The SchoolCraft was a propeller steam screw vessel, launched on April 18, 1884, by Linn & Craig in Trenton, Michigan. Designed primarily for the lumber trade, the vessel was later adapted for transporting coal.
The Schoolcraft had a carrying capacity of 700,000 board feet of lumber and was equipped with a single propeller driven by a For-and-Aft Compound engine, which produced 500 horsepower at 80 rpm. The vessel’s robust design and adaptability made it a key player in the Great Lakes maritime industry during its 36-year service.
History
The SchoolCraft was initially owned by John C. Fitzpatrick and other investors from Cleveland, Ohio. The vessel was designed for the booming lumber trade of the late 19th century but later transitioned to coal transport as economic demands shifted. The ship changed ownership multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the maritime industry during that era. Notable owners included Thomas Nester, who acquired the vessel in 1887, and the Nester Lumber Company, which took over in 1910. Under Nester’s ownership, the SchoolCraft underwent significant upgrades, including a new steam scotch boiler in 1895, which extended the vessel’s operational life.
Throughout its career, the SchoolCraft was involved in several incidents. On August 18, 1910, it collided with the steamer Amazon on Lake St. Clair, causing the SchoolCraft to sink in shallow waters. The vessel was later raised and underwent repairs, allowing it to continue its service. Tragedy struck again on December 3, 1920, when the SchoolCraft caught fire while on Lake Ontario. The crew managed to beach the vessel at the lower end of Wolfe Island to save their lives, but the fire consumed the ship, resulting in a total loss. The hull was abandoned in Brackey Bay, marking the end of the SchoolCraft’s storied history.
Final Disposition
The SchoolCraft was destroyed by fire on December 3, 1920, and its remains were abandoned in Brackey Bay, Wolfe Island. The vessel’s legacy, however, lives on through historical records and the memories of its contributions to the Great Lakes maritime industry.
Current Condition and Accessibility
The remains of the SCHOOLCRAFT are believed to lie in Brackey Bay, Wolfe Island. Due to the vessel’s destruction by fire, the wreck is likely to be in poor condition, with only the lower portions of the hull potentially remaining submerged in 15 feet of water. The site is accessible to divers, but the extent of the wreckage may be limited.
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