Schooner Twilight (1873–1891)

Identification & Site Information

• Name: Twilight
• Other Names: None recorded
• Official Number: None (Canadian registry)
• Vessel Type at Loss: Wooden, two-masted Schooner
• Builder: W. Redmond, Picton, Ontario
• Year Built & Launched: 1873
• Specifications:  Length: 106 ft (32.3 m)  Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m) Depth: 9 ft (2.7 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 173 T
• Date Lost: September 5, 1891
• Location of Loss: Tyrconnell Dock, Lake Erie
• Cause of Loss: Fire, Total Loss
• Loss of Life: Unknown
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown

Vessel Description & History

The Twilight was a medium-sized Canadian Schooner, built in Picton, Ontario, in 1873 by W. Redmond. She was designed for cargo transport on the Great Lakes, likely carrying lumber, grain, coal, or other bulk materials between ports in Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, and New York.

The vessel was registered out of Toronto, indicating she was primarily used for Canadian coastal and cross-border trade.

Final Incident & Loss

On September 5, 1891, the Twilight was destroyed by fire at Tyrconnell Dock, on the northern shore of Lake Erie. No specific details are recorded about the cause of the fire. Possible causes could include: Accidental ignition from cargo or onboard equipment. Dockside fire spreading to the vessel. Sabotage or insurance-related arson (not uncommon for aging wooden ships). No confirmed loss of life is reported, but records are incomplete.

Final Disposition & Salvage

• Declared a Total Loss after the fire.
• No salvage efforts are documented.
• No confirmed modern discovery of wreckage.
• No confirmed wreck site.
• Given that she burned at a dock, any remains were likely removed or deteriorated over time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Tyrconnell, Ontario, was a small but active shipping and fishing port during the late 19th century, making it a likely location for other vessel losses as well.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Great Lakes Maritime Database (GLMD): https://greatlakeships.org
• David Swayze Shipwreck File: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU): https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels

Conclusion

The Twilight was a well-built Great Lakes Schooner, serving for nearly 20 years before her destruction by fire at Tyrconnell Dock in 1891. While no remains of the vessel have been found, her loss is part of the larger history of Canadian schooners that once dominated Great Lakes commerce.