Identification & Site Information

• Name: H.S. HUBBELL (also seen as H.S. HUBBLE)
• Other Names: None reported
• Official Number: 95699
• Date Built and Launched: 1882
• Builder: H. DeRoot, Lorain, Ohio
• Original Owner: John Spry, et al., Chicago, Illinois
• Vessel Type: Wooden propeller-driven freighter
• Hull Materials: Wood
• Number of Decks: 1
• Power:
• Propulsion: Screw propeller (single propeller)
• Engine Type: Steam-powered
• Measurements:
• Length: 142 ft (43.3 m)
• Beam: 30 ft (9.1 m)
• Depth: 11 ft (3.4 m)
• Tonnage (Gross): 399 tons
• Tonnage (Net): 365 tons

Vessel Type

The H.S. HUBBELL was a wooden-hulled, steam-powered freighter, designed primarily for transporting lumber and bulk cargo. Built in 1882 in Lorain, Ohio, the vessel was relatively small compared to later steel-hulled freighters, but it played an important role in supplying Great Lakes ports with timber and other goods.

Owned by John Spry and associates in Chicago, the vessel was part of the booming lumber trade, hauling timber from northern Michigan and Wisconsin to larger cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit.

History

The H.S. HUBBELL was in service for only six years before meeting its tragic end in 1888.

Key Events in the Vessel’s History:

• 1882: Built by H. DeRoot in Lorain, Ohio and launched as a freight Steamer.
• 1882-1888: Transported lumber and bulk goods across the Great Lakes, operating mainly between northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Final Disposition

The H.S. HUBBELL was lost on November 12, 1888, 20 miles east-northeast of Poverty Island, in Little Bay de Noc, Lake Michigan.

The Disaster

• A galley lantern exploded, causing a fast-moving fire that quickly spread throughout the wooden Hull.
• The fire burned the ship completely, leading to a Total Loss.
• The entire crew Abandoned ship and was rescued by the Steamer NEW ORLEANS.
• No lives were lost.

Located By & Date Found

Nil return. There are no confirmed reports of the H.S. HUBBELL‘s wreck location being discovered or surveyed near Poverty Island, Lake Michigan.

Given the severity of the fire, much of the ship likely burned and sank in deep water, making discovery unlikely.

NOTMARs & Advisories

Nil return. No modern navigational hazards related to this wreck are reported near Little Bay de Noc, Lake Michigan.

Resources & Link

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The H.S. HUBBELL is a classic example of the risks faced by wooden freighters in the late 19th century. Despite being only six years old, the vessel fell victim to fire, a common hazard for steam-powered wooden ships.

While no lives were lost, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by Great Lakes sailors, who relied on quick action and the presence of nearby vessels for survival.

If you’d like to learn more about shipwrecks near Poverty Island, Great Lakes fires, or similar wooden freighters, let me know!