Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== METEOROLOGICAL CHART OF THE GREAT LAKES SUMMARY FOR THE SEASON OF 1903 ----- No. 2, 1903. ----- by ALFRED J. HENRY AND NORMAN B. CONGER Prepared under direction of WILLIS L. MOORE, Chief U.S. Weather Bureau WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1904. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -3- STORMS OF THE YEAR. By ALFRED J. HENRY, Professor of Meteorology No widespread or destructive storms occurred during the year. On April 12 and 13 dangerous winds prevailed over the Upper Lake Region for an unusually long period. The weather during the summer months was uneventful, although a storm of somewhat more than ordinary sever- ity for the summer season passed over the lakes on July 17 and 18. Warnings were displayed for a number of storms of moderate energy in October, November, and the first part of December. The most important feature of the weather during the season of navi- gation was the cold spell which set in on November 15 and continued until the close of navigation. The Weather Bureau records for the last five years have been examined table shows the minimum temperatures ex- perienced at the principal lake stations from November 17 to December 10, during the five years, 1899-1903. It will be seen by an exami- nation of the table that the low temperatures experienced during Novem- ber were quite unusual. The weather of the first 10 days of December was not unusually cold, in fact very little colder than the correspond- ing period of 1902. The remarkable feature of the record is the fact that at no time during the twenty four days covered by the table did the day temperature rise much, if any, above the freezing point. The freezing point was reached every night, except on November 23d, 24th, and 25th, at the lower lake stations, where somewhat higher tempera- tures were recorded. [Note: table omitted from this transcription-L.T.] -------------------------------------------------------------------------- -4- ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATION AND LAKE LEVELS The precipitation during the season, November, 1902 - October, 1903, was generally in excess of the normal. The excess was greatest in the Lake Superior Basin, and was mostly in the form of rain. The snowfall in the Huron-Michigan basins was likewise considerably more than was recorded during the previous season. The summer rains in the several lake basins were heavy, especially during August. Fairly good rains also fell in September, except in the lower lake basins, where there was a marked deficiency. The record of lake levels, as determined by the United States engineers in charge of the lake survey, is given in Table 1. As may be seen by an inspection of this table, all of the lakes were considerably higher than during the preceding season. [Note: tables, p. 4 and 5 omitted from this transcription-L.T.] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -6- OPENING AND CLOSING OF NAVIGATION 1903. By NORMAN B. CONGER, INSPECTOR AND MARINE AGENT Navigation between Detroit and Cleveland was opened on March 18 by the steamer CITY OF DETROIT; but little ice was encountered. The ice began to move out of the Straits of Mackinaw during the lat- ter part of March, and by the 27th it was practically all gone. The first vessel to pass through the Straits was the steamer J. D. MARSHALL, bound down, at 5.15 a.m. The first vessel to pass through the canals at Sault Ste. Marie was the steamer CAPTAIN THOMAS WILSON, bound up, through the Canadian canal on April 9; the first boat bound down that passed through this canal was the steamer J. S. FAY, on April 11; the first vessel to pass up through the Poe Lock was the steamer H. B. NYE, on April 11, and the first boat down was the steamer SULTANA, on April 13; the first passage up through the Weitzel Lock was the schooner CHAMPION, on April 27, and the steamer OSCEOLA passed down on the same date. No serious obstruction was reported from any of the lakes from ice on the opening of navigation. The last passage through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie are as follows: American Lock--passed down, steamer L. C. SMITH, 4.20 a.m., December 10; up, wrecking tug FAVORITE, at 8 p.m., December 12. Canadian Lock -- down, steamer J. T. HUTCHINSON, at 3.05 p.m., December 11; up, steamer MONARCH, at 12.45 p.m., December 5. The last passage down through the Straits was the steamer RAMAPO, on December 9; the last passage into Lake Michigan were the car ferries PERE MARQUETTE 16 and 20, on December 24, en route for Ludington. The steamer MONARCH was caught in the ice at Sailors Encampment, St. Marys River, and the tugs FAVORITE, MERRICK, and SARNIA went to her assist- ance, releasing her on December 29. The tugs broke ice from 15 to 20 inches thick before reaching the steamer. The last passages up through the Detroit River were the ferries PERE MARQUETTE 16 and 20, on December 15. The left Port Huron December 20, reaching Ludington in safety. The last passage down was the disabled steamer J. T. HUTCHINSON, which left Detroit on December 15, and was met at the Limekilns Crossing by the ferries PLEASURE and PROMISE, which broke the heavy ice in the river and through the west end of Lake Erie to Southeast Shoal, where clear water was reached and the steamer pro- ceeded