Carrie Koch of Sandusky, Ohio

Carrie Koch of Sandusky, Ohio

Overview:

Carrie Koch of Sandusky, Ohio, was recorded as the final registered owner of the Dashing Wave, a wooden schooner-barge built in 1861. She acquired the vessel sometime in 1902, marking one of the last chapters in the life of this vessel, which had a long and varied history in the Great Lakes shipping industry.

Sandusky, Ohio, and its Maritime Significance:

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky was a prominent hub for the shipping and maritime trade of the early 20th century. The city played a vital role in the transport of coal, grain, and other goods, as well as in the distribution of lumber—a key cargo for vessels like the Dashing Wave. Carrie Koch likely operated the vessel as part of the regional maritime economy that was central to Sandusky’s prosperity.

Role of Carrie Koch in Maritime Operations:

• Ownership of the Dashing Wave:

Carrie Koch owned the Dashing Wave during the twilight of its operational life. By this time, the vessel had been converted into a barge and was primarily used in towing operations, likely transporting bulk goods such as lumber, stone, or other materials essential to the industrial growth of the region.

• Business Focus:

While specific details about Carrie Koch’s maritime business ventures are sparse, her ownership of the Dashing Wave indicates her active participation in the shipping industry. It was not uncommon for women in this era to own or manage vessels, often stepping into roles left vacant by male relatives or engaging in entrepreneurial ventures.

The Dashing Wave under Carrie Koch’s Ownership:

• Operational Use:

The Dashing Wave was employed in the transportation of goods across Lake Erie and potentially other Great Lakes routes during this period.

• Decline of Wooden Vessels:

By 1902, wooden schooners and barges were becoming increasingly obsolete due to the dominance of steel-hulled and steam-powered ships. Koch’s ownership likely represented the vessel’s final attempts at profitability in a changing industry.

Final Fate of the Dashing Wave:

On June 7, 1904, the Dashing Wave was officially abandoned, marking the end of its over 40-year history. By the time of its abandonment, the vessel had seen extensive use and numerous ownership changes, transitioning from a traditional schooner to a barge adapted for towing operations.

Historical Context of Female Shipowners:

• Carrie Koch’s ownership of the Dashing Wave reflects the presence of women in maritime industries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when it was uncommon but not unheard of for women to hold such roles.

• Women like Koch often managed vessels as business assets, contributing to the maritime economy through ownership and operational oversight.

Sandusky’s Maritime Industry:

• Sandusky was known for its bustling ports and access to trade routes connecting the Great Lakes. It served as a strategic point for shipping bulk goods such as coal, lumber, and grain, industries closely tied to the operations of vessels like the Dashing Wave.

• The city also housed shipyards and repair facilities that supported the maintenance of aging vessels, including schooners and barges.

Legacy:

Carrie Koch’s ownership of the Dashing Wave underscores the diverse individuals and enterprises involved in Great Lakes shipping at the turn of the century. Though the Dashing Wave was nearing the end of its useful life, it remained part of a critical industry that supported the region’s economic development.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed vessel records, including ownership transitions of the Dashing Wave.

2. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Comprehensive data on Great Lakes vessels and their final dispositions.

3. Sandusky Maritime Museum: Historical archives of Sandusky’s maritime history.

4. NOAA Great Lakes Shipwreck Database: Contextual information about abandoned and scuttled vessels.

Conclusion:

Carrie Koch’s brief ownership of the Dashing Wave represents the vessel’s final chapter in a rapidly evolving maritime industry. Her role as the last registered owner highlights the dynamic and often-overlooked contributions of women to Great Lakes shipping, particularly during a period of significant industrial and technological change.