COLONEL HATHAWAY

Vessel Identification

• Vessel Name: COLONEL HATHAWAY

• Alternate Name: Col. HATHAWAY

• Type: Scow-Schooner (wooden construction)

• Official Number: 5861

• Year Built: 1870

• Builder: John Gue, New Baltimore, Michigan

Specifications

• Gross Tonnage: 93.18 tons

Ownership and Enrollment History

• 1870: Originally owned by Shoemaker et al in Buffalo, NY.

• 1874: Enrolled in New Baltimore, Michigan.

• 1880: Enrolled in Detroit, Michigan.

The vessel’s changing ownership and enrollment locations reflect its regional importance and usage along the Great Lakes, primarily transporting cargo in the region.

Notable Incidents and Challenges

Final Loss Incident

• Date of Incident: September 16, 1881

• Location: Harrisville, Michigan

• Event: The COLONEL HATHAWAY was lying at a pier in Harrisville when an unexpected storm struck. The crew was unable to maneuver the Schooner out into Lake Huron to avoid the worst of the storm, and as a result, the vessel was cast ashore and wrecked.

• Casualties: None; fortunately, no lives were lost in this incident.

This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of wooden schooners and other vessels when faced with sudden and severe Great Lakes storms.

Associated Wrecks in Harrisville

• During the same storm, two other schooners, GARIBALDI and NORTHERN LIGHT, also met with similar fates. All three vessels, including the COLONEL HATHAWAY, were total wrecks at Harrisville, as they were unable to escape the pier.

Cargo Jettisoning Incident

• Lake Erie Gale Incident: On a separate occasion, the COLONEL HATHAWAY encountered a severe gale on Lake Erie. During this storm, a significant portion of the vessel’s cargo of coal was washed off the decks. To save the vessel, some cargo had to be jettisoned overboard. This incident highlights the dangers vessels routinely faced on the Great Lakes, where sudden storms could force crews to take drastic measures to ensure the vessel’s survival.

Historical Significance and Legacy

The COLONEL HATHAWAY serves as a reminder of the perils of Great Lakes navigation in the 19th century, particularly for wooden scow-schooners, which were common cargo vessels of the time. The vessel’s final loss at Harrisville, alongside other ships, illustrates the unpredictability and intensity of Great Lakes weather and the difficult conditions under which crews operated.

References

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Link: Maritime History of the Great Lakes

• Description: This is a comprehensive digital archive dedicated to Great Lakes shipping history. It includes images, documents, and details about shipwrecks, including official records, personal accounts, and other historical data related to vessels on the Great Lakes.

2. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

• Link: Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

• Description: Based in Whitefish Point, Michigan, this museum provides extensive resources on shipwrecks, artifacts, and historical accounts of maritime activities on the Great Lakes. While the museum focuses on famous shipwrecks, it is an excellent starting point for research and understanding the challenges faced by Great Lakes vessels.

3. Wisconsin Shipwrecks Database (University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute)

• Link: Wisconsin Shipwrecks

• Description: Though focused on Wisconsin waters, this resource includes detailed information on shipwrecks and maritime heritage in the Great Lakes. The database offers information on vessel types, locations, and specific historical incidents.

4. Library of Congress – Chronicling America

• Link: Chronicling America

• Description: The Library of Congress hosts this extensive archive of digitized American newspapers. Searching historical newspapers from the Great Lakes region may yield information on vessels like the COLONEL HATHAWAY, detailing incidents and reports from the time of their operation and loss.

5. National Museum of the Great Lakes

• Link: National Museum of the Great Lakes

• Description: This museum, located in Toledo, Ohio, offers a rich repository of resources and exhibits on the Maritime History of the Great Lakes. The museum’s collections cover shipwrecks, vessel construction, and the lives of those who worked on the lakes, making it a valuable resource for Great Lakes maritime history.

6. Great Lakes Historical Society (Inland Seas Museum)

• Link: Great Lakes Historical Society

• Description: Part of the National Museum of the Great Lakes, this organization is dedicated to preserving the history of the Great Lakes. They offer access to archives, historical documents, and publications that delve into shipwrecks and vessel histories on the Great Lakes.

Summary

The scow-Schooner COLONEL HATHAWAY had a service history characterized by changes in ownership, enrollment at different Great Lakes ports, and notable incidents that speak to the challenges of early maritime transport on the Great Lakes. Its wreck at Harrisville and the cargo jettisoning incident reflect the constant dangers of navigating these vast inland waters.