Identification & Site Information:

•Other Names: MCCORMICK

•Site Description: Steam Barge

•Built: 1887, Grand Haven, Michigan

•Builder: T.W. Kirby

•Dimensions:

•Original: 106 feet (32.3 meters) length, 24.7 feet (7.5 meters) beam, 8 feet (2.4 meters) depth

•Post-Reconstruction: 100.8 feet (30.7 meters) length, 25.9 feet (7.9 meters) beam, 11.1 feet (3.4 meters) depth

•Final Resting Place: Oswego, Lake Ontario, 665 yards (608 meters) at 352° from the lighthouse

•Depth: 30 feet (10 meters)

•Final Voyage: September 28, 1925

Vessel Type Description:

The ISABELLA H. (formerly MCCORMICK) was a wooden steam Barge, initially crafted for transporting materials and supplies in the late 19th century. Steam barges like the ISABELLA H. were vital components of industrial logistics, bridging the gap between plants, warehouses, and construction sites. The vessel’s later adaptations and reconfigurations underscore its versatility and resilience, hallmarks of Great Lakes maritime engineering.

History:

Early Years:

The ISABELLA H. was launched in 1887 under the name MCCORMICK, serving the McCormick Harvester Machinery Company in Chicago. Its primary duty was transporting goods along the Chicago River, contributing to the company’s logistical efficiency.

Ownership and Role Changes:

•1890: Acquired by Western Transit Company, Buffalo, New York, marking its transition to Great Lakes service.

•1907: Sold to Walter J. Metcalf, Cleveland, Ohio, and repurposed for marine construction tasks.

•1911: Abandoned at Chaumont, New York, after years of active service.

•1915: Rebuilt by Frank Phelps under Capt. Augustus R. Hinckley and renamed ISABELLA H., reflecting significant structural upgrades and increased Gross Tonnage to 248 tons.

Final Voyage:

On September 28, 1925, while en route from Cape Vincent, New York, to Sodus, New York, alongside the vessel HINCKLEY, the ISABELLA H. encountered a severe storm on Lake Ontario. Battling intense conditions, the Steamer aimed for the safety of Oswego Harbor but succumbed less than a mile from the entrance.

•Crew: Seven aboard; six were rescued by the Coast Guard.

•Fatality: One crew member lost their life.

•Wreck: The wooden Hull broke apart in the storm, marking the end of the vessel’s service.

Final Disposition:

The ISABELLA H. was declared a Total Loss following the storm. The remains of the vessel lie at a depth of 30 feet (10 meters) in Oswego, Lake Ontario, 665 yards (608 meters) at a bearing of 352° from the Oswego Lighthouse. The wreck is fragmented due to the storm’s impact and the subsequent degradation of its wooden Hull.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck of the ISABELLA H. However, its known location provides a clear reference point for maritime navigation near Oswego Harbor.

Resources & Links:

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

Conclusion:

The ISABELLA H. exemplifies the evolution of Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from a river Steamer to a versatile marine construction vessel before its eventual loss in 1925. Its journey reflects the resilience of Great Lakes maritime operations and the challenges faced by vessels and crews navigating these treacherous waters. The site of the wreck near Oswego remains a silent witness to its storied past.