to Buffalo alone, the ferries returning to Detroit. Considerable difficulties from ice conditions were experienced by all vessels during the closing days of navigation. VESSEL PASSAGES AT DETROIT, MICH., DURING SEASON OF NAVIGATION The total number of vessels passing the port of Detroit during the season of navigation, as furnished through the courtesy of Postmaster F. B. Dickerson, Detroit, Mich., was 20,249. This is 2,576 less than for the season of 1902. WRECKS AND CASUALTIES DURING 1903 By NORMAN B. CONGER, INSPECTOR AND MARINE AGENT The season of 1903 closed with a record of one hundred and fifty-one vessels damaged to a greater or less extent; twenty-four became total losses and passed into history through stress of weather, and eighteen became total losses through causes other than weather. The estimated amount of losses for the season was $989,175, of which amount $447,775 was in total losses and the remainder in partial losses. The loss due to fog was $277,500, and the greatest amount in any one month, June, was $176,000. A comparison of the casualties on the several lakes shows that the greatest loss this season was $360,925 on Lake Michigan; the next greatest was $340,200, on Lake Superior; fol- lowed by Lake Huron with $129,900, Lake Erie --------------------------------------------------------------------- -7- $116,450, and Lake Ontario with $16,700. The loss this season due to weather conditions was considerably less than during last season. The number of lives lost through stormy weather during the season of 1903 was forty-nine, sixty-two less than last season; other causes, one hundred and eighty-seven; a total of two hundred and thirty-six, one less than the record of last season. By lakes the record was as follows: Lake Superior, weather, six; other causes, twenty-two. Lake Michigan, weather, eighteen; other causes, forty-nine. Lake Huron, weather, four; other causes, five. Lake Erie, weather, ten; other causes, fifty-two. Lake Ontario, weather, ten; other causes, seven. Lake St. Clair and connecting rivers, weather, one; other causes, fifty-two. The loss of life from other causes were mainly those due to the capsizing of small boats, falling from docks, vessels, etc. The greatest loss of life in any one disaster occurred with the foundering of the steamer ERIE L. HACKLEY, when eleven persons went down with the vessel. LAKE SUPERIOR The amount of total loss and damage to vessels through stress of weather and prevalence of fog or smoke, during the season of navigation was $340,200; of this amount, $197,000 was the estimated amount of total loss on five vessels; the remainder represents partial loss. The esti- mated loss due to fog was $35,500. Six lives were lost through weather conditions and twenty-two through other causes. The loss of life was less than during last season, and the total loss on vessels $55,800 less. The stranding of the steamer J. T. HUTCHINSON off Eagle River on her last trip down gave promise of a very costly wreck, but the fortu- nate release of the steamer by the seas made the loss a comparatively small one. The steamer reached Buffalo in safety and discharged her cargo. 1. April 30. - Steamer BELLE P. CROSS, with cargo of timber, stranded at Gooseberry River on north shore during northwest gale and became a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $9,000; cargo, $5,000, total $14,000. 2. May 1. - Schooner NELSON BLOOM lost part of her rigging and deck load of apples during norwest gale. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; cargo, $200; total, $700. 3. May 1. - Steamer H. D. COFFINBERRY was damaged to the extent of $500 during northwest gale off Ship Canal, but reached Houghton without assistance. 4. May 6. - Steamer L. C. WALDO stranded at Point Iroquois during foggy weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; released. 5. May 27. - Steamer ADMIRAL collided with steamer JAPAN off Two Harbors during fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $2,000. 6. May 27. - Passenger steamer JAPAN collided with steamer ADMIRAL off Two Harbors during a dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $7,500. 7. May 27. - Steamer WM. P. PALMER, ore-laden, stranded on Sand Is- land during a dense fog. Jettisoned part of cargo before being released. Estimated damage to vessel, $3,000; cargo, $2,000; total, $5,000. 8. May 27. - Schooner A. C. MAXWELL broke from towing steamer during gale about 30 miles off Portage Entry and received weather damages to the extent of $500. Towed into Dollar Bay. One life (Capt. Patrick Gordon) lost overboard. 9. July 4. - Passenger steamer BON AMI stranded 4 miles east of Iron River during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $10,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $15,000. Released July 9. 10. July 7. - W. H. GRATWICK, coal-laden, stranded near Ripley in foggy weather and was damaged to about $1,000; released. 11. July 25. - SONOMA stranded on Cedar Point during foggy weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,000. Released. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -8- 12. August 6. - Steamer E. M. PECK, ore-laden, stranded near White- fish Point during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,000; released. 