp, designer of the ship, had absolutely no success with his craft and amassed costs at every turn.
Relative Importance: This ship is important as a potential archaeological resource and should be remembered for the innovative design, which never achieved refinement through repeated tests and changes.
Planning Implications: Stinson and Moir have recommended a major archaeological dig at this location, a project that deserves full support. Full excavation of this coal fired vessel should allow for analysis by marine design experts, and detailed measured drawings should be made if there is insufficient material remaining for any form of restoration of either the whole or its, parts.
Reference Sources: Jeffery Stinson and Michael Moir, Built Heritage of the East Bayfront (1991); Sally Gibson, More Than an Island – A History of Toronto Island (1984).
Acknowledgements: Maps Project; Ontario Archaeological Society, Toronto Branch.