IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Gillett, Kate / Kate Gillett / HH Badger

•Type: Schooner (originally two-masted, later Rebuilt as three-masted)

•Official Number: 14164

•Built: 1867, Conneaut, Ohio

•Builder: J.J. Miller

•Final Fate: Lost on June 11, 1903, near Cleveland, Ohio

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Gillett, Kate, later renamed Horace H. Badger, was a wooden Schooner originally rigged with two masts. After a Rebuild in 1882, it was re-rigged as a three-masted Schooner to enhance its cargo capacity and efficiency. These vessels were key players in the Great Lakes’ shipping trade, primarily transporting bulk goods like coal, grain, and lumber.

DIMENSIONS

•Length: 129 feet (39.3 meters)

•Beam: 30.16 feet (9.2 meters)

•Depth: 9.66 feet (2.9 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 263.51 tons

•Net Tonnage: 250.36 tons

HISTORY

The Schooner Gillett, Kate was launched in 1867, receiving its first enrollment in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 1 of that year. The vessel was robustly built to withstand the rigors of Great Lakes navigation. Over its operational life, it experienced numerous incidents and ownership changes.

Key Events:

1.Rebuild and Enlargement (1882):

Following a wreck near Marinette, Wisconsin, the Schooner underwent a significant Rebuild and re-rigging in Chicago, changing from a two-masted to a three-masted rig.

2.Name Change (1882):

On November 2, 1882, the vessel was renamed Horace H. Badger.

3.Repeated “Losses”:

•Declared lost in Cross Village, Michigan (September 1895)

•Declared lost near Alpena, Michigan (September 1896)

These incidents were significant but did not mark the end of the vessel’s service.

4.Final Loss (June 11, 1903):

During a storm, the Schooner struck the breakwall in Cleveland, Ohio, while carrying coal. Although the vessel was destroyed, all lives onboard were saved.

Ownership History:

The vessel had multiple owners, including:

•Captain A. Button et al.

•Lake & Judson

•Taylor & Canfield

•T.W. Harvey

•L.S. Sullivan of Toledo, Ohio

FINAL DISPOSITION

The Schooner Horace H. Badger met its end on June 11, 1903, near Cleveland, Ohio, after striking the breakwall during a storm. At the time, it was carrying a cargo of coal. Despite the severe damage, the crew survived the incident.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

No detailed records exist regarding the discovery or exploration of the wreck site. The Schooner’s remains may be scattered near Cleveland’s breakwall or have deteriorated significantly due to the elements over the decades.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Comprehensive details about shipwrecks and vessels in the Great Lakes region.

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Historical data on maritime incidents and vessel specifications.

•Great Lakes Ships: Information on the Schooner’s operational history and ownership.

•Bowling Green State University Archives: Resources on Great Lakes maritime history.

CONCLUSION

The story of the Gillett, Kate / HH Badger exemplifies the challenges of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. Despite numerous incidents, the Schooner served its owners well for over three decades, demonstrating resilience until its final loss in 1903. The vessel’s history is a testament to the risks and resilience of maritime trade on the Great Lakes.

Keywords: Gillett Kate, Kate Gillett, HH Badger, Great Lakes Schooner, Shipwreck, Cleveland Breakwall, Maritime History, 19th Century Shipping, Wooden Vessel.