The S.P. Ames: A Humble Lumber Schooner of the Great Lakes

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: S.P. Ames

• Vessel Type: Two-Masted Wooden Schooner (Lumber Hooker)

• Builder: Seth Ames

• Place of Construction: Montrose, Michigan

• Year Built: 1879

• Dimensions:

• Length: 61 feet (18.6 meters)

• Beam: 18 feet (5.5 meters)

• Depth: 6.4 feet (1.9 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 43 tons

• Net Tonnage: 41 tons

• Final Resting Place: Point Aux Barques Reef, Lake Huron

• Date of Wreck: September 11, 1895

Vessel Type Description

The S.P. Ames was a small, wooden Schooner known as a “lumber hooker.” These vessels were a common sight on the Great Lakes, transporting lumber and other goods essential to the region’s industries. Despite its modest size and value, the S.P. Ames served its purpose reliably, navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.

History

Construction and Launch (1879):

• Built in Montrose, Michigan, a farming community on the Flint River, the S.P. Ames was constructed by Seth Ames, who tragically passed away the day before the Hull was launched.

• Rigging and equipment installation were completed by D.S. Tuikham of Bay City.

Ownership Changes:

• Over its operational life, the Schooner changed hands multiple times, reflecting the fluid nature of vessel ownership in the Great Lakes maritime industry:

• D.S. Tuikham (1879)

• A. Vanden Brooks (1888)

• Tedy Castlaw (1891)

• F. Trudo (September 1891)

• Edw. Bradley (November 1891)

Service Life:

• The S.P. Ames was enrolled in Port Huron on June 25, 1879, and served primarily as a lumber carrier.

• Known as an “uninsurable lumber-hooker”, the vessel had a modest valuation of $500, emphasizing its role as a workhorse rather than a high-value asset.

Final Voyage and Wreck (1895):

• Incident Details:

• On September 11, 1895, the Schooner encountered a gale while downbound near Tawas Bay, Lake Huron.

• A sudden leak caused the vessel to be driven ashore on Point Aux Barques Reef.

• The Schooner quickly broke apart, rendering it unsalvageable.

• Aftermath:

• The crew of three escaped unharmed, and the Point Aux Barques lifesaving crew managed to strip the vessel of valuable items before it disintegrated.

• The wreck officially marked the end of the S.P. Ames, with its enrollment surrendered on October 4, 1895.

Legacy

The story of the S.P. Ames is one of resilience and service in the face of the harsh Great Lakes environment. Though its loss was not marked by any fatalities, the vessel’s history highlights the risks faced by sailors and the humble yet critical role of small schooners in the region’s maritime economy.

Current Condition & Accessibility

• The wreck of the S.P. Ames remains off Point Aux Barques Reef in Lake Huron. Due to its rapid disintegration and the stripping of valuable components, little remains of the vessel. However, the location serves as a historical point of interest for maritime historians.

Resources & References

• Great Lakes Ships: Comprehensive database on historical vessels.

• David Swayze Shipwreck Files: Detailed records on shipwrecks.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Archival resources on Great Lakes maritime events.

Conclusion

The S.P. Ames was a modest vessel with a short but eventful career. From its construction in a quiet Michigan town to its final moments in the rough waters of Lake Huron, the Schooner reflects the everyday realities of 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its legacy endures as a small yet significant part of the region’s rich maritime history.