Identification & Site Information

• Wreck Name: JOHN PRIDGEON Jr.
• Type: Propeller (Steam Screw Freighter)
• Date of Incident: September 18, 1909
• Location: Avon Point, Lake Erie, 12 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio
• Coordinates: 41° 35.320’ N, 81° 58.601’ W
• Depth: 60 feet (20 meters)
• Condition: Wrecked, partially salvageable; scattered debris field

Vessel Type Description

The JOHN PRIDGEON Jr. was a wooden steam screw freighter built in 1875. Originally designed for bulk freight transportation, it was notable for its robust build and adaptability. With a length of 221.5 feet, a beam of 36.3 feet, and a depth of 14.0 feet, it was well-suited for carrying substantial cargo loads, including lumber and other bulk goods.

The ship’s propulsion system, featuring a steam engine with 600 nominal horsepower, allowed it to navigate efficiently across the Great Lakes. Over its operational life, the vessel underwent significant modifications, including a Rebuild in 1902 as a bulk freighter.

Key Incidents:

• November 1877: Collided with the Tug GONENOW.
• May 1883: Collision with the J.H. MEAD at Cheboygan, Michigan.
• 1883: Underwent significant repairs, including the installation of a new steam boiler.
• 1902: Rebuilt as a bulk freighter and owned by Frank Roneker and others in Tonawanda, New York.
• 1903: Sold to John J. Boland of Buffalo, New York, who utilized it for bulk freight transport.

Final Voyage:

On September 18, 1909, the JOHN PRIDGEON Jr. Foundered approximately 12 miles west of Cleveland, Ohio, while carrying a cargo of lumber. Despite the vessel’s sinking, all 14 people on board survived the incident.

Efforts to salvage the stranded vessel were unsuccessful, with tugboats unable to move it from its location. Discussions emerged about using dynamite to recover the cargo, and part of the lumber was eventually salvaged in 1910 by George W. Pfohl of Buffalo. The vessel’s enrollment was surrendered on December 28, 1909, marking it officially as “lost.”

Final Disposition

The wreck of the JOHN PRIDGEON Jr. lies near Avon Point in Lake Erie, at a depth of 60 feet (20 meters). The wreckage consists of a partially intact Hull and scattered debris. Salvage operations have altered the site, and parts of the cargo were recovered. The wreck remains a significant historical artifact, illustrating the challenges of early 20th-century shipping on the Great Lakes.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Condition: The wreck is partially intact amidships, with debris from the wreck and cargo scattered across the lakebed. Dynamite used during salvage efforts likely contributed to the fragmentation of the site.

Accessibility: The relatively shallow depth of 60 feet makes the site accessible to recreational divers. However, Visibility may vary depending on Lake Erie’s conditions.

Diving Notes: Divers should exercise caution due to potential entanglement hazards from wreckage and remaining salvage equipment.

Resources & Links

• Buffalo Evening News archives
• Merchant Vessel List (1891, 1910)
• •Great Lakes Ships
• •Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• •David Swayze Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The JOHN PRIDGEON Jr. served as a workhorse of the Great Lakes for over three decades, contributing to the region’s thriving bulk freight industry. Its final voyage highlights the hazards of maritime transportation in the early 20th century, particularly in the volatile waters of Lake Erie. The wreck site near Avon Point remains a significant historical and archaeological site, offering divers a glimpse into the challenges faced by Great Lakes mariners.

Tags #JOHNPRIDGEONJr #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LakeErie #AvonPoint #HistoricalShipwreck #SteamFreighter #MaritimeHistory #UnderwaterExploration