Windsolite 1927 - 1947
Imperial Windsor 1947 - 1973
Cardinal 1973 - 1974

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Built by the Furness Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. of Haverton Hill, England as hull # 115. Launched on April 13, 1927 as WINDSOLITE for Imperial Oil Ltd. of Toronto, Ont. Dimensions: 256’ loa x 43’ beam x 18’ depth; 1930 GRT, 1196 NRT. Capacity 21,500 bbl. Powered by a 750 ihp triple expansion steam engine. Entered service on May 5, 1927.

The WINDSOLITE was renamed to IMPERIAL WINDSOR in 1947. Ownership changed in 1962 to Chargord Investments Ltd. but management remained with Imperial Oil. She last sailed for Imperial Oil in 1971 and was laid up at Sarnia, Ont.

In November of 1972 the IMPERIAL WINDSOR was purchased by Beauchamp Investments Ltd. of Corunna, Ont. and was sold again in early 1973 to Algonquin Shipping Corp. Ltd. of Montreal, Que. (Managed by Hall Shipping Ltd.). The vessel was renamed at this time to CARDINAL. On May 23, 1974 the CARDINAL was involved in a collision with the HENRY STEINBRENNER (3) in the Pelee Passage on Lake Erie. As a result of this collision, the CARDINAL was declared a constructive loss and the STEINBRENNER suffered $100,000 worth of damage. The CARDINAL made her way through the Welland Canal on May 26, and arrived in Toronto on May 27 to be laid up. On August 19, 1974 she was towed to the Strathearne Terminal at Hamilton, Ont. for scrapping by United Metals beginning in October, 1974 and completed in January 1975.

In the Welland Canal, date unknown.
(From the Ron Beaupre collection)

In the Welland Canal 1936.
(From the D. Mackie collection)

April 1, 1938 in The Welland Canal.
(From the D. Mackie collection)

Sailing loaded.
(From the Ron Beaupre collection)

At the Sun Oil loading dock. Conneaut and Calgarian in the background. November 20 1957.
(From the Terry McCullough collection)

Late 1950's.
(Photo by Imperial Oil Ltd. from the Jason LaDue collection)

Being broken out by a fish tug at Sarnia, Ont. March 21 1960.
(From the Terry McCullough collection)

On the Detroit River, 1961.
(Photo by Edward J. Morris)

Imperial Windsor and winter fleet at Sarnia, Ont. March 21 1962.
(From the Terry McCullough collection)

Clearing Sarnia, Ont. winter quarters. March 28 1962.
(from the Terry McCullough collection)

Loaded down.
(From the Russ Plumb collection)

Downbound at Mission Point.
(Photo by Tom Manse)

In the Welland Canal fall 1967.
(Photo by John McCreery)

Below Lock 2, September 6, 1969. New
(Photo by Skip Gillham)

Approaching the MacArthur Lock at Sault Ste. Marie 1969.
(Photo by Tom Manse)

In the MacArthur Lock at Sault Ste. Marie 1969.
(Photo by Tom Manse)

At Sarnia, Ont.
(From Boatnerd Archives)

Downbound light in the St. Marys River in 1970.
(Photo by Roger LeLievre)

Laid up at Sarnia, Ont. Summer of 1972.
(Photo by Terry McCullough)

At Sarnia, Ont. March 1973, laid up with fleetmates Imperial Sarnia, Imperial London and Imperial Collingwood.
(Photo by Roger LeLievre)

At Sarnia, Ont. March 1973, shortly after being sold to Algonquin Shipping Corp., Ltd. (Hall Shipping, Ltd., Mgrs.) of Montreal
(Photo by Roger LeLievre)

At the Dow Chemical dock at Sarnia, Ont. 1973.
(Photo by Terry McCullough)

In the St. Marys River May 1973.
(Photo by Roger LeLievre)

Stern view in the St. Marys River May 1973.
(Photo by Roger LeLievre)

Downbound St Clair River in 1973.
(Photo by Paul Michaels & Son courtesy of Brent Michaels)

Stern view October 1973.
(From the Marc Vander Meulen collection)

Being lowered in Lock 2 with a salty.
(Photo by Skip Gillham)

Approaching Lock 1, November 10, 1973.
(Photo by Skip Gillham)

News article of the Cardinal - Henry Steinbrenner (3) collision in Lake Erie from the Lorain Journal, May 24, 1974.
(From the Roger LeLievre collection)

Another news article of the Cardinal - Henry Steinbrenner (3) collision in Lake Erie from the Lorain Journal, May 24, 1974.
(From the Roger LeLievre collection)

After May 23, 1974 collision with Henry Steinbrenner (3).
(From the Terry McCullough collection)

May 26th 1974 transiting the Welland Canal after collision with Henry Steinbrenner.
(From the Paul Michaels collection courtesy of Brent Michaels)

Another view transiting the Welland Canal after collision with Henry Steinbrenner.
(From the Paul Michaels collection courtesy of Brent Michaels)

The ship's bridge wheel, stern wheel, porthole, and life ring from the Nautical Shop of Port Dover.
(Photo by Harry Gamble)

Close up of the life ring.
(Photo by Harry Gamble)

Another view.
(Photo by Harry Gamble)