Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Wend the Wave
• Type: Schooner Barge
• Year Built: 1867
• Built At: Likely Cleveland, Ohio (not confirmed)
• Final Location: Lake Erie
• Coordinates: N 41° 52.912’, W 82° 28.532’
• •Depth: 30 feet (10 meters)
• •Length: 128 feet (39 meters)
• •Registry: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

Vessel Type Description

The Wend the Wave was a wooden Schooner Barge, a type of vessel often used in towing operations on the Great Lakes. Built in 1867, the vessel underwent several upgrades to meet the demands of evolving commerce, including new decks in 1874 and a significant Rebuild in 1882. Schooner barges like the Wend the Wave were vital for transporting bulk goods, such as lumber and railroad ties, and were typically towed by steam-powered vessels across the lakes.

Early Service: Enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, the Wend the Wave was a key player in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes. The vessel was often seen in towing operations with steam-powered tugs, emphasizing its role in the industrial growth of the region.

Storm Incident of 1883: In June 1883, while being towed by the East Saginaw, the Wend the Wave was caught in a fierce storm on Lake Michigan. The storm, involving two cyclones, caused the tow line to part. Despite being separated from its towing vessel and fellow barges, the Wend the Wavereached Chicago but lost 500 railroad ties overboard during the storm.

Ownership Changes:

January 1888: The vessel was sold to John Hollywood of Bay City, Michigan. Under Hollywood’s ownership, the Wend the Wave continued its service as a reliable Schooner Barge.

Final Voyage:

On October 6, 1889, the Wend the Wave was wrecked during a severe storm on Lake Erie. The storm caused widespread maritime disasters, with other vessels such as the Lady Franklin and Rhoda Emily running ashore and the Magruder also lost.

Final Disposition

• Date of Loss: October 6, 1889
• Cause: Wrecked in a gale on Lake Erie.
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Not specified, though the vessel frequently carried bulk materials like railroad ties.
• Crew: Not documented.
• Condition: Resting at a depth of 30 feet (10 meters), the remains of the Wend the Wave offer insight into the Schooner Barge’s construction and final moments.

Significance

The Wend the Wave was a workhorse of the Great Lakes, demonstrating the vital role Schooner barges played in regional commerce during the 19th century. Its history reflects the evolution of maritime operations and the challenges posed by unpredictable weather and industrial demands.

The storm that led to the Wend the Wave’s loss underscores the perils faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, where even experienced crews and well-maintained ships were vulnerable to nature’s fury.

Resources & Links

• Great Lakes Ships Database
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File

Keywords

Wend the Wave, Lake Erie shipwreck, Schooner Barge, 19th-century Great Lakes vessel, railroad tie transport, Great Lakes maritime history, storm wrecks, John Hollywood.

Conclusion

The story of the Wend the Wave is a testament to the resilience and utility of Schooner barges in the Great Lakes shipping industry. Its service life spanned over two decades, during which it transported essential goods and endured the rigors of towing operations and fierce weather. The vessel’s loss in the storm of 1889 highlights the ever-present dangers of Great Lakes navigation, cementing its place in maritime history. Resting in Lake Erie, the Wend the Wave remains a silent witness to a bygone era of industrial growth and maritime resilience.