13. August 27. - Steamer THOMAS DAVIDSON, ore-laden, stranded 5 miles west of Eagle River during dense fog. Released after jettisoning part of cargo. Estimated damages to vessel, $2,000; cargo, $500; total, $2,500. 14. August 30. - Schooner F. A. GEORGER, ore-laden, in tow of steamer ROBERT R. RHODES, was slightly damaged by heavy seas. 15. August 30. - Steamer ROBERT R. RHODES, ore-laden, received dam- ages during gale to about $500. 16. September 13. - Steamer A. A. PARKER, ore-laden, foundered off GRAND MARAIS during northeast gale. Crew rescued. Estimated value of vessel, $55,000; cargo, $10,000; total, $65,000. Total loss. 17. September 13. - Schooner MOONLIGHT foundered 12 miles off Michi- gan Island during a heavy gale. Crew rescued by towing steamer VOLUNTEER. Estimated value of vessel, $9,000; cargo, $6,000; total, $15,000. Total loss. 18. September 19. - Steamer WIECHE lost part of her deck load during gale on Lake Superior. 19. September 19. - Schooner ALICE B. NORRIS lost 250,000 feet of lumber during gale on Lake Superior. Estimated loss, $4,000. 20. September 19. - Schooner ANGUS SMITH water-logged and lost 50,000 feet of deck load of lumber during gale on Lake Superior. Esti- mated loss, $800. 21. October 6. - Schooner PRETORIA broke from towing steamer SULTANA during heavy weather; was picked up by steamers BOYCE and GRATWICK and towed to Sault Ste. Marie. Canvas and anchor lost. Estimated damage, $700. 22. October 22. - Schooner INTERLAKEN lost 300,000 feet of deck load of lumber during heave weather on Lake Superior. Estimated loss, $6,000 23. October 22. - Schooner SAVELAND, in tow of steamer GETTSYBURG, parted her line and stranded just east of harbor of Grand Marais and became a total loss. Crew rescued by life savers. Estimated value of vessel, $10,000; cargo of lumber, $6,000; total, $16,000. 24. October 24. - Steamer GORDON CAMPBELL broke steel arch during heavy weather on Lake Superior. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000. 25. October 26. - Steamer WM. F. SAUBER, ore-laden, foundered 30 miles northwest of Whitefish Point during a heavy gale. Two lives lost; remainder of crew rescued by steamer YALE. Estimated value of vessel, $75,000; cargo, $12,000; total, $87,000. Total Loss. 26. October 26. - Steamer COLGATE HOYT cracked a plate during a heavy gale and was damaged to the extent of about $1,000. 27. November 5. - Schooner CHECOTAH lost 120,000 feet of deck load of lumber during a gale on Lake Superior. Estimated damage to vessel nomi- nal; loss on cargo, $2,000. 28. November 30. - Steamer J. T. HUTCHINSON, flax-laden, stranded on reef near Eagle Harbor during heavy snowstorm. While lightering the cargo a northeast gale came on and the wrecking expedition left the steamer for the night. On returning the next day the vessel was found floating at anchor, having been released from the rocks by the seas. The steamer then proceeded to Buffalo under her own steam, being the last passage down the Detroit River and the last arrival at Buffalo. Cargo to be discharged there. Estimated damages to vessel, $30,000; to cargo, $60,000; total, $90,000. LAKE MICHIGAN During the season of navigation thirty-four vessels were more or less damaged through stress of weather, fog, or smokey conditions. There were eight total losses, the estimated amount of which was $130,275, and twenty-six partial losses amounting to $230,650. One total ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -9- loss was occasioned by fog. The total amount of damages due to fog was $156,000; the total loss this season was $189,925 greater than during last season. Eighteen lives were lost through weather conditions and forty-nine from other causes. More lives were lost this season than last. 29. April 15. - Steamer SARANAC reached Milwaukee with cabins stove in and other weather damages received during gale on Lake Michigan. Estimated damages to vessel, $25,000. 30. May 25. - Steamer CITY OF PARIS, coal-laden, stranded on North Point during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, about $1,500; cargo, $500; total, $2,000. Released. 31. June 25. - Steamer JOHN CRAIG laden with corn, stranded on Simmons reef dense fog and became a total constructive loss. Estimated value of vessel, $95,000; cargo, $45,000; total, $140,000. released and repaired. 32. July 18. - Steamer I. WATSON STEPHENSON had engines disabled off Kenosha during northwest gale and was damaged to the extent of about $3,000, beside the loss of deck load of lumber amounting to about $500; total loss, $3,500. 33. August 2. - Schooner TENNIE AND LAURA , with wood, capsized about 10 miles off Milwaukee during a squall and mate was drowned. Estimated value of vessel, $500; cargo, $500; total, $1,000. 34. August 6. - Schooner MARY LUDWIG, lumber-laden, water-logged during gale, lost deck load and was towed in. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; loss on cargo, $250; total loss, $750. 35. September 7. - Schooner R. KANTERS stranded near Manistique and "pounded" during storm. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; released. 36. September 7. - Schooner LA PETITE, cargo of slabs, waterlogged off Sturgeon Bay Canal, was towed toward shore, but finally stranded and became a total loss. Crew rescued by life savers. Estimated value of vessel, $2,000; cargo, $275; total, $2,275. 