A.B. Drake and M.M. Drake New York

A.B. Drake of Dunkirk, New York

Overview: A.B. Drake was a prominent maritime owner and businessman in Dunkirk, New York, during the mid-to-late 19th century. Known for investing in Great Lakes shipping, Drake was associated with various vessels, including steam barges and propeller-driven ships. His ventures primarily focused on the transportation of bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal, and lumber, which were essential for the burgeoning industries around the Great Lakes region.

Vessels owned or operated by:

• The CITY OF PORT HURON, originally named DULUTH, was a wooden passenger ferry characterized by her robust construction and rounded design. She was well-suited for ferrying passengers over short distances and was admired for her reliability and charm. Her primary function was to serve as a ferry, first between Cleveland and Euclid Beach, and later connecting other ports, including the bustling areas of Mackinac Island and the St. Clair River.

A.B. Drake was one of the notable owners of the City of Port Huron after its initial service. Under Drake’s ownership, the vessel was used extensively for freight transport, highlighting its role in supporting regional trade.

M.M. Drake and Associates of Buffalo, New York

Overview: M.M. Drake was another influential maritime figure from Buffalo, New York. By the late 19th century, Buffalo had become a key hub for Great Lakes shipping, and individuals like M.M. Drake were instrumental in managing fleets of cargo vessels to meet industrial demands.

Vessel Ownership:

After its tenure with A.B. Drake, the City of Port Huron came under the ownership of M.M. Drake and other stakeholders in Buffalo. The ship continued to serve as a bulk freighter, transporting materials like iron ore—a critical commodity for the steel industry.

Business and Maritime Significance

Both A.B. Drake and M.M. Drake were part of a network of entrepreneurs who capitalized on the Great Lakes’ strategic importance for industrial transport during the 19th century. Their investments in vessels like the City of Port Huron reflect the economic priorities of the time, with a focus on efficient transportation of bulk goods to support manufacturing hubs in the United States and Canada. Their operations contributed to the development of ports such as Dunkirk and Buffalo, which became vital nodes in the Great Lakes shipping network.

Connection to Maritime Incidents

A.B. Drake: Involvement in vessel management during a time when Great Lakes navigation was fraught with risks, including storms, groundings, and collisions.

M.M. Drake: Oversaw the operations of vessels like the City of Port Huron until its eventual sinking on September 4, 1876. The loss of the vessel highlighted the challenges of overloading and structural integrity in wooden steam barges.

Legacy

The efforts of A.B. Drake and M.M. Drake in vessel ownership and operations exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit that drove the expansion of Great Lakes shipping. Their investments not only supported industrial growth but also left a lasting impact on the maritime history of the region.The City of Port Huron, as one of the vessels owned by these individuals, remains a significant artifact of this era, reflecting both the innovations and the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation.

Further Reading

• David Swayze Shipwreck File: Contains records of vessels owned by A.B. Drake and M.M. Drake, including operational details and incidents.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Documents the contributions of key maritime figures and their fleets.
• Buffalo Historical Society Archives: Offers insights into Buffalo’s role as a shipping hub and the activities of maritime entrepreneurs like M.M. Drake.

Both A.B. Drake and M.M. Drake exemplify the entrepreneurial drive that shaped Great Lakes shipping, marking their place in the maritime legacy of the 19th century.