Identification & Site Information

Shipwreck Report: Abbie L. Andrews

• Wreck Name: Abbie L. Andrews
• Type: Wooden Schooner (three-masted)
• Date Built: 1873
• Location of Build: Toledo, Ohio
• Builder: Bailey Brothers
• Official Number: U.S.: 105224 Canada: C122637
• Gross Tonnage: 278.28 tons
• Net Tonnage: 267 tons
• Dimensions: Length: 136.1 feet (41.47 meters) Beam: 26.1 feet (7.96 meters) Depth: 10 feet (3.05 meters)
• Construction: Wooden Hull, single Deck
• Original Owner: Andrews & Boland, Buffalo, NY
• Final Location: Cobourg, Ontario, Lake Ontario
• Condition: Scrapped in 1938

Vessel Type Description

The Abbie L. Andrews was a wooden-hulled, three-masted Schooner, typical of its time and designed for transporting bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Built for durability, the vessel underwent several modifications during its service life, including adjustments to its rigging, such as housing the topmasts and shortening the jibboom, to improve handling and performance.

History

Constructed in 1873 in Toledo, Ohio, by the Bailey Brothers, the Abbie L. Andrews began its life as a cargo vessel under the ownership of Andrews & Boland of Buffalo, New York. It was built during the golden age of schooners, playing a vital role in commerce and transportation on the Great Lakes.

During its operational years, the vessel faced several challenges, including collisions with port infrastructure like elevators and encounters with rough weather on Lake Erie and Lake Superior. Despite these incidents, the Schooner remained a steadfast presence on the lakes, adapting to changing conditions and demands.

In 1907, the Abbie L. Andrews transitioned to Canadian ownership and was registered under a new Canadian official number (C122637). The vessel continued its operations under Canadian control for another three decades, reflecting its robust construction and adaptability.

By 1920, the Schooner was laid up in the Kingston inner harbour graveyard, effectively ending its operational career. It remained there for years until it was relocated to Cobourg, Ontario, in 1937, where it was ultimately dismantled and scrapped in 1938.

Final Disposition

The Abbie L. Andrews was scrapped in 1938 after being relocated to Cobourg, Ontario. Its remains were dismantled and disposed of, marking the final chapter of a long and eventful career on the Great Lakes.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the Abbie L. Andrews. The vessel’s remains no longer pose a navigational hazard.

Located By & Date

The vessel’s dismantling and scrapping in Cobourg, Ontario, were documented in 1938. Prior to this, it was part of the Kingston inner harbour graveyard from 1920 to 1937.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The Abbie L. Andrews no longer exists as a physical wreck. Any remnants of the vessel would have been destroyed during its scrapping in 1938, leaving no site for exploration or diving.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Bowling Green State University Maritime Archives
• 1906 Report of the Department of Commerce and Labor

Conclusion

The Abbie L. Andrews stands as a testament to the era of Schooner sailing ships that powered commerce across the Great Lakes. From its construction in 1873 to its scrapping in 1938, the vessel witnessed a transformative period in maritime history, bridging the age of sail and the rise of steam power. Though no physical remains endure, its legacy highlights the resilience and importance of schooners in the economic development of the Great Lakes region.

Keywords

#GreatLakes #AbbieLAndrews #Schooner #LakeOntario #MaritimeHistory #Shipbuilding #KingstonHarbour #19thCenturySailing #LakeSuperior #LakeErie