Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Foam

• Type: Wooden Schooner

• Year Built: 1845

• Builder: William Crawford, Bath, Ontario

• Dimensions: Not specified in historical records

• Tonnage: Not specified in historical records

• Home Port: Bath, Ontario

• Final Disposition: Wrecked near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario, in 1858

• Cause of Wreck: Ran aground

• Estimated Loss: $1,000

• Coordinates: Near Galloo Island, Lake Ontario (exact coordinates not documented)

Vessel Type Description

The Foam was a wooden Schooner, a popular vessel type in the 19th-century Great Lakes trade. Known for their versatility, schooners like the Foam could navigate both open lakes and smaller inlets, making them essential for regional commerce. Typically equipped with one or two masts, these vessels transported goods and resources between growing lakeshore communities. The Foam was built with a single Deck and two masts, showcasing the craftsmanship and design that allowed these vessels to handle the Great Lakes’ challenging conditions.

History

The Foam was constructed in 1845 by William Crawford, a skilled Shipwright from Bath, Ontario. As both its builder and original owner, Crawford likely took great pride in the Schooner, which reflected his expertise and dedication to the maritime trade vital to the Great Lakes region. In its early years, the Foam served as a reliable cargo transporter across Lake Ontario, delivering goods between communities and helping to sustain regional trade.

Despite its early success, the Foam encountered the typical challenges of Great Lakes navigation. In 1857, the vessel ran aground near Galloo Island, a common hazard for ships in this era. Later, the Schooner faced a dramatic incident in Kingston Harbor when lightning struck its mast, an unusual but serious danger that underscored the unpredictable threats that Great Lakes sailors faced from natural forces.

The following year, in 1858, the Foam met its ultimate fate. While navigating near Galloo Island, the Schooner ran aground once more, resulting in irreparable damage. The vessel was declared a Total Loss, with an estimated property damage of $1,000—a substantial amount at the time.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Foam near Galloo Island in 1858 marked the end of its service. After enduring numerous challenges over its years of operation, the Schooner ultimately succumbed to the Great Lakes’ hazards. The loss of the Foam is emblematic of the era’s maritime risks, where even well-built vessels could be lost to weather and underwater hazards.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The Foam is remembered as part of the 19th-century Schooner fleet that contributed significantly to Great Lakes trade. William Crawford’s craftsmanship and the vessel’s enduring service reflect the resilience of early maritime commerce on the lakes. The Schooner’s fate near Galloo Island serves as a reminder of the dangers that countless vessels faced in their effort to connect the growing communities along the Great Lakes.

Resources & Links

For further historical resources on the Foam and Great Lakes schooners:

• Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library: Maritime history archives.

• Great Lakes Ships Database: Great Lakes Ships Database

• Toronto Telegram (Toronto, ON), September 26, 1936

• Daily News (Kingston, ON), July 16, 1874