Caddell Dry Dock and Repair
At the turn of the century, with the industrial revolution putting the finishing touches on the making of the modern world economy, a New York City shipyard was formed by John B. Caddell in 1903 that still thrives today. The enterprise was initially undertaken with the help of salesman Eugene Schuyler and an accountant, John Payne under the title, Schuyler, Payne, and Caddell Ship Repair Company, which would eventually evolve under an ownership consolidation into Caddell Dry Dock and Repair.
Initially the operation, located in the Red Hook district of Brooklyn, featured only a single dry dock. However by 1914, business had grown to necessitate only an additional drydock at the original facility but also a transfer of shipyard operations to a larger location. In 1915, John Caddell purchased a large former steamboat and excursion boat terminal at the foot of Broadway and Richmond Terrace, on the Kill von Kull side of Staten Island.
With a reputation for high quality labor at an affordable price, Caddell lured powerful clients such as Exxon Mobile and other oil magnates of the early 20th century. In 1925, at the age of 59 John Caddell retired from ownership, passing the majority of the company as well as control of day to day operations to his son, Leroy who joined the company after his discharge from the Navy following WWI. The younger Caddell expanded the operations at the site to include servicing for nearly any type of vessel from coastal schooner to small harbor tug boats. The oil transportation business remained the engine of the operation however, and even allowed the company to prosper through the great depression. The onset of WWII saw the yard servicing naval warships as well as commercial vessels. Leroy oversaw operations until 1966, when he transferred daily operations to his son, while still retaining the title of CEO and chairman. The new president hired general manager and close friend Ralph Merrill less than a year after absorbing control. In 1975, the company's current president, Steven Kalil, was hired as a carpenter's assistant, rising through the ranks to the level of manager. The yard continues to operate today, while gaining distinction in the community for restoring historic vessels.
The endurance of Caddell's Dry Dock and Repair through a 100+ years of service to the shipping industry is testament to the American dream held by the company's founder. It is also a great tribute to the hard work of the men and women who were the backbone of this company. Each day these workers encountered situations which may have been dangerous but forged ahead to ensure a job well done. It is with this in mind that we must remember that perhaps some of these workers could have been exposed to dangerous toxins while working on older vessels, many of which featured these toxins in their construction. One of the toxins more commonly found in ship construction is asbestos, a potentially life threatening carcinogen that attacks the respiratory operations of the body. A physician's diagnosis is required to understand how asbestos could have affected you, but it is important to speak with one if you think you may have been exposed, as symptoms can many years to manifest themselves.
Last modified: December 12 2007.