37. September 16. - Steamer WELCOME, light, stranded on a rocky bottom, about 2 miles above Charlevoix, during dense fog, and became a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $10,000. 38. September 29. - Steamer VENUS, ore-laden, stranded off Chicago during foggy weather. Released after lightering part of cargo. Esti- mated damage to vessel, $2,500. 39. October 3. - Passenger steamer ERIE L. HACKLEY foundered north of Green Island during a sharp southwest squall. Seven persons were res- cued the following day, after having clung to pieces of the wreckage about fourteen hours, and eleven persons, eight of whom were passengers, were lost. Estimated value of vessel, $2,500; cargo, $500; total, $3,000. Total loss. 40. Schooner H. W. SAGE, ore-laden, in tow of steamer SAMOA, was overcome by southwest gale and foundered between Poverty and Squaw is- lands. Crew rescued by towing steamer. Estimated value of vessel, $20,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $25,000. Total loss. [note: no date listed. Buffalo Evening News gives October 3] 41. October 7. - Schooner THREE SISTERS, salt cargo, sprung a leak during severe gale and was beached at Menominee. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; released. 42. Steamer Wotan suffered weather damages and lost part of cargo in storm, but reached Ludington. Estimated damage to cargo, $1,500. 43. October 8. - Tug JOHN LEATHEM became disabled off Grand Haven by heavy seas and was towed in. Estimated damages, $500. 44. October 16. - Schooner SWAN (small) stranded 3 miles south of Grand Haven during storm. Crew rescued by life savers. Estimated dam- age to vessel, $4,000. Released. 45. October 17. - Steamer NEW ORLEANS, coal-laden, stranded on White- fish Bay, south point, 10 miles north of Sturgeon Bay, during northwest gale, but was released after lightering part and jettisoning part of cargo. Estimated damage to vessel, $10,000; loss on cargo, $5,000; total, $15,000. 46. October 23. - Schooner ROUSE SIMMONS was damaged about $500 by pounding against piers at Charlevoix during storm. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -10- 47. October 30. - Steamer WAWATAM, ore-laden, stranded off Chicago during foggy and smoky weather and was damaged to the extent of about $1,500. 48. October 31. - Schoon ELGIN was struck by lightning off St. Helena Island, breaking mainmast and tearing up deck. Estimated damages to vessel, $500. She was towed into port. 49. November 4. - Steamer I. W. NICHOLS, ore-laden, stranded on Grays reef during severe gale, and was damaged to about $2,500. Re- leased. 50. Steamer WALTER L. FROST, with grain and merchandise, stranded on South Manitou Island and was scuttled to prevent pounding, but a south- east storm came up during wrecking operations and the steamer was aban- doned. Estimated value of vessel, $45,000; cargo, $30,000; total, $75,000. Total Loss. [note: no date given. Detroit Free Press gives November 4.] 51. November 5. - Schooner ROBERT HAWLETT, lumber-laden, water-logged during gale, but reached port. Estimated damages to vessel, $500. 52. Schooner A. T. BLISS, with cargo of stone, foundered about 10 miles off Ludington during gale. Crew rescued. Estimated value of vessel, $4,000; cargo, $500; total, $4,500. Total loss. [note: no date given. Port Huron Daily Times gives November 4.] 53. Passenger steamer Iowa tore hole in side while entering Racine during gale. Estimated damage to vessel, $500. 54. November 7. - Schooner S. B. POMEROY, lumber-laden, in tow of steamer A. WESTON, sprung a leak during heavy weather of Seul Choix Point, waterlogged, and lost part of deck load. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; loss on cargo, $1,000; total, $1,500. 55. November 19. - Steamer CHARLES STEWART PARNELL, with cargo of grain, stranded on east side of North Manitou Island. Released November 21 with nominal damages. 56. November 20. - Schooner MARS stranded on South Fox Island during gale, and later was stripped and abandoned as a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $3,000. Total loss. 57. November 21. - Steamer S. C. BALDWIN, lumber laden, towing two barges, was cut through by ice in Green Bay and sunk off Long Tail Point. Crew rescued by steamer GEORGIA. Wrecking operations have been abandoned for this season and she will probably become a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $5,000; cargo, $2,500; total, $7,500. 58. November 23. - Steamer PINE LAKE, lumber-laden, stranded on Garden Island during gale and lost 60,000 feet of deck load, but re- leased herself. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,500; cargo, $1,000; total, $2,500. Released. 59. November 25. - Passenger steamer HARRIET A. HART was damaged by ice in Green Bay to the extent of about $500. 60. November 26. - Steamer CORMORANT stranded on Simmons Reef during thick weather and storm, but released herself with nominal damages. 61. Steamer COMMODORE, with flour and merchandise, stranded on Simmons Reef during thick weather and storm. Jettisoned about 400 tons of cargo and released herself. Estimated damages to vessel, $5,000; loss on cargo, $20,000; total, $25,000. 