Identification & Site Information
- Name: Winona
- Former Names: None
- Official Registration Number: C94717
- Date Built and Launched: Built in 1902 by J. Ellison, Port Stanley, Ontario
- Measurements: 110 ft (33.5 m) length x 22 ft (6.7 m) beam x 7 ft (2.1 m) depth; Gross Tonnage: 233 tons
- Date Lost: November 13, 1931
- Place of Loss: At Spragge, Ontario, North Channel
- Lake: Lake Huron
Vessel Type
The Winona was a wooden-hulled, propeller-driven passenger and package freight Steamer, designed to transport both people and general cargo along the waterways of the Great Lakes.
Description
Launched in 1902, the Winona was a relatively small but versatile Steamer suited for service in the more sheltered and intricate waterways of Lake Huron’s North Channel. Her dual purpose as both a passenger and package freight vessel made her a vital link for the transportation of goods and people between remote communities in Ontario.
History
The Winona served the northern Great Lakes region during a time when small steamers were critical for connecting isolated settlements and towns, particularly in the North Channel of Lake Huron. Operating primarily out of Ontario ports, the Winona likely carried general cargo, mail, and passengers to communities that depended on maritime transport for supplies and communication.
By the early 20th century, vessels like the Winona were becoming increasingly important as the lumber and mining industries in northern Ontario expanded. While specific details about her regular routes and cargo are scarce, her size and design suggest she operated regionally, servicing smaller ports that larger freighters and passenger liners could not access.
On November 13, 1931, while docked at her wharf in Spragge, Ontario, the Winona caught fire and was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire remains undocumented in historical records, and it is unclear if there were any casualties or specific cargo on board at the time of the incident. The fire resulted in the vessel being declared a Total Loss.
Final Disposition
The Winona burned to the waterline while docked at Spragge, Ontario, in the North Channel of Lake Huron. There are no records of salvage or recovery efforts, and the vessel was considered a Total Loss.
Located By & Date Found
Nil return.
NOTMARs & Advisories
No specific navigational warnings or obstructions related to the Winona have been issued.
Resources & Links
Conclusion
The Winona reflects the essential role that small steamers played in supporting remote communities along the North Channel of Lake Huron in the early 20th century. Her destruction by fire in 1931 marked the end of a vessel that was likely integral to the daily life and commerce of the region. Although details of her service are limited, her presence in Spragge, Ontario, and her unfortunate demise highlight the ever-present risks faced by wooden vessels during this period, particularly from fire, a common hazard in an era of steam power and combustible materials.
Suggested Keywords: Winona, Lake Huron shipwrecks, North Channel maritime history, Spragge Ontario shipwrecks, Great Lakes passenger steamers, wooden propeller steamers.
Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, North Channel Maritime History, Early 20th Century Steamers.
Glossary Terms: Propeller-Driven Steamer, Package Freight, North Channel, Fire Loss Shipwreck, Port Stanley Shipbuilding.
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