Identification & Site Information:

• Name: ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR.

• Type: Wooden Sandsucker Barge (originally a Steamer)

• Builder: A. Anderson

• Construction Location: Marine City, Michigan

• Year Built: 1900

• Dimensions:

• Length: 150 feet (45.7 m)

• Width (Beam): 35 feet (10.7 m)

• Depth: 8 feet (2.4 m)

• Tonnage:

• Gross: 478 tons

• Net: 418 tons

• Home Port: Cleveland, Ohio

• Primary Service Area: Lake Erie, Great Lakes

• Final Disposition: Sank in 1935 at dock; destroyed by fire in 1941; possibly scuttled with explosives in 1937.

Vessel Type Description:

The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was originally constructed as a Steamer and later converted into a wooden sandsucker Barge after 1928. Sandsucker barges played a critical role in the Great Lakes construction industry, dredging and transporting sand from lakebeds to support infrastructure projects. The Conversion from Steamer to Barge demonstrates the adaptability of Great Lakes vessels to meet changing industrial needs.

History:

The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was built in 1900 and served as a Steamer for nearly three decades before being converted into a sandsucker Barge in 1928. Operated by the Lorain Washed Sand Co., the vessel was instrumental in supplying sand for construction in the Great Lakes region, particularly in Lake Erie.

On May 11, 1935, the vessel sank while docked in Sandusky, Ohio. Despite initial salvage efforts, the Barge was left idle, and in May 1941, a fire consumed the wooden structure while it was moored at the dock, awaiting Conversion into a Breakwater.

Adding to the vessel’s mysterious end, some reports suggest that it was towed into Lake Erie and scuttled with explosives in 1937. The reasons for this action remain unclear, with no definitive documentation confirming this account. These conflicting reports add an intriguing layer to the vessel’s historical narrative.

Final Disposition:

The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was consumed by fire in 1941, although it may have been scuttled in 1937. The lack of precise records on its final resting place leaves its fate partially shrouded in mystery.

Located By & Date:

The vessel sank at its dock in 1935 in Sandusky, Ohio. If the reports of scuttling are accurate, its remains may lie at the bottom of Lake Erie. No confirmed modern discovery or survey of the wreck has been documented.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• Current Status: No active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the wreck.

• Navigational Hazard: The exact location of the wreck is uncertain due to conflicting historical accounts.

Resources & Links:

1. Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Detailed information on Great Lakes shipping and wrecks.

2. Great Lakes Ships Database: Comprehensive records on regional maritime history.

3. David Swayze Shipwreck File: Archival documentation on Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Conclusion:

The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes vessels, transitioning from a Steamer to a sandsucker Barge to serve the construction industry. Its eventual demise—marked by a sinking, fire, and possible scuttling—highlights the challenges of maritime operations during the 20th century. Despite its tragic end, the vessel’s history provides valuable insight into the economic and industrial development of the Great Lakes region.

Keywords:

• Great Lakes Shipwrecks

• Lake Erie

• Sandsucker Barge

• Maritime History

• Sandusky, Ohio

• Marine City, Michigan

• 20th Century Shipping

• Lorain Washed Sand Co.

Glossary:

• Sandsucker Barge: A vessel designed to extract and transport sand from lakebeds.

• Scuttling: The deliberate sinking of a ship, often using explosives, for disposal or other purposes.

• Breakwater: A structure designed to protect a harbor or shoreline from wave action.