NYS "Urger" Turns 110
A tugboat that has plied the waters of New York's Canals for nearly eight decades years turns 110 today, according to the New York State Canal Corporation. The tug Urger is the oldest state vessel operating on New York's waterways. Originally christened the Henry J. Dornbos, the vessel was operated by the Verduin family on Lake Michigan for 20 years. Due to her unparalleled seaworthiness, the vessel was occasionally used by the U.S. Lifesaving Service (a forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard) for rescues on the lake. In 1922, the vessel – given the eponymous name Urger in recognition of her new duties – entered into service in New York as a maintenance tugboat on the recently completed Barge Canal, "urging" scows and barges along in conjunction with dredging and other maintenance activities. She remained in active, everyday operation until 1986 when she was retired from her regular maintenance duties. It now functions as a floating museum and a classroom for schoolchildren.