THREE SISTERS

Identification & Site Information

• Other Names: None
• Official No.: 145884
• Type at Loss: Gas Auxiliary Schooner, Wood
• Build Info: 1901, Jas. Larsen, Fish Creek, WI
• Specs: Length: 69 feet (21 meters) Beam: 20 feet (6.1 meters) Depth: 7 feet (2.1 meters)
• Gross Tonnage: 52 tons (47.1 metric tonnes)
• Net Tonnage: 52 tons (47.1 metric tonnes)
• Date of Loss: November 4, 1912
• Place of Loss: Green Bay, near Red River
• Lake: Michigan
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: 4 (All aboard)
• Carrying: Hay

History and Description

The THREE SISTERS was a gas auxiliary Schooner built in 1901 by Jas. Larsen in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. It was a wooden vessel designed to carry bulk cargo and was particularly suited for transporting hay across the Great Lakes. She was equipped with a gasoline engine around 1910, making her one of the last commercial schooners on the lakes to receive such an upgrade before transitioning to more advanced steam-powered and motorized vessels.

The THREE SISTERS was owned and built by J. Larsen out of Marinette, Wisconsin. She measured 69 feet in length and had a beam of 20 feet with a depth of 7 feet. She was considered a gas auxiliary Schooner because of the addition of a gas engine, which helped her navigate the lakes when the wind was not favorable for sail.

On November 4, 1912, the THREE SISTERS encountered a violent gale while operating in Green Bay, near Red River. The vessel was blown ashore by the storm and wrecked, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of all four crew members aboard. Among the lost was J. Larsen, the ship’s owner and builder, marking a personal tragedy for the vessel’s creator.

The incident gained attention not only for the loss of the vessel but also for the heroic efforts of bystanders who attempted to rescue the crew. Three individuals were later awarded civilian lifesaving medals for their bravery in attempting to save the crew, though tragically, none of the crew members survived.

Earlier in her life, the THREE SISTERS had encountered problems with storms. In 1905, she stranded in Grand Traverse Bay, suffering significant damage. However, she was salvaged and returned to service before her final disaster in 1912.

Final Disposition

The THREE SISTERS was completely wrecked after being driven ashore by the fierce storm in Green Bay on November 4, 1912. The crew perished, and despite attempts to rescue them, the storm and conditions made the operation impossible. The wreck marks a sad chapter in the history of gas auxiliary schooners, many of which had seen their final days in the early 20th century as more powerful and efficient ships began to dominate the Great Lakes.

Sources & References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• NOAA Great Lakes Shipwrecks
• Detroit Dry Dock Co. History

Conclusion

The story of the THREE SISTERS stands as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by Great Lakes vessels, especially those operating under less favorable conditions such as storms. The wreck highlights not only the dangers of sailing on the Great Lakes but also the shifting tides in maritime technology, as the last commercial schooners gave way to more modern forms of transportation. The heroic attempts to rescue the crew are a testament to the courage and selflessness of those who risk their lives to save others, even in the most perilous circumstances.