Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Abbie

• Type: Wooden, two-masted Schooner

• Official Number: 106407

• Builder: Ludington, Michigan

• Year Built: 1886

• Specifications:

• Length: 88 feet (26.8 meters)

• Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

• Depth: 6 feet (1.8 meters)

• Gross Tonnage: 88 tons

• Net Tonnage: 83 tons

• Final Location: Portage Lake entry, near Manistee, Michigan, Lake Michigan

• Date of Loss: November 8, 1905

• Condition: Total Loss due to wreckage

Vessel Type Description

The Abbie was a small, two-masted wooden Schooner, purpose-built for carrying cargo along the Great Lakes. At just 88 feet in length, this Schooner was well-suited for transporting goods along the coastal routes of Lake Michigan. The vessel frequently carried bulk materials such as lumber and Bark, crucial resources for the industries around the Great Lakes.

History and Final Voyage

On November 8, 1905, the Abbie was en route from Beaver Island to Milwaukee with a load of Bark. As the vessel approached the entry to Portage Lake near Manistee, Michigan, it encountered a violent storm. Battling the intense conditions, the Abbie was driven ashore and quickly began to break apart. Within hours, the pounding waves reduced the vessel to pieces.

The Schooner’s crew of four was saved by the heroic efforts of the Manistee Lifesaving Service and a local lightkeeper, who assisted in the rescue despite the challenging conditions. This act of bravery ensured that there were no casualties in the incident.

Final Disposition

The Abbie was completely destroyed by the storm, with the remains scattered by the strong lake currents. Despite its loss, the location near Portage Lake entry in Lake Michigan was confirmed, clarifying earlier reports that mistakenly placed the wreck near the Keweenaw Peninsula in Lake Superior.

Significance of the Site

The Abbie’s wreck is significant as an example of the perilous conditions schooners frequently faced on Lake Michigan. The vessel’s loss illustrates the intense weather challenges of November on the Great Lakes, a notorious month for shipwrecks. Additionally, the incident highlights the invaluable role of lifesaving services along the Great Lakes, whose efforts saved countless lives in similar wrecks.

Resources & Links

For additional information and historical context on the Abbie and other Lake Michigan schooners:

• Great Lakes Maritime Database – Bowling Green State University: Archival records on schooners like the Abbie, including construction details and incident reports.

• Historical Newspapers and Local Sources: Manistee News and Great Lakes Lifesaving Service archives provide firsthand accounts of the rescue efforts.

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Database of historical records on Great Lakes shipwrecks and the Lifesaving Service’s role.

Conclusion

The Abbie‘s story is a testament to the resilience of Great Lakes schooners and the dedication of lifesaving crews in the early 20th century. Though the vessel met a tragic end, the rescue of its crew highlights the bravery and resourcefulness of the Manistee Lifesaving Service. The Abbie remains an enduring part of Lake Michigan’s maritime history.

Keywords: Abbie Schooner, Lake Michigan shipwreck, Portage Lake entry, Manistee Lifesaving Service, wooden Schooner wreck