IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

Name: F. H. PRINCE

Type: Wooden Steam Screw Vessel

Length: 240 feet (73.15 meters)

Beam: 42 feet (12.8 meters)

Depth: 23.4 feet (7.13 meters)

Gross Tonnage: 2,047 tons

Net Tonnage: 1,547 tons

Propulsion: Steam Screw

Engine Power: 800 indicated horsepower

Year Built: 1890

Builder: Detroit Shipbuilding Company, Detroit, Michigan

Final Location: Near Kelley’s Island, Lake Erie

Coordinates: N 41 36.240’ W 82 40.520’

Depth at Site: 18 feet (6 meters)

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The F. H. PRINCE was a wooden Steam Screw Vessel built for the Rutland Transportation Company in 1890. Originally designed for package freight trade on the Great Lakes, the vessel transitioned into a new role as a sand Dredge after being sold in 1911. Its robust design and impressive capacity were characteristic of the utility and adaptability required by Great Lakes vessels during this period.

HISTORY

The F. H. PRINCE began its career in 1890, operating in the package freight trade for the Rutland Transportation Company of Ogdensburg, New York. The vessel served for over two decades, undergoing ownership changes in the early 20th century. By 1910, it was acquired by the Great Lakes Freighting Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, and later sold to Herbert K. Oakes in 1911 for Conversion into a sand Dredge.

Final Voyage and Destruction:

On August 8, 1911, a fire broke out aboard the F. H. PRINCE. In an attempt to save the vessel and prevent the fire from spreading, the ship was intentionally grounded on the east side of Kelley’s Island in Lake Erie. Nearby sand dredges, the Albert Y. Gowan and MARY H., assisted in extinguishing the fire, containing it to the forward section of the ship.

However, on August 14, 1911, the fire reignited in the aft section, consuming the entire vessel. The estimated loss was $50,000, a significant financial blow. The vessel’s destruction marked the end of its career on the Great Lakes.

Notable Ownership History:

•1893: Owned by Ogdensburg Transit Co., Ogdensburg, NY.

•1910: Acquired by Great Lakes Freighting Co., Cleveland, OH.

•1911: Purchased by Herbert K. Oakes and converted into a sand Dredge.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The F. H. PRINCE was completely destroyed by fire after being beached near Kelley’s Island. Today, remnants of the vessel, including the propeller shaft, are located near the landing strip for small planes on Kelley’s Island. These remains provide an important link to the maritime history of Lake Erie and the vessel’s tragic end.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) directly referencing the wreck of the F. H. PRINCE. However, mariners should remain cautious when navigating near Kelley’s Island, as remnants of the wreck may pose underwater hazards.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck of the F. H. PRINCE has been known to local divers and historians for some time, with its remains marked near Kelley’s Island. The site includes visible features such as the propeller shaft and other structural remnants.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

The wreck lies in 18 feet (6 meters) of water, making it accessible to recreational divers. The shallow depth provides a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of this historic vessel. Over the years, the wooden Hull has likely deteriorated, but key components, such as the propeller shaft, remain identifiable.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Institute for Great Lakes Research: Master list from Toledo Shipbuilding, Perrysburg, Ohio.

•Merchant Vessel Lists (1903, 1912): Detailed specifications of the F. H. PRINCE.

•Doug Fetherling Records (1966): Additional historical insights.

•Great Lakes Maritime History Archives: Resources on freighters and sand dredges of Lake Erie.

KEYWORDS

F. H. PRINCE, Kelley’s Island wreck, Lake Erie shipwreck, wooden Steam Screw Vessel, sand Dredge, Detroit Shipbuilding Company, 1911 ship fire, Great Lakes maritime history, recreational diving, shipwreck remnants.

ANALYSIS

The F. H. PRINCE exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes shipping vessels in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Transitioning from package freight to sand dredging, the vessel’s journey reflects the adaptability of Great Lakes maritime industries. Its fiery end underscores the inherent risks faced by vessels of this era. Today, its remains near Kelley’s Island provide a tangible connection to a dynamic period in Lake Erie’s maritime history, making it a site of interest for divers and historians alike.