Shipwreck Report: Schooner Norway (1873–1919)

Identification & Vessel Information

• Name: Norway
• Year Built: 1873
• Official Number: 72583
• Vessel Type: Three-Masted Schooner
• Construction Site: Garden Island, Ontario
• Builder: Henry Roney
• Original Owner: Dexter D. Calvin & Breck, Garden Island, Ontario
• Specifications
• Hull Material: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Length: 135.1 feet (41.2 m)
• Beam: 25.9 feet (7.9 m)
• Depth: 12 feet (3.7 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 360 tons
• Net Tonnage: 333 tons

Operational History

Early Service (1873–1880):

Designed for cargo trade on the Great Lakes, particularly bulk goods like timber and grain. Frequently operated in Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron, serving key ports like Kingston, Detroit, and Port Colborne. 1874, July 8: Capsized off Lexington, Michigan, in Lake Huron. The incident did not result in a Total Loss, and the vessel was salvaged and returned to service  1875, September 18: Ran ashore at Point Pelee Island, Lake Erie, but was successfully repaired after being drydocked in Detroit, Michigan.

Major Incidents (1880–1903):

1877, June: Collided with the Schooner Laura Belle near Long Point, Lake Erie, causing damage. 1880, November 8: Capsized near False Duck Island, Lake Ontario.  Outcome: The crew was lost in the incident. The vessel was later righted and towed to Kingston, Ontario, where it underwent repairs. The Schooner was Rebuilt in 1881 and continued operations. 1883, September: Beached at Port Colborne, Ontario, after being damaged. While in the harbour, it capsized and damaged the Steamer Chieftain. 1903, April 27: Collided with the Propeller Steamer Briton at Algonac, Michigan, on the St. Clair River. Towed to Port Huron, Michigan, for repairs by the Tug Saria.

Final Years (1903–1919):

Continued in service as a bulk cargo carrier, with ownership transferring to the Kaine & Bird Transportation Co., Quebec. By 1919, the aging Schooner was scrapped or Abandoned, marking the end of its long and eventful career.

Final Disposition

Year of Final Incident: 1919  Location: Likely scrapped in Quebec or Abandoned on the Great Lakes.

Significance: The Norway outlived many of its contemporaries, operating for nearly five decades despite enduring several serious incidents, including collisions, capsizing, and storm damage.

Significance and Legacy

The Schooner Norway is a testament to the durability of wooden sailing vessels in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its ability to return to service after multiple accidents underscores the importance of ship repair facilities and the resourcefulness of Great Lakes mariners.

• 1. Economic Role: Supported the growing timber and grain trade on the Great Lakes, connecting Canadian and U.S. ports during a period of rapid industrialization.
• 2. Technological Transition: Operated during a period when sail-powered vessels began to decline in favour of steam-powered ships, reflecting the challenges faced by traditional schooners in maintaining relevance.
• 3. Hazardous Operations: The Norway’s history of collisions and capsizing highlights the dangers of navigating the congested and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Historical Research Opportunities

• 1Wreck and Salvage Records: Explore archives in Kingston, Ontario, for records on its capsizing and repairs.
• Library and Archives Canada
• Great Lakes Marine Collection at Thunder Bay may contain documentation about its salvage operations.
• Ownership Records  The transfer of ownership to Kaine & Bird Transportation Co. suggests connections to Quebec’s maritime trade. Local archives in Quebec may hold additional details.
• Port Colborne Historical Society: Records may detail the Norway’s beaching and interaction with the Steamer Chieftain.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca Search for further incidents involving the Norway.
• Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary: They may have insights into the Schooner’s accidents near False Duck Island or Port Colborne.