Shipwreck Report: Schooner Shook (1856)

Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Shook
• Year Built: 1856
• Official Number: 22354
• Vessel Type: Schooner (two-masted)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Builder: F. D. Ketchum, Huron, Ohio
• Original Owners: L. F. & Solon Burgess, Cleveland, Ohio
• Specifications
• Number of Decks: 1
• Length: 131 feet 4.32 inches (40.05 metres)
• Beam: 25 feet 3 inches (7.69 metres)
• Depth: 11 feet 2.4 inches (3.41 metres)
• Tonnage (Old Style): 361 27/95 tons
• Propulsion: Sail-powered, with two masts.

Service History and Incidents

Construction and Early Years The Shook was launched in 1856 in Huron, Ohio. It was built as a cargo-carrying Schooner, a common vessel type for transporting bulk goods like coal, iron ore, and timber across the Great Lakes.

Notable Incidents The Shook experienced a series of mishaps throughout its operational life:

• 1856 (September): Shortly after its launch, the vessel lost its Centerboard and bowsprit during a gale on Lake Michigan, requiring significant repairs.
• 1859 (September 28): Collided with the propeller General Taylor in the St. Clair River, sustaining damage.
• 1860 (June): Ran ashore on Middle Island in Lake Huron and was forced to jettison a cargo of iron ore to free itself.
• 1861 (April): Lost its anchor and chain in the Straits of Mackinac, a common issue in turbulent waters and strong currents.
• 1861 (October): Lost another anchor and chain while navigating Lake Michigan.
• 1863: Owned by Lingren, Cleveland, Ohio. Underwent large-scale repairs to address its structural wear.
• 1865: Ownership shifted to Chicago, Illinois. Tonnage was recorded at 264.6 gross tons, suggesting modifications or re-measurements.

Final Voyage and Wreck

• Date of Loss: November 1869
• Location: Rondeau, Ontario, Lake Erie
• Cargo: The Shook was carrying a load of coal at the time of its wreck.
• Cause of Wreck:
• The vessel went ashore, likely due to a storm or navigational error, and was wrecked beyond recovery.

Legacy and Significance

Economic Role The Shook served as a reliable Bulk Carrier during the mid-19th century, transporting essential materials like coal, iron ore, and timber, which were vital to the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

Frequent Perils of Great Lakes Navigation The Shook’s numerous incidents reflect the dangers of Great Lakes shipping during the 19th century, including collisions, storms, and mechanical failures.

Final Resting Place The Shook was wrecked at Rondeau, a significant area along the north shore of Lake Erie. The site has historical importance as a hub for trade and navigation during the 19th century.

Resources for Further Research

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca
• Ontario Historical Society May hold records of the wreck at Rondeau or local accounts of the loss.
• Archives of Great Lakes Vessels Information on similar schooners and their operational history.

Conclusion

The Shook was a typical 19th-century Great Lakes Schooner, enduring a rugged career marked by several incidents and repairs. Its final wreck at Rondeau, Ontario, in 1869, underscores the challenges faced by wooden sailing vessels on the Great Lakes. Despite its loss, the Shook played a key role in the economic activity of the region during its 13 years of service. Its story serves as a reminder of the resilience of sailors and the perils of early maritime commerce.