Identification & Site Information

• Name: William Aldrich
• Former Names: None
• Official Number: 26362
• Date Built and Launched: 1856
• Builder: J. Harbridge, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
• Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner, “Grand Haven Rig” (originally built as a three-masted schooner, later converted to two masts)
• Hull Material: Wood
• Measurements Length: 123 ft (37.5 m) Beam: 26 ft (7.9 m)Depth: 8 ft (2.4 m)
• Tonnage: 192 gross tons, 182 net tons
• Date Lost: June 7 or 9, 1916
• Place of Loss: Near Pointe aux Epoufettes, Michigan (near the now-lost town of Davenport, MI)
• Lake: Lake Michigan
• Type of Loss: Storm
• Loss of Life: None at the time of sinking (previous casualty in 1891)
• Cargo at Time of Loss: Unknown

---

Vessel Type: Wooden Schooner with a “Grand Haven Rig,” a unique two-mast configuration common to vessels that operated in the Grand Haven area. Originally built as a three-masted Schooner, she was later converted to a two-mast setup to adapt to changing cargo needs and sailing conditions.

Description: The William Aldrich was a mid-sized wooden Schooner built in 1856 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin by J. Harbridge. Initially constructed as a three-masted Schooner, she was later converted to a two-masted “Grand Haven Rig,” a modification that was common for schooners in the region to optimize handling and performance in the often challenging conditions of Lake Michigan.

Measuring 123 feet (37.5 m) in length with a beam of 26 feet (7.9 m) and a depth of 8 feet (2.4 m), the William Aldrich was well-suited for hauling bulk cargoes across the Great Lakes. She underwent significant rebuilds in 1872 and was further enlarged in 1875, indicating a long service life and continuous adaptation to the demands of Great Lakes shipping.

History: The William Aldrich had a long and active career spanning six decades. Like many schooners of her time, she was involved in various mishaps and faced the unpredictable weather of the Great Lakes:

• 1891 Incident: The vessel was knocked down by a white squall in 1891, a sudden and violent windstorm notorious on the Great Lakes. This incident resulted in the loss of one crew member, though the vessel itself survived and continued operations.

Despite this near-catastrophe, the William Aldrich remained in service well into the 20th century, a testament to her sturdy construction and the skill of her crews.

Final Voyage and Loss: On June 7 or 9, 1916, the William Aldrich met her final fate during a storm on Lake Michigan near Pointe aux Epoufettes, Michigan, close to the now-vanished town of Davenport, MI. She went ashore during the storm and subsequently broke up on the shoreline. Fortunately, no lives were lost during this final incident, although the vessel was declared a Total Loss.

Final Disposition:
The vessel broke apart near Pointe aux Epoufettes, Michigan, and was not salvaged. The exact condition and location of the wreck today remain undocumented.

Located By & Date Found:
No confirmed modern discovery of the wreck has been reported.

NOTMARs & Advisories:
No current navigational hazards related to this vessel in the vicinity of Pointe aux Epoufettes.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessels Database – BGSU
• Edward J. Dowling Collection, University of Detroit – Mercy

Conclusion

The William Aldrich represents the resilience and adaptability of Great Lakes schooners during the 19th and early 20th centuries. From surviving a deadly white squall in 1891 to ultimately succumbing to a storm in 1916, her long service life reflects both the dangers and the durability of wooden schooners in this era. Though her wreck remains unlocated, her story contributes to the maritime history of Lake Michigan and the legacy of “Grand Haven Rig” vessels.

---

Keywords: Schooner, Lake Michigan, Pointe aux Epoufettes, Grand Haven Rig, White Squall, Shipwreck
Categories: Great Lakes Schooners, Lake Michigan Shipwrecks, 19th Century Maritime History
Glossary Terms: Grand Haven Rig, White Squall, Knocked Down, Rebuild and Enlargement