IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Vessel Name: Joe. Also Known As: Gilphie
• Year of Build: 1881
• Vessel Type: Yacht
• Length: 75 feet (22.86 meters)
• Beam: 11.6 feet (3.54 meters)
• Depth: 11 feet (3.35 meters)
• Deaths: None recorded
• Final Location: Near Whippoorwill Shore, near Lion’s Head, ON., Lake Huron
• GPS Coordinates: [GPS coordinates not available]

HISTORY

The *Joe* was a wooden yacht built in 1881 at Lockport, New York, by the shipbuilding firm Morgan & Sutton. This vessel was designed for leisure and private use, reflecting the era’s growing interest in recreational boating. Its construction was solid and typical of the yachts of its time, with a length of 75 feet, a beam of 11.6 feet, and a depth of 11 feet, making it a substantial and seaworthy craft.

Originally registered in the United States, the yacht changed hands several times during its service life. In 1892, the vessel was sold to Canadian interests and was re-registered under the Canadian Registry Number C85370. It was at this time that the yacht was renamed *Gilphie*. The vessel underwent significant modifications in 1896, which increased its Gross Tonnage to 19 tons and Net Tonnage to 18 tons. By 1899, *Gilphie* was owned by Brown & Co., a firm based in Ottawa, Ontario.

The yacht *Joe* had a varied history, serving different owners and undergoing a significant Rebuild in 1896. This Rebuild not only extended the vessel’s operational life but also enhanced its capabilities, allowing it to serve more effectively in its role as a private yacht. The change in ownership in 1899 marked the yacht’s transition to a more commercial purpose under the ownership of Brown & Co., though details of its operations during this period remain sparse.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The final chapter in the *Joe’s* history occurred on 22 July 1909, when the vessel met its fate near Whippoorwill Shore, close to Lion’s Head on Lake Huron. The yacht grounded in this location and subsequently caught fire. Despite efforts to save her, the vessel was declared a Total Loss. The exact cause of the grounding remains unclear, but it is believed that navigational errors or adverse weather conditions may have played a role.

NOTES

The information about the *Joe* has been carefully preserved, notably within the collection of C. Patrick Labadie, a respected maritime historian. His collection offers valuable insights into the vessel’s history and the circumstances surrounding its demise.

REFERENCES AND LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes (www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Ships, collection of C. Patrick Labadie
• Bowling Green State University – Historical Vessel Collection
• Great Lakes Maritime Database** (https://greatlakeships.org)