62. Steamer GEORGE C. MARKHAM lost 60,000 feet of deck load lumber during heavy weather and gale. Estimated damage to vessel, $200; cargo, $1,200; total, $1,400. LAKE HURON The loss of vessel property during the season of 1903 was compara- tively small on Huron, and loss of life much less than the average. There were forty-one vessels damaged to a greater or less extent through stress of weather and prevalence of fog or smoke; four vessels became total losses and thirty-seven partial losses; the total losses amounted to $129,900, of which amount $57,300 was due to stress of weather and $42,500 to fog. There were four lives lost through weather conditions and five from other causes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -11- 63. April 16. - Schooner D. P. RHODES broke loose from towing steamer during gale off Thunder Bay and received nominal damages. 64. April 17. - Steamer TEMPEST was disabled during storm on Lake Huron and towed to port. Damages nominal. 65. Steamer E. F. GOULD was disabled during heavy weather and towed to Port Huron by tug CASTLE. Damages nominal. 66. April 26. - Steamer BRITON collided with schooner NORWAY off Lexington during dense fog. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000. 67. Schooner NORWAY (Canadian), in collision with steamer BRITON off Lexington during dense fog, was damaged to about $1,500. 68. May 6. - Steamer ALGONQUIN stranded on Outer Duck Island, Georgian Bay, in foggy weather, and sustained damages to about $2,500. Released. 69. May 19. - Steamer BLACK ROCK stranded 9 miles below Cheboygan during dense fog. Damages nominal. Released. 70. May 26. - Steamer PENTLAND during dense fog stranded on Bois Blanc Island, Straits of Mackinac, and was damaged to the extent of about $500. Released. 71. June 1. - Schooner LAKE FOREST received weather damages during squall to the extent of about $500. 72. June 6. - Steamer KENNEBEC, ore-laden, stranded on Bois Blanc Island during foggy weather. Jettisoned 1,000 tons of cargo and was released the 8th. Estimated damages to vessel, $10,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $15,000. Released. 73. June 6. - Steamer VENEZUELA stranded during dense fog on Gravel Island near Detour. Damages nominal. Released. 74. June 8. - Steamer GILCHRIST stranded on Corsica shoals during dense fog. Estimated damages to vessel, $5,000. Released 75. June 14. - Steamer VANDERBILT, with cargo of general merchandise, stranded at Nine Mile Point during thick weather; estimated damages to vessel, $1,000; released without lightering, on June 15. 76. July 4. - BARGE 118, up-bound without cargo, in tow of steamer ROMAN, stranded on Detour Light House Point during dense fog. She was released after considerable work, on June 21. Estimated damage to barge, $1,000. 77. July 25. - Steamer W. H. GRATWICK stranded on Corsica shoals during smoky weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $3,000; released. 78. July 26. - Steamer FRANCIS HINTON stranded in Pigeon Bay Cove during smoky weather, but was released with nominal damages. 79. July 29. - Steamer PANTHER stranded in Gravel Bay about 6 miles below Detour during foggy weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $5,000; released. 80. August 11. - Steamer ALBERT SOPER, loaded with cedar, stranded on Crab Island shoal during stormy weather; lightered and released. Esti- mated damage to vessel, $500. 81. August 21. - Steamer JOE MILTON (Canadian) stranded on shoal near Tobermoray, Georgian Bay. Passengers and crew rescued by tugs. Esti- mated damage to vessel, $1,500. 82. August 22. - Barge HECTOR (small) foundered in mid-lake off Saginaw Bay during heavy weather. Crew rescued from yawl by steamer MECOSTA. Estimated value of vessel, $500. Total Loss. 83. August 25. - Steamer A. D. HAYWARD lost deck load of lumber during heavy weather about 25 miles south of Detour. Estimated loss on cargo, $1,500. 84. August 28. - Steamer MONTANA strained arches and suffered other weather damages in a gale in mid-lake. Estimated damages to vessel, $2,500. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -12- 85. Steamer JOHN DUNCAN, ore-laden, sprung a leak during severe northeast storm and was beached near Harrisville. Crew taken off by life savers. Estimated damage to vessel, $7,500; cargo, $1,000; total, $8,500. Released. 86. Schooner MYSTIC STAR sprung a leak during a northeast gale and was towed to Alpena. Damages nominal. 87. September 15. - Steamer OLYMPIA, coal-laden, stranded in Thunder Bay during dense fog. Estimated damages on vessel, $5,000; loss on cargo, $1,000; total, $6,000. Released. 88. September 24. - Steamer GEORGE W. ROBY, ore-laden, stranded on Corsica shoal during foggy weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $2,500; cargo, $500; total, $3,000. Released. 89. September 26. - Schooner SENATOR sprung a leak during southwest storm and suffered weather damages to about $500. 90. Barge POLYNESIA had rudder twisted and sustained other weather damages during southwest storm. Estimated amount of damages, $500. 91. September 27. - Steamer ISABELLA J. BOYCE suffered weather dam- ages and lost part of deck load during westerly gale. Estimated damage to vessel, $500; loss on cargo, $1,500; total, $2,000. 92. Schooner FUNNY NEIL, in tow of steamer BOYCE, suffered weather damages and lost part of her deck load of lumber during westerly gale. Estimated damages to vessel, $500; loss on cargo, $1,500; total, $2,000. 93. October 10. - Steamer HARLEM became disabled during northerly gale and was towed to Port Huron. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,500. 