Shipwreck Report: Avery, Waldo A. (PHENIX/LIBERTY)

1. Identification & Site Information

•Vessel Name: Avery, Waldo A. (later renamed PHENIX, then LIBERTY)

•Type of Wreck: Wooden Bulk Freighter (Screw-Propelled)

•Dimensions:

•Length: 240.1 feet (73.2 meters)

•Beam: 38 feet (11.6 meters)

•Depth: 17.6 feet (5.4 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Gross Tonnage: 1294

•Net Tonnage: 1035

•Year Built: 1884

•Builder: Wheeler & Crane, Bay City, Michigan

•Official Number: 116816

•Final Location: Ogdensburg, New York, St. Lawrence River

•Depth of Wreck: Not applicable (dismantled and submerged)

•Final Disposition: Incorporated into a dock structure at the Diamond Match (Algonquin) plant.

2. Vessel Type Description

The Avery, Waldo A. was a robust wooden bulk freighter, designed primarily for carrying iron ore and grain across the Great Lakes. Powered by a Screw Propulsion system and a for-and-aft compound engine producing 560 horsepower, the vessel was built to withstand the challenges of Great Lakes shipping. Its triple-thick, 18-inch Hull construction further emphasized durability against ice, storms, and heavy cargo loads.

3. History

The vessel was launched on August 27, 1884, and served extensively in the bustling iron ore and grain trades of the Great Lakes. Initially owned by H.A. Hawgood of Bay City and Waldo A. Avery of East Saginaw, the vessel’s early years were marked by incidents that reflected the hazards of maritime transportation:

•1885 Collision: Struck the Steamer WALLULA.

•1893 Fire: Caught fire near McGulpin’s Point but survived.

The Avery, Waldo A. underwent a significant Rebuild in 1895 by James Davidson, after which it was renamed PHENIX. Under this name, it operated for several owners, including the Steamer Phenix Co. and Phoenix Transportation Co., before transferring to George B. Hall Coal Co.

Other notable incidents include:

•1906 Grounding: Stranded near Cheboygan, Michigan.

In 1918, the vessel was renamed LIBERTY, continuing its service under George Hall Coal Transportation Co. until its dismantling in 1923. Its life ended not in tragedy but through obsolescence, when it was dismantled and repurposed.

4. Final Disposition

The Avery, Waldo A. (PHENIX/LIBERTY) was dismantled in 1924 and Abandoned at Ogdensburg, New York. Portions of the vessel were used in the construction of a dock at the Diamond Match (Algonquin) plant. Over time, the remains were submerged and buried, leaving little trace of the once-proud freighter.

5. NOTMARs & Advisories

No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the site. The remains, being part of a dock structure, do not pose any navigational hazards.

6. Located By & Date

The exact location of the vessel’s remnants is well-documented near Ogdensburg, New York, as part of the Diamond Match plant’s dock structure. However, the site has not been specifically explored for historical or diving purposes.

7. Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The remains are submerged and incorporated into the dock structure, with likely minimal visible remnants due to deterioration and reuse in construction.

•Accessibility: Not accessible for diving or exploration due to its location as part of an industrial site.

8. Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Visit Website

•David Swayze Shipwreck File: Access Database

•Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Database: Explore Database

•Library of Congress Historical Archives: Research Historical Records

9. Keywords

Avery Waldo A., PHENIX, LIBERTY, Wooden Bulk Freighter, Iron Ore Trade, Grain Freighter, Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Ogdensburg Shipwreck, George Hall Coal Transportation, St. Lawrence River Wreck.

Conclusion

The story of the Avery, Waldo A. (PHENIX/LIBERTY) is emblematic of the Great Lakes’ maritime history—a tale of resilience, adaptation, and eventual decline. The vessel’s long service life, multiple incidents, and transformations reflect the dynamic nature of shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its ultimate use in constructing a dock illustrates how these vessels continued to contribute to the industry long after their operational lives had ended. While its physical presence may be buried, its history remains an integral chapter in the annals of Great Lakes commerce and transportation.