Identification & Site Information

• • Vessel Name: Julia B. Merrill
• • Vessel Type: Schooner
• • Dimensions:
• • Length: 125.5 feet (38.2 m)
• • Beam: 26.5 feet (8.1 m)
• • Depth: 8.2 feet (2.5 m)
• • Depth at Wreck Site: 55 feet (18 meters)
• • Location: Humber Bay, Lake Ontario, near Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• • Coordinates: N43° 37.139’, W79° 26.743’
• • Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck, three masts
• • Built: 1872, Wenona (West Bay City), Michigan
• • Builder: George Carpenter
• • Original Owner: Merrill & Skeele, Chicago, Illinois

Vessel Type Description

The Julia B. Merrill was a traditional wooden-hulled, three-masted Schooner, typical of late 19th-century cargo vessels on the Great Lakes. Built for durability and versatility, the ship was designed to transport goods efficiently between the numerous ports dotting the lakes, braving the often harsh conditions of the region.

History

Early Service (1872-1910):

• Launched on October 7, 1872, in Wenona, Michigan, the Schooner began its career transporting cargo across the Great Lakes.

• In 1886, the vessel sank off Waukegan, Illinois, due to a severe leak but was salvaged and repaired, resuming service shortly thereafter.

Later Service and Ownership Changes (1910-1931):

• Registered in Canada in 1910, the vessel came under the ownership of H. Daryaw of Kingston, Ontario.

• By the early 20th century, as steam-powered ships dominated, the Julia B. Merrill became one of the last sailing vessels on Lake Ontario, symbolizing the end of commercial sail-powered shipping.

Final Disposition (1931):

• On July 1, 1931, the Julia B. Merrill was intentionally burned in Toronto, Ontario. The spectacle marked the final chapter in the ship’s long career, serving as both a farewell to the vessel and to an era of sailing ships on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

• NOTMARs: No specific Notices to Mariners are associated with this wreck.

• Diver Advisory: Divers are advised to monitor local lake conditions and stay updated on any regional advisories for safe exploration.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Julia B. Merrill has been identified and mapped by local diving organizations. However, the precise date of discovery is not widely documented.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• Condition: The wreck lies scattered at a depth of 55 feet (18 meters). While much of the wooden structure has deteriorated, some remains are still visible, offering insights into the vessel’s construction and history.

• Accessibility: The site is accessible to recreational divers with moderate experience. Visibility can vary due to conditions in Humber Bay, so preparation is recommended.

• Habitat: The wreck provides shelter for local aquatic life, making it an interesting site for both historical and ecological exploration.

Resources & Links

• Warren Lo Photography: Historical and contemporary images of the Julia B. Merrill.

• Save Ontario Shipwrecks: Information on the wreck’s buoy status and diving details.

• Local Dive Shops & Charters: Assistance with organizing dives to the wreck site.

• Historical References: Further reading on the vessel’s construction, ownership, and final disposition.

Conclusion

The Julia B. Merrill represents a bygone era of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1872 to its intentional burning in 1931, the Schooner served as a vital link in the region’s trade network. Today, its wreck in Humber Bay, Lake Ontario, offers divers and historians alike a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Great Lakes history, reflecting the resilience and eventual decline of sail-powered shipping in the face of technological progress.