94. October 18. - Steamer WYOMING (small), lumber-laden, became water-logged during heavy weather and was towed to Alpena, where she sank at the dock. Estimated damage to vessel, $500. 95. October 26. - Steamer COLUMBIA, coal-laden, water-logged during gale, and while being towed in stranded on bar off Au Sable. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,500. Released. 96. Schooner GRACE WHITNEY, coal-laden, broke from towing steamer SICKEN during northwest gale and stranded about 6 miles above Fort Gratiot. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,000; cargo, $500; total, $1,500 Released. 97. November 3. - Steamer NORWALK, light, stranded on Espanore Island during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $500. Released. 98. November 4. - Schooner JURA lost centerboard during northwest gale, and was damaged to about $500. 99. November 5. - Schooner NELSON BLOOM, coal-laden, stranded on rocks near Algoma Mills, Ontario, during gale, and was damaged to the amount of $1,500. Released. 100. November 12. - Steamer SEATTLE, lumber-laden, became disabled during southwest gale and stranded on Green Island, Georgian Bay, and became a total loss. Crew rescued by light-house keeper. Estimated value of vessel, $10,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $15,000. 101. Barge McVEA, lumber-laden, in tow of steamer NORSEMAN, lost deck load of lumber in Thunder Bay during southwest storm, valued at about $1,000. 102. November 17. - Steamer NEWAYGO, light, stranded on Devils Is- land, Georgian Bay, during snowstorm, and became a total loss. Nothing left standing but her engines when wreckers abandoned the wreck. Esti- mated value of vessel, $40,000. 103. November 29. - Schooner ISHPEMING, coal-laden, stranded on Black River Reef; has been abandoned, and will probably become a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $1,000; cargo, $800; total, $1,800. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -13- LAKE ERIE During the season of navigation twenty-four vessels were damaged more or less through weather conditions and prevalences of fog or smoke; six vessels became total losses, the estimated value being $57,700; eighteen were partial losses, estimated amount of damage being $58,750; the losses due to fog amounted to $32,500. Ten lives were lost through weather conditions and fifty-two from other causes. 104. June 1. - Steamer LaSALLE had forward cabin stove in and suf- fered other minor damages by heavy seas on Lake Erie. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000. 105. June 5. - Steamer FLEETWOOD, ore-laden, stranded on Wind Mill Point during smoky weather. Estimated damage to vessel, $4,000; released June 6. 106. June 5. - Schooner MORAVIA, ore-laden, in tow of steamer FLEET- WOOD, stranded on Wind Mill Point during smoky weather. Estimated dam- ages to vessel, $500; released. 107. June 8. - Steamer NIAGARA, cargo of wheat, stranded on Seneca shoal, 7 miles from Buffalo, during dense fog. Estimated damages to vessel, $3,000; total, $3,000; released after lightering 10,000 bushels of cargo. 108. Steamer JOHN PLANKINGTON grounded while entering Buffalo harbor during foggy weather; released with nominal damages. 109. June 11. - Schooner HORACE H. BADGER, coal-laden, driven by severe northeast gale on the east arm of the breakwater at Cleveland and, after pounding for about a half hour, foundered; crew escaped to breakwater and were rescued by life savers. Estimated value of vessel, $2,000; cargo, $1,200; total, $3,200; total loss. 110. June 13. - Steamer CHARLES H. DAVIS, with cargo of stone, foundered about 1,000 feet off the Cleveland Breakwater during northwest gale; one life (captain) lost; remainder of crew rescued by tug FRANK W. Estimated value of vessel; $5,000; cargo, $1,500; total, $6,500; total loss. 111. June 23. - Schooner DASHING WAVE, in tow of steamer RAND, sprung a leak during northeast squall; the crew jettisoned about 50 tons of coal, and vessel reached port in safety. Estimated damages to vessel, $500; cargo, $250; total, $750. 112. June 23. - Tug O. W. CHENEY was run down and sunk about 7 miles west of Buffalo by the steamer CHEMUNG; a heavy sea was running and thick fog prevailed; three lives lost. Estimated value of vessel, $7,000; total loss. 113. July 8. - Schooner GEN. FRANZ SIGEL, coal-laden, sprung a leak and foundered off Monroe piers during sever squall; crew took to rigging and were rescued by U. S. Lake Survey tug GENERAL WILLIAMS. Estimated value of vessel, $4,000; cargo, $1,500; total, $5,500; total loss. 114. August 20. - Steamer QUEEN OF THE WEST, ore-laden, sprung a leak and foundered off Fairport during northeast storm; crew rescued by steamer CODORUS, though one of the crew was badly injured by falling between the two vessels. Estimated value of vessel, $27,000; cargo, $6,000; total, $33,000; total loss. 115. August 24. - Tug GORDON BROWN stranded off Port Colborne during dense fog; released with nominal damages. 116. September 1. - Steamer VERONICA, ore-laden, stranded on rocks at mouth of Niagara River during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $300; released. 117. October 23. - Schooner JOHN MARKS, cargo of stone, sprung a leak and foundered off Kelleys Island during heavy weather; crew rescued by Marblehead life savers. Estimated value of vessel, $1,500; cargo, $1,000; total, $2,500; total loss. 118. October 23. - Steamer EDWARD S. PEASE was damaged by northwest gale about $1,000. 