Shipwreck Report: Two Myrtles (Formerly CLOVER)

Identification & Site Information

•Original Name: CLOVER

•Renamed: TWO MYRTLES (1934)

•Type: Steam Screw Steamer

•Built: 1899, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

•Dimensions:

•Length: 80.2 feet (24.4 meters)

•Beam: 22.8 feet (6.9 meters)

•Depth: 7.1 feet (2.2 meters)

•Gross Tonnage: 96 tons

•Location: DeTour Village, Lake Huron, near Watson Dock Complex

•Coordinates: Latitude 45°59.955’N, Longitude 83°53.936’W

•Depth: 5–15 feet (1.5–4.6 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Two Myrtles, originally known as the CLOVER, was a steam screw Steamer used for various purposes during its operational life. Built to serve as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, it played a vital role in maintaining navigational aids across the Great Lakes.

History

1.Early Service (1899-1934):

•Launched in 1899 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the vessel began its career as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

•In 1913, its name was officially changed to CLOVER as part of its service identity.

2.Ownership Change and Renaming (1934-1940s):

•In 1934, the vessel was sold to Leo Goetz of DeTour, Michigan, and renamed TWO MYRTLES.

•It continued to operate in the region, though its specific duties during this period are unclear.

3.Abandonment (1940s):

•Ownership changed again in the early 1940s, and by the mid-1940s, the TWO MYRTLES was Abandoned near the Watson Dock complex in DeTour Village.

Current Condition

•Wreck Details:

•The wreck lies submerged near the north side of the Watson Dock complex.

•It is broken, measuring approximately 15×70 feet, and rests on its port side at a heading of 190 degrees.

•Hazard Classification:

•Marked as a hazard to surface navigation on nautical charts due to its shallow depth.

•Machinery Status:

•Salvaged in the 1940s and now displayed at the DeTour Village Museum.

Diving and Exploration

•Depth: 5–15 feet (1.5–4.6 meters), making it accessible for snorkelers but challenging due to poor Visibility.

•Condition: Broken and deteriorated; limited structural integrity.

•Visibility: Frequently poor, limiting its appeal to divers and kayakers.

Historical Significance

The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) represents a unique piece of Great Lakes maritime history, transitioning from a lighthouse tender to private ownership and later abandonment. Its dual names reflect its service history and personal ties to the DeTour community.

Points of Interest

1.DeTour Village Museum:

•The engine and boiler salvaged from the wreck are displayed at the museum, providing insights into the vessel’s machinery and its role in maritime operations.

2.Watson Dock Complex:

•The wreck’s proximity to the dock complex offers a historical connection to the region’s industrial and maritime past.

External Links

1.Visit Drummond Island: Explore nearby attractions and history.

Drummond Island Tourism

2.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival resources on lighthouse tenders and regional vessels.

Maritime History of the Great Lakes

Conclusion

The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) serves as a small but notable part of Great Lakes maritime history. While the wreck itself holds limited interest for recreational exploration, its legacy as a lighthouse tender and its ties to the DeTour community remain significant. Artifacts displayed at the DeTour Village Museum ensure that the vessel’s story is preserved for future generations.

Keywords

#TwoMyrtles #Clover #SteamScrewSteamer #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LighthouseTender #DeTourVillage #WatsonDock #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #DeTourVillageMuseum