Builders: D & W Henderson & Co 1880
Propulsion type: Two cylinder diagonal oscillating paddler
Owners: Frith of Clyde Steam Packet Co Ltd, Caledonian Steam Packet Co Ltd, Firth of Clyde Steam Packet Co Ltd, Turbine Steamers Ltd.
Service dates: 1880 - 1920
Tonnage: Gross 282
Comments:
Often referred to as the "Teetotal Boat", Ivanhoe was important in a number of ways. Launched in 1880, she was fitted to a high standard and was responsible for improving the accommodation for passengers in later boats. Her captain, Capt James Williamson, ensured she was kept scrupulously clean, with the crew maintained under strict discipline and dress codes. At that time, in the 1880's, it was not uncommon for passengers to be bothered by drunks who used the steamer's bar facilities to excess. This was hardly attractive to those wishing to partake of a pleasure trip and accordingly, Ivanhoe was run without alcohol being available with the intention that the temperance organisations would be the ship's main patrons. It was, however, the "moderate class of the community" who travelled on her and this included those who wished to take their families on a trip without the obvious intrusion of the lager louts of the day. In April 1894 she was chartered for cruises on the recently opened Manchester Ship Canal. For a picture of her during her brief sojourn in Lancashire, please click here. The charter was not a success and she returned very soon to the Clyde. In 1896 PS Ivanhoe was absorbed into the CSP Co and was licensed to fit in with the rest of the fleet. In 1911 she was sold again and was purchased by a company with almost the same name as in her teetotal days. It is for this company that she was sailing when the above card was sent on 2 August 1911. The card was posted at 3.30 pm at Rothesay and records a trip to the Kyles of Bute. She was finally sold to Turbine Steamers Ltd in 1914 and scrapped in 1920.