119. November 2. - Steamer BRANSFORD, ore-laden, stranded on bar off Erie during dense fog; released with nominal damages. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ -14- 120. November 2. - Steamer MATAAFA stranded near Point Abino during dense fog; released with nominal damages. 121. November 2. - Steamer C. W. WATSON stranded near Point Abino during dense fog; released with nominal damages. 122. November 3. - Steamer KANAWHA, cargo of corn, stranded on Grabel Point, 6 miles west of Port Colborne, during dense fog. Estimated dam- age to vessel, $17,000; cargo, $2,000; total, $19,000; released November 5. 123. November 12. - Schooner GEORGE G. HOUGHTON, without cargo, stranded on southeast point of Kelleys Island during heavy weather. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000; released. 124. November 12. - Tug PETREL stranded near outer range light off Sandusky during heavy weather and stove hole in bottom; crew escaped in lifeboat. Estimated damages to vessel, $500. 125. November 24. - Steamer PORTAGE, light, broke down 20 miles east of Cleveland during heavy weather; arches broken. Picked up and towed to Cleveland. Reported constructive total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $25,000. 126. December 5. - Steamer EXPENSE sunk at dock at Sandusky by ice. Estimated damages nominal. 127. December 5. - Steamer NORMA sunk at dock at Sandusky by ice. Estimated damages nominal. LAKE ONTARIO During the season of navigation there was one total loss and thirteen partial losses; estimated amount of total losses, $5,500; estimated amount of partial losses, $11,200; amount of damage due to fog condi- tions, $1,500. Ten lives were lost through weather conditions and seven from other causes. Seven lives were lost in the foundering of the schooner EMERALD. 128. April 6. - Schooner ANNIE FALCONER (Canadian) lost both masts and suffered other weather damages in mid-lake during storm. She finally reached Charlotte Harbor, but stranded going in. Crew was taken off by life savers. Estimated damages to vessel, $700. 129. May 1. - Steamer P. J. RALPH, coal-laden, while trying to reach Kingston and escape from severe northwest gale, stranded at Four Mile Point. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,000. Released. 130. May 1. - Schooner H. M. BALLOU (Canadian) stranded at Barrie- field during gale and was scuttled to prevent pounding. Estimated dam- ages to vessel, $500. Released. 131. May 4. - Schooner ACACIA (Canadian), coal-laden, ran over her anchor at Main Ducks, where she had anchored for shelter. Estimated damages to vessel, $500; cargo, $500; total, $1,000. Released. 132. May 29. - Schooner FRED CARNEY, coal-laden, in tow of tug SEYMOUR, parted tow line and stranded on Grenadier Shoals during north- west storm. Released with nominal damages. 133. June 6. - Steamer PUEBLO, light, stranded on Salmon Island, 5 miles from Kingston, during smoky weather. Released on following day with nominal damages. 134. June 21. - Steamer St. JOSEPH stranded on Ford Shoals, about 3 miles from Oswego, during foggy weather. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,500. Released. 135. August 30. - Steamer ORION sustained nominal weather damages and with twisted rudder returned to Dalhousie. 136. October 8. - Steamer HECLA, while trying to effect a landing at Cape Vincent, stranded on the submerged crib extension. Estimated dam- ages, $2,500. Released October 12. 137. October 19. - Schooner C. W. PECK, with cargo of empty barrels, stranded near Hopkins Creek during severe storm. Crew reached shore in small boat. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000. Released. 138. October 23. - Steameer OCEAN (Canadian) stranded at Oak Point, 8 miles east of Kingston, during heavy weather. Estimated damages to vessel, $2,500. Released. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -15- 139. November 12. - Steamer VICTORIA (Canadian) broke from moorings at Kingston, drifted across the channel, and stranded during severe storm. Estimated damages to vessel, $500. 140. November 29. - Schooner EMERALD (Canadian), coal-laden, founder- ed, probably off Coburg, during severe westerly gale and snow, carrying down her entire crew of seven men. Estimated value of vessel, $4,000, cargo, $1,500; total, $5,500. Total loss. CONNECTING RIVERS There were eleven partial losses on the connecting rivers, due to weather conditions, during the season of navigation. Estimated amount of damages was $25,000, of which amount $9,500 was due to fog. This does not include any accidents which have occurred in the Detroit River from the Limekilns to the mouth, or the estimated amount of damages from accidents caused by low water, cross currents. At the close of navi- gation considerable difficulty was experienced with ice at the lower portion of the Detroit River and west end of Lake Erie. 141. May 4. - Steamer NEW YORK collided with car ferry LANSDOWNE at Detroit during dense fog and was damaged to the extent of about $2,500. 142. May 6. - Steamer VIKING stranded on Round Island, St. Marys River, during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,000; released. 