Identification & Site Information

•Name: North Star

•Type: Steamer

•Location: Rice Lake, near Peterboro, Ontario, Canada

•Coordinates: Not specified; vessel was located on Rice Lake

•Date of Incident: October 11, 1904

•Depth: Not applicable; vessel burned to the water’s edge

Vessel Type Description

The North Star was a Steamer specifically designed for passenger and freight transport across the relatively shallow waters of Rice Lake. Its operations connected small communities and facilitated trade, making it a vital component of the local economy. Though its exact dimensions are unknown, its design was optimized for navigating the lake’s shallows while providing dependable service to residents and merchants.

History

The North Star served the Rice Lake area for about a decade before its tragic end. Owned by Captain Harris of Gores Landing, the Steamer was instrumental in connecting Peterboro, Gores Landing, and other points around Rice Lake. It transported passengers, goods, and mail, weaving a crucial thread of connectivity in the region.

For many locals, the North Star represented more than just a vessel—it was a lifeline to surrounding communities and a key driver of economic activity. This Steamer became a fixture of daily life for many who lived along the lake.

Final Disposition

On October 11, 1904, the North Star was moored near Peterboro, Ontario, when it was engulfed by a fire under mysterious circumstances. The blaze spread rapidly, consuming the wooden vessel before any meaningful response could be mounted. The fire reduced the Steamer to its waterline, leaving only fragments of its structure.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined, sparking speculation about mechanical failure or accidental ignition. No lives were lost in the incident, but the destruction of the North Star marked a profound loss for the communities it served.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the North Star’s wreck site. Since the vessel was completely destroyed and left no substantial wreckage, there are no navigational hazards in the area.

Located By & Date

The remains of the North Star have not been formally located, and there is no documentation of underwater exploration of the site. The fire consumed most of the vessel, and any remnants are likely buried under lake sediments or scattered in the vicinity.

Current Condition & Accessibility

•Condition: The North Star was entirely consumed by fire, leaving minimal, if any, discernible wreckage. Any remaining fragments would be severely degraded and potentially buried in the lakebed.

•Accessibility: The site is publicly accessible as part of Rice Lake; however, it is not a designated dive site or historical location due to the lack of significant wreckage.

Resources & Links

1.Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Historical accounts and records of similar vessels operating in the region.

2.Local Historical Societies: Contact societies in Peterboro or the Rice Lake area for any available artifacts, photographs, or oral histories related to the North Star.

3.Newspaper Archives: Review historical newspapers such as the Peterboro Examiner for contemporaneous reports from October 1904.

Conclusion

The North Star was a beloved and essential vessel for the communities around Rice Lake. Its fiery destruction on October 11, 1904, left a void in the region’s transport and trade network. Though no significant wreck remains, the memory of the North Star lives on in the stories of those who relied on her. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of these early steamers and the vital role they played in fostering economic and social connections in the early 20th century.

Keywords

•Steamer North Star

•Rice Lake

•Maritime History

•Shipwreck Report

•Peterboro, Ontario

•Historical Vessel Fire

•Lake Navigation