H. E. Rynnels of Port Huron, Michigan

Overview:

H. E. Rynnels was a maritime entrepreneur based in Port Huron, Michigan, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Port Huron, strategically located at the southern end of Lake Huron and the entrance to the St. Clair River, was a major hub for Great Lakes shipping. Rynnels was involved in the ownership and management of vessels, including the schooner-barge Dashing Wave, which he acquired in 1899.

Role in Maritime Industry:

H. E. Rynnels likely operated as a vessel owner and possibly a freight contractor, capitalizing on Port Huron’s central role in Great Lakes shipping. His activities would have included managing vessel operations, securing cargo contracts, and maintaining maritime assets.

• Base of Operations:

Port Huron was a thriving shipping and industrial center, home to shipyards, freight companies, and transportation networks that connected the Great Lakes with inland markets.

• Key Vessel Ownership:

The Dashing Wave, a wooden schooner-barge built in 1861, was one of Rynnels’ notable assets. By the time Rynnels acquired the vessel, it had already been rebuilt as a barge and was primarily used for towing in the lumber and general cargo trades.

Historical Context:

During Rynnels’ tenure in the maritime industry, the Great Lakes shipping economy was transitioning from sail-powered schooners to steam-powered vessels. Port Huron, with its bustling waterfront and proximity to lumber and industrial hubs, was a prime location for maritime businesses.

• Challenges of Ownership:

Owners like Rynnels faced challenges such as maintaining older wooden vessels, adapting to new technologies, and navigating the seasonal risks of Great Lakes navigation, including severe storms and ice hazards.

• Lumber Trade Connection:

The lumber industry was a dominant force in Great Lakes shipping during this era. Schooners like the Dashing Wave were often repurposed as barges for use in towing operations, a cost-effective method for transporting large quantities of lumber.

Legacy of the Dashing Wave under Rynnels:

• By the time Rynnels owned the Dashing Wave, the vessel had undergone significant modifications, including its conversion to a barge.

• It continued to serve in the lumber trade and other cargo operations until its eventual abandonment in 1904. Rynnels’ ownership period was part of the vessel’s later years, reflecting the declining use of wooden barges in an era dominated by steel-hulled and steam-powered ships.

Port Huron’s Maritime Significance:

Port Huron’s location at the confluence of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River made it a vital stop for vessels traversing the Great Lakes. Entrepreneurs like H. E. Rynnels benefited from the city’s strong shipping infrastructure and proximity to industries reliant on maritime transport.

Resources & Links:

1. Port Huron Museum – Historical records of Great Lakes shipping and vessel ownership.

2. Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Detailed histories of vessels and their owners, including the Dashing Wave.

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File – Specific data on vessels like the Dashing Wave during Rynnels’ ownership.

4. Sanilac County Historical Society – Maritime archives related to Port Huron and surrounding areas.

H. E. Rynnels exemplifies the independent maritime entrepreneurs who sustained Great Lakes commerce during its peak. His role in managing the Dashing Wave reflects the adaptability and resourcefulness of vessel owners navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving maritime industry.