143. May 26. - Steamer HENRY S. HOLDEN stranded on Sweets Point, St. Marys River, during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $1,500; released. 144. June 6. - Steamer RINGLEADER stranded on Carleton Island, St. Lawrence River, during smoky weather. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000; released. 145. June 19. - Barge JOHN A. FRANCOMB stranded on Fighting Island, Detroit River, during dense fog and was damaged to the extent of about $2,000; released. 146. June 25. - Steamer CORONA, bound down, stranded on Round Island, St. Marys River, during dense fog. Estimated damage to vessel, $2,500; released. 147. July 15. - Schooner FRED CARNEY rolled out spars during squall on St. Lawrence River near Ogdensburg. Damages nominal. 148. July 23. - Steamer DOUGLAS rode over her anchor in shallow water in Lake St. Clair during easterly gale and was damaged to the extent of about $500. 149. October 23. - Steamer JOHN C. HOWARD, coal-laden, stranded on Mud Island, St. Lawrence River, during heavy northwest gale. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,500; released. 150. October 23. - Tug MARY P. HALL, towing schooner E. P. BEALS, stranded in St. Lawrence River four miles above Ogdensburg during severe northwest gale. Estimated damages to vessel, $1,000; released. 151. December 6. - Steamer SIBERIA, coal-laden, was cut by ice off Bar Point, Lake Erie, and began leaking, and sank in Lake St. Clair near Grosse Point; raised and repaired sufficient to proceed on journey to Milwaukee. Estimated damages to vessel, $10,000; cargo, $1,500; total, $11,500. LOSSES DUE TO OTHER CAUSES THAN WEATHER May 20. - Steamer PFOHL caught fire from lamp explosion in engine room when in mid-lake off Point Clark, and foundered. Crew escaped in lifeboats. Estimated value of vessel, $27,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $32,000. June 30. - Steamer THOMAS D. STIMSON, lumber-laden, caught fire in the St. Clair River and was scuttled and stranded off Riverside Club, St. Clair Flats; abandoned as total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $22,000; cargo, $7,500; total, $29,500. July 13. - Schooner CHAMPION, coal-laden, collided with steamer ROBERT W. E. BENSON in St. Clair River, below Algonac, and was sunk, becoming a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $5,000. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- -16- July 22. - Steamer WAVERLY, coal-laden, collided with steamer TURRET COURT about 5 miles below Harbor Beach. Crew escaped to schooner CROSTHWAITE; vessel towed to Harbor Beach; total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $25,000; cargo, $6,000; total, $31,000. August 8. - Steamer METROPOLE, cargo of staves, broke stern pipe and sunk in Lake Huron off Saginaw Bay. Estimated value of vessel, $8,000; cargo, $3,000; total, $11,000. August 30. - Passenger steamer PITTSBURG (Canadian) caught fire while lying at Sandwich Dock, Detroit River, and burned to water's edge, be- coming a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $60,000. September 15. - Tug CHAMPION caught fire and burned to water's edge while at anchor at Put-in-Bay, becoming a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $18,000. September 18. - Steamer JOE became disabled on Lake Michigan, off Holland, stranded at the entrance to Black Lake, and became a total loss. Estimated damages to vessel, $3,500; cargo, $2,500; total, $6,000. October 7. - Steamer ADVENTURE caught fire while lying at dock at Kelleys Island and became a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $2,500; cargo, $1,500; total, $4,000. October 9. - Steamer JOHN N. GLIDDEN, bound down with cargo of iron ore, collided with barge MAGNA and sunk diagonally across the lower end of the St. Clair Ship Canal; vessel removed by United States engineers. Estimated value of vessel, $33,000; cargo, $7,500; total, $40,500. October 15. - Steamer MARQUETTE, ore-laden, sprung a leak and foundered during nearly calm weather on Lake Superior off Ashland. Estimated value of vessel, $50,000; cargo, $65,000; total, $115,000. Total loss. October 26. - Tug SILVER SPRAY burned to keel in floating dry dock at Buffalo. Estimated value of vessel, $5,000. October 26. - Steamer ADVANCE (Canadian), with general cargo, caught fire and became a total loss at Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. Estimated value of vessel, $50,000; cargo, $50,000; total, $100,000. October 27. - Steamer MANHATTAN, wheat-laden, with disabled steering gear, stranded on reef near Grand Island, Lake Superior, caught fire, and became a total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $50,000; cargo, $65,000; total, $115,000. November 10. - Steamer ATLANTIC (Canadian), caught fire off Campbell Rock, Georgian Bay, and became a total loss; crew and passengers rescued. Estimated value of vessel, $32,000; cargo, $5,000; total, $37,000. December 4. - Steamer EMBURY, lumber-laden, caught fire and was beached on Grand Island, Niagara River; reported total loss. Estimated value of vessel, $12,000; cargo, $7,500; total, $19,500. The steamers J. EMORY OWEN and MINNESOTA caught fire and burned to the water's edge; as these vessels may be raised and repaired they are not entered in this record. [note: table of Total and Partial Losses omitted from this transcription.] ===========================================================================