Built as a cargo vessel by James & Tarr, Essex, Mass, U.S.A. for O.E.Lewis
Launched as SHOE CITY.
Tonnage 547 gross, 403 net, dim. 132.6 x 30ft.
Powered by a 2-cyl. compound steam engine, 51 nhp., speed 8 knots.
A wooden one deck screw steamer.
1900 Completed.
Of she ever has sailed for this owner is doubtful already the same year was she sold to the United Fruit Co., Boston, U.S.A., renamed in SUNBEAM.
She was one of the pioneer vessels of the company. Diminsions then given as 140 x 35 x 10ft, crew 8 men.
1902 Sold to Lynn SE Co., Boston.
1904 Sold to People’s Steamboat Co., New London.
1905 Sold to American Board of Foreign Missions, Boston and renamed MORNING STAR (V).
1909 Sold to Northland SS Co., Seattle, then used as a cargo/passenger steamer in the Puget Sound.
1912 Sold to San Juan Navigation Co., Seattle.
1913 Sold to F. Waterhouse & Co., Seattle.
1920 Sold again to San Juan Navigation Co., Seattle, tonnage given then as 262 gross.
1923 Sold to Captain J.D. Gillmore, Port Townsend. To be used in the Star Navigation Co. service between Seattle, Port Townsend, Port Discovery and Port Angeles.
1925 Sold to Puget Sound Navigation Co. (Joshua Green), Seattle.
1928 Sold to Lake Washington Shipyards, Seattle.
The MORNING STAR was then removed from the U.S. documentation circa 1928 with the notation “abandoned”.
According Watercraft Philately was she bought in 1938 by Foss Towboat Co., Seattle, her engines removed and she was converted in a barge.
Marshall Islands 1989 45c sg236, scott?
Source: Register of Merchant Ships completed in 1900. Maritime History of the Pacific Northwest by McCurdy.