Identification & Site Information

• Name: Robert C. Wente
• Former Names: None documented
• Official Number: 110778
• Date Built and Launched: 1888
• Builder: Linn & Craig, Gibraltar, Michigan
• Hull Number: #35-C
• Vessel Type: Wooden Propeller Steamer (bulk freight carrier)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Length: 141 ft (42.98 m) Beam (Width): 30 ft (9.14 m) Depth of Hold: 11 ft (3.35 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 336 tons
• Net Tonnage: 267 tons
• Date Lost: July 1, 1927
• Place of Loss: St. Clair River (exact location unreported)
• Type of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: None
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Unreported

Vessel Type

The Robert C. Wente was a wooden-hulled Propeller Steamer designed for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes. These types of vessels were workhorses of Great Lakes commerce in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily used to carry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, grain, and lumber. Powered by steam engines driving a screw propeller, they were a technological advancement over earlier sailing vessels, offering greater speed, reliability, and cargo capacity.

Description

Built in 1888 by Linn & Craig of Gibraltar, Michigan, the Robert C. Wente was constructed as part of the shipyard’s series of bulk freighters, designated as Hull #35-C. Measuring 141 feet in length, with a 30-foot beam and an 11-foot depth of hold, she was a mid-sized freighter typical of the era—large enough to handle substantial cargo loads but small enough to navigate the narrow channels and locks of the Great Lakes and connecting rivers.

Her wooden Hull reflected the shipbuilding practices of the late 19th century, though by this time, steel-hulled vessels were becoming increasingly common. Wooden bulk freighters remained popular for regional trade routes due to their lower construction costs and ease of repair.

Operational History

The Robert C. Wente served as a bulk freight carrier for nearly 40 years, operating primarily on the Great Lakes and the St. Clair River, a key shipping artery connecting Lake Huron with Lake St. Clair and ultimately Lake Erie. Vessels like the Wente played a vital role in transporting raw materials to industrial centers in Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicagoduring the height of the region’s industrial boom.

Major Incident (1911):

In 1911, the Robert C. Wente experienced a major sinking incident on Lake Michigan, becoming a significant salvage project. Details of this event are sparse, but the fact that the vessel was successfully salvaged and returned to service demonstrates both her structural resilience and the value of such freighters to their owners. Salvage operations in this era were complex and dangerous, often involving divers, pumps, and floating cranes to refloat sunken vessels.

After being raised and repaired, the Wente continued her freight operations for another 16 years, an impressive testament to her durability.

Final Voyage and Loss

On July 1, 1927, the Robert C. Wente was operating on the St. Clair River when she was consumed by fire. Fires were a common hazard for wooden steamships, often triggered by engine malfunctions, boiler explosions, or accidental ignition of flammable materials.

While the exact cause of the fire remains unreported, the blaze was severe enough to result in a Total Loss of the vessel. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, suggesting the crew was able to abandon ship in time. Given the busy nature of the St. Clair River, other vessels or nearby facilities may have assisted in the rescue.

Final Disposition

The Robert C. Wente was declared a Total Loss following the fire. The remains of the vessel were likely salvaged for any usable materials, such as metal fittings, machinery, or boiler parts. Any wreckage not recovered may have been left submerged or along the riverbank, though no specific site has been confirmed.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – No confirmed discovery of the wreck has been reported. Given the shallow and well-traveled waters of the St. Clair River, it’s possible that any remaining wreckage has been disturbed or removed over time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil – The wreck is not marked as a navigational hazard, and there are no specific maritime advisories related to the site.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
• Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Detroit

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Robert C. Wente, Propeller Steamer, St. Clair River fire, Lake Michigan salvage, Linn & Craig shipbuilders, Great Lakes bulk freighter

Categories: Shipwrecks of the St. Clair River, 20th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Propeller Steamers, Fire-related Shipwrecks

Glossary Terms:

• Propeller Steamer: A steam-powered vessel driven by a screw propeller, commonly used for freight and passenger transport on the Great Lakes.
• Bulk Freight Carrier: A vessel designed to transport large quantities of loose cargo such as coal, grain, ore, or lumber.
• Salvage Project: The process of recovering a sunken or damaged vessel, often involving complex maritime operations.
• Declared a Total Loss: A maritime term indicating that the cost of repairing a vessel exceeds its value, leading to its official removal from service.

Conclusion

The Robert C. Wente had a remarkable maritime career spanning nearly four decades, surviving a major sinking on Lake Michigan in 1911 before ultimately succumbing to a fire on the St. Clair River in 1927. Her story reflects both the risks faced by Great Lakes freighters and the resilience of the vessels and crews who navigated these challenging waters. Though her final resting place remains unknown, the Wente’s legacy lives on as part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes.