Identification & Site Information

• Name: Lucy Raab
• Former Names: None documented
• Registration Number(s): None
• Date Built and Launched: 1858 
• Builder: P. R. Beaupre, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA
• Measurements: Length: 114 ft (34.75 m) Beam (Width): 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth of Hold: 10 ft (3.05 m)
• Tonnage: Approximately 250 tons
• Cargo Capacity: 14,000 bushels (approx. 495 cubic meters)
• Date Lost: November 1, 1862 (approximate date)
• Place of Loss: Middle Island Reef, Lake Huron
• Type of Loss: Storm-related grounding
• Loss of Life: None reported
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Grain

Vessel Type

The Lucy Raab was a wooden, two-masted schooner, designed primarily for bulk cargo transport across the Great Lakes, particularly suited for the grain trade that was booming in the mid-19th century.

Description

Built in 1858 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Lucy Raab was part of a fleet of vessels bearing the “Raab” name, likely linked by ownership or family ties. Constructed by P. R. Beaupre, a known shipbuilder of the time, she embodied the robust Schooner design typical of Great Lakes freighters—optimized for maximum cargo capacity while maintaining the ability to navigate the region’s often challenging waters.

With dimensions of 114 feet in length, a 26-foot beam, and a 10-foot depth of hold, the vessel could carry around 14,000 bushels of grain. This capacity made her a valuable asset during the grain boom, transporting agricultural products from the Midwest to markets in the east via the Great Lakes and connecting waterways.

History

The Lucy Raab operated during a time when schooners were the backbone of Great Lakes commerce. As part of the expanding network of vessels supporting agricultural and industrial growth, she likely made numerous voyages hauling grain, lumber, and other bulk goods. Her construction in Sheboygan places her within a key shipbuilding hub of the time, known for producing sturdy lake vessels.

Her service was cut short on November 1, 1862, when she encountered a severe storm on Lake Huron. Battling rough seas, she drove ashore on Middle Island Reef, a notoriously hazardous area for ships due to its shallow waters and submerged rocky outcrops. Despite the perilous conditions, there was no loss of life, suggesting the crew either evacuated successfully or were rescued shortly after the grounding.

Final Disposition

After the Lucy Raab ran aground, efforts were made to salvage the vessel. The large wrecking Tug Winslow was dispatched from Detroit, which was a common practice for ships stranded but not immediately destroyed. However, by the time the Winslow reached the wreck site, little remained of the Schooner beyond her basic outfitting—indicating she had been severely battered by the elements or scavenged in the interim. The remains were likely left to deteriorate on the reef, as was common for wrecks beyond economical repair.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – There are no definitive records confirming the exact discovery of the wreck site, though remnants may still exist in the vicinity of Middle Island Reef, a known area for submerged hazards.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Middle Island Reef is marked as a navigational hazard on nautical charts, with historical significance as a site of multiple shipwrecks. Mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area due to submerged obstructions.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Lucy Raab, schooner, Lake Huron shipwreck, Middle Island Reef, 19th-century Great Lakes vessels, grain transport, storm wrecks, wooden schooners

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Grain Schooners, Wooden Sailing Vessels

Glossary Terms:  Schooner  Reef Wrecking Tug  Bushel

Conclusion

The Lucy Raab represents the story of many mid-19th-century Great Lakes schooners—vessels that played a critical role in the economic expansion of the region but were often at the mercy of sudden storms and navigational hazards. Her brief but active service highlights the challenges faced by sailors and the maritime industry in an era before modern weather forecasting and advanced navigational aids.