F. D. Maynard, Bayfield, Wisconsin

Profile

F. D. Maynard was a prominent shipbuilder based in Bayfield, Wisconsin, during the late 19th century. Renowned for his craftsmanship, Maynard specialized in constructing wooden vessels tailored to meet the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping. His contributions to maritime commerce reflected the thriving shipbuilding industry in Wisconsin at the time, a hub for the construction of wooden schooners, barges, and other lake-faring vessels.

Key Contributions

• One of Maynard’s notable builds was the Gray Oak, a schooner-barge launched in 1885 in Bayfield, Wisconsin. This vessel played a significant role in the shipping of sandstone from the Apostle Islands, showcasing Maynard’s ability to produce durable, purpose-built ships.
• The TOURIST was a wooden propeller vessel built in 1888 by F. Maynard in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Designed to serve as a passenger and package freight carrier, the TOURIST was a relatively small vessel, measuring 65 feet in length and having a gross tonnage of 23 tons. She was one of the many vessels that contributed to the busy transportation network on Lake Superior during the late 19th century. Her propeller design made her a popular choice for various types of cargo and passengers, as the vessel was capable of navigating through the often-challenging waters of the Great Lakes, particularly in the northern regions of Lake Superior.

Community Impact: Shipbuilding in Bayfield, led by craftsmen like Maynard, provided employment and economic growth to the area. It supported the maritime infrastructure essential to the Great Lakes’ bustling trade routes.

The Shipyard at Bayfield

Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield, Wisconsin, became a strategic point for shipbuilding due to its proximity to abundant natural resources, such as timber and nearby quarries. Shipbuilders like F. D. Maynard utilized the local resources to construct vessels suited for Great Lakes commerce, which included both passenger transport and industrial shipping.

Historical Significance

The vessels constructed by F. D. Maynard and other Bayfield shipbuilders were integral to the Great Lakes’ maritime heritage. Maynard’s work contributed to the transportation of raw materials essential to the region’s economic development, while also representing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of wooden shipbuilding during the 19th century.

Legacy

While detailed records about F. D. Maynard’s life and other projects may not be as prominent, his association with vessels like the Gray Oak solidifies his place in Great Lakes maritime history. Shipbuilders like Maynard laid the foundation for the growth of maritime commerce and industry in the region, leaving behind a legacy visible in the stories of the ships that once sailed these waters.