SHIPWRECK REPORT: MARY N. BOURKE

Type: Wooden Schooner-Barge

Dimensions:

• • Length: 219 ft (66.7 m)
• • Beam: 35 ft (10.7 m)
• • Depth: 15.9 ft (4.8 m)
• Tonnage:
• • Gross Tonnage: 920 tons
• • Net Tonnage: 874 tons
• • Cargo Capacity: 1,250,000 feet of lumber or 2,600 tons

Location: Pine River, St. Ignace, Michigan, St. Martin’s Bay

Incident Date: September 26, 1914

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• • Name: MARY N. BOURKE
• • Builder: Thomas Nester, Baraga, Michigan (1889)
• • Master Carpenter: H.L. Maynard, Milwaukee
• • Original Owner: W.A. Bourke & Co.
• • Later Owner: D.C. Parson, Detroit (by 1914)

HISTORY

Construction and Design:

The MARY N. BOURKE was modeled after the Schooner-Barge THOMAS NESTER, a durable and efficient design for the Great Lakes lumber and bulk freight trade. With four masts (later reduced to two around 1909) and a substantial cargo capacity, it was well-suited for its role in the region’s thriving lumber industry.

Service Life (1889–1914):

The vessel operated as a Schooner-Barge, towed primarily by the Steamer SCHOOLCRAFT, along with the Barge THOMAS NESTER. It was heavily involved in transporting lumber and bulk goods throughout the Great Lakes.

Final Incident (September 26, 1914):

• Event:

• While docked at Peter’s Lumber Dock in Pine River, St. Martin’s Bay, a fire broke out in the hold.

• The crew of six, alerted by smoke, managed to escape without injury.

• Outcome:

• The MARY N. BOURKE burned to the waterline.

• The fire also destroyed the dock and a significant pile of lumber.

FINAL DISPOSITION

• Cause of Loss: Fire; details of its origin remain unknown.

• Fate of the Vessel: Destroyed by fire and rendered a Total Loss.

SIGNIFICANCE

The destruction of the MARY N. BOURKE highlights the hazards faced by wooden vessels in the lumber trade during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fires were a persistent danger, especially when docked near combustible materials like lumber. Despite the risks, Schooner-barges like the MARY N. BOURKE were critical to the economy of the Great Lakes region, transporting essential goods and materials.

NOTES

• Ownership at Time of Loss:

• D.C. Parson, son of Captain Joseph Parsons, was the owner at the time of the fire.

• Modifications: The vessel’s reduction from four masts to two reflects its adaptation to changing operational needs.

REFERENCES & LINKS

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• David Swayze Shipwreck File

• Bowling Green State University – Great Lakes Ships

This report provides a comprehensive account of the MARY N. BOURKE’s operational history and tragic loss, preserving its legacy within the Maritime History of the Great Lakes.