Identification & Site Information

• Name: Charles H. Weeks
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 33938
• Date Built and Launched: 1873
• Builder: G. King, Marine City, Michigan, USA
• Measurements: Length: 134 ft (40.84 m) Beam (Width): 26 ft (7.92 m) Depth of Hold: 11 ft (3.35 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 324 tons
• Date Lost: October 6, 1889
• Place of Loss: Off Point Edward, just north of Port Huron, Lake Huron
• Type of Loss: Storm-related grounding after breaking tow
• Loss of Life: 1 (crew member died later from injuries sustained during the grounding)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Lumber
• Ownership at Time of Loss: Owned by Potts, based out of Au Sable, Michigan

Vessel Type

The Charles H. Weeks was a wooden, two-masted Schooner designed for bulk cargo transport, typical of vessels operating on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Her primary cargo was lumber, a vital commodity during Michigan’s lumber boom, with schooners like hers playing a critical role in transporting timber from remote logging areas to industrial centers.

Description

Built in 1873 by shipbuilder G. King in Marine City, Michigan, the Charles H. Weeks measured 134 feet in length with a 26-foot beam and an 11-foot depth of hold. She registered at 324 gross tons, making her a moderately sized Schooner, well-suited for the lumber trade. Constructed with durable wooden timbers, she was built to withstand the often harsh conditions of the Great Lakes, although, like many schooners of her time, she was vulnerable during severe storms, especially when under tow.

Her design prioritized cargo capacity, with large, open holds to accommodate bulky freight such as logs and lumber. The vessel operated primarily out of Au Sable, Michigan, a key port for the lumber industry on the shores of Lake Huron.

History

The Charles H. Weeks served for 16 years in the Great Lakes shipping trade, primarily transporting lumber along the Lake Huron coastline and to ports further south. This period coincided with Michigan’s lumber boom, where schooners like hers were integral in moving vast quantities of timber from the forests of northern Michigan to markets and mills in cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago.

By the late 1880s, schooners were often towed by steam-powered barges to conserve fuel and improve efficiency, especially when sailing conditions were poor. This practice, however, posed risks during storms when towlines could snap under strain.

Final Voyage and Loss

On October 6, 1889, while being towed by the steambarge Saline during a storm on Lake Huron, the Charles H. Weeksbroke away from her tow near Point Edward, just north of Port Huron. Once adrift, the Schooner was at the mercy of the storm’s fierce winds and waves, ultimately driving ashore.

Despite the vessel’s grounding, the crew survived the initial wreck. Local fishermen responded quickly to the distress, rescuing the crew from the stranded Schooner. Tragically, one crew member succumbed to injuries sustained during the grounding, dying some time after the incident.

The Charles H. Weeks was declared a Total Loss following the wreck. The force of the storm, combined with the impact of the grounding, severely compromised her structure, rendering salvage or repair impractical.

Located By & Date Found

Nil – There are no definitive records of the wreck’s discovery. Given her grounding near Point Edward, remnants of the Schooner may still exist offshore or buried under shifting sediments, but no confirmed wreck site has been identified.

NOTMARs & Advisories

While the specific wreck of the Charles H. Weeks is not marked as a navigational hazard, the waters near Point Edward and Port Huron are part of a busy shipping corridor with known submerged obstructions. Mariners are advised to consult updated nautical charts for potential hazards in the area.

Resources & Links

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Port Huron Maritime Archives

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

Keywords: Charles H. Weeks, schooner, Lake Huron shipwreck, Point Edward wreck, Port Huron maritime history, Great Lakes lumber schooner, 19th-century shipwreck

Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, 19th Century Maritime Disasters, Great Lakes Lumber Schooners, Schooners Under Tow

Glossary Terms:

• Schooner: A sailing vessel with two or more masts, typically rigged fore-and-aft, used extensively for cargo transport on the Great Lakes.
• Steambarge: A steam-powered vessel often used to tow unpowered schooners or barges, common in Great Lakes commerce during the late 19th century.
• Grounding: The event of a vessel running aground, often due to navigational errors, mechanical failures, or severe weather conditions.
• Total Loss: A maritime term indicating that a vessel is damaged beyond economic repair following an accident.

Conclusion

The Charles H. Weeks reflects the challenges faced by schooners in the Great Lakes during the late 19th century, particularly as they adapted to new towing practices alongside steam-powered vessels. Her loss near Port Huron in 1889 highlights both the risks of maritime operations during severe storms and the critical role of local rescue efforts. While her wreck remains undiscovered, her story is part of the broader maritime heritage of Lake Huron’s busy shipping lanes.