St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
International Shipmasters' Association
The I. M. S. A. traces its origin to the Port of Buffalo, New York where, in the winter of 1886, the death of the first mate on the steamer "Boston" brought concern for his widow. The local masters and mates upon learning of the situation took up a collection and the Excelsior Marine Benevolent Association was created. This association was set up to establish an endowment fund to financially assist the survivors of the mariners who passed on.
Word of the Association's good works spread across the lakes. Lodges were formed in a number of ports. The first convention of all the lodges of the Association was held in Buffalo, New York in January 1891. At the third convention held in Port Huron, Michigan in 1893 the name of the organization was was changed to the Shipmasters' Association. Subsequently, the title International was added as it represents both the American and the Canadian seafarer.
In commemoration of the I. S. M. A. Centennial 1886 - 1986.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1891.
Location. 43° 9.337′ N, 79° 11.656′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. Marker can be reached from Welland Canals Parkway. Marker is affixed to the rear of the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St Catharines ON L2R 7K6, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Spring Tooth Cultivator (a few steps from this marker); Early Welland Canals (a few steps from this marker); Welland Ship Canal (within shouting distance of this marker); The Welland Canals and the St. Lawrence Seaway System (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipbuilding in Niagara (within shouting distance of this marker); William Hamilton Merritt 1793 - 1862 (within shouting distance of this marker); Horse Drawn Grape Hoe (within shouting distance of this marker); Bollards & Fairleads (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Catharines.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. International Shipmaster's Association marker series
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 378 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.