Identification & Site Information:

•  Vessel Name: ADDIE
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 105168
• Type at Loss: Schooner, Wood, 2-Mast
• Year Built: 1872
• Builder: J. Randall
• Build Location: Benton Harbor, Michigan
• Specifications: Length: 64 ft (19.5 m) Beam: 16 ft (4.9 m) Depth: 5 ft (1.5 m)
• Gross Tonnage: 30 tons
• Net Tonnage: 29 tons

Vessel Type Description:

The ADDIE was a small, two-masted wooden schooner, commonly used for coastal trade on the Great Lakes during the late 19th century. Schooners of this size were often employed in transporting light cargo, personal goods, or specialized shipments between growing towns and cities along the shores of Lake Michigan. Their size and maneuverability made them well-suited for navigating tight harbors and shallow waters.

History:

Launched in 1872 from Benton Harbor, Michigan, the ADDIE spent over two decades serving the bustling maritime trade routes of Lake Michigan. The Schooner frequently transported household goods and other small cargoes between ports, playing a key role in supporting the growing settlements along the lakeshore.

Despite its hardworking nature, the ADDIE experienced several incidents during its service:

• 1877: The Schooner was shoved between rows of pilings at Lakeside, Michigan, causing heavy damage.
• 1882: Following extensive wear and damage, the ADDIE was Rebuilt, extending her operational life.
• 1887: The vessel was wrecked and temporarily Abandoned near Muskegon, Michigan, but was salvaged and returned to service.

These incidents illustrate the challenges faced by smaller schooners navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.

Final Voyage & Disposition:

On October 5, 1897, the ADDIE encountered a severe storm near Frankfort, Michigan. The details surrounding the Schooner’s sinking are sparse, but it is known that she was carrying household goods at the time. The storm overwhelmed the vessel, leading to her loss. There is no clear documentation regarding the loss of life, but smaller schooners typically operated with minimal crew, increasing the risk during harsh weather conditions.

Final Location:

• Place of Loss: Near Frankfort, Michigan, Lake Michigan
• Date of Loss: October 5, 1897
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: Unknown
• Final Cargo: Household Goods

Located By & Date Found:

• Located By: No official discovery recorded.
• Date Found: The wreck site remains unidentified.

Notices to Mariners & Advisories:

• NOTMARs: No current Notices to Mariners for this wreck.
• Advisories: Mariners and divers near Frankfort, Michigan should exercise caution due to potential underwater obstructions from historical wrecks.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Benzie Area Historical Society

Conclusion:

The Schooner ADDIE represents the resilience and challenges faced by small trading vessels on Lake Michigan during the late 19th century. Despite multiple incidents and rebuilds, the Schooner continued to serve for over 25 years, contributing to the vital flow of goods and supplies along the lakeshore communities. Her eventual loss near Frankfort in 1897 reflects the unpredictable nature of Great Lakes weather and the inherent dangers of maritime life during that period.

Keywords: ADDIE Schooner, Frankfort Michigan shipwrecks, Lake Michigan maritime history, Benton Harbor shipbuilding, 19th-century schooners, Great Lakes household goods trade, Muskegon shipwrecks, Great Lakes storms, Michigan shipwrecks, 1897 shipwrecks.