IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

•Vessel Name: Ada E. Allen

•Vessel Type: Wooden Steambarge (originally a Bark)

•Year Built: 1872

•Builder: William Allen, Walpole Island, Ontario

•Material: Wood

•Length: 90 feet (27.4 meters)

•Beam: 22 feet (6.7 meters)

•Depth: 6.3 feet (1.9 meters)

•Tonnage:

•Original: Gross: 107 tons, Net: 68 tons

•Post-1878 Rebuild: Gross: 135 tons

•Post-1881 Rebuild: Gross: 170 tons

•Official Number: 74066

•Final Location: Near Bois Blanc Island, Lake Erie

•Date of Loss: September 21 or 22, 1887

VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION

The Ada E. Allen began its life as a Bark, a sailing vessel with square rigging, but was converted to a steambarge in 1873. This Conversion made it more suitable for transporting goods across the Great Lakes, particularly on the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. The vessel had a single Screw Propulsion system and one boiler, allowing it to carry cargo efficiently despite its modest size.

HISTORY

The Ada E. Allen was launched in 1872 by William Allen of Wallaceburg, Ontario, and initially served as a Bark. It was converted into a steambarge the following year, increasing its utility for Great Lakes transportation. Over its operational life, the vessel underwent several rebuilds to increase its carrying capacity and extend its service:

•1878: Tonnage increased to 135 tons.

•1881: Tonnage increased to 170 tons.

•1884: Major repairs were undertaken.

The Ada E. Allen was primarily employed for transportation on the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. By 1887, the vessel had deteriorated significantly, leading to its layup and the discharge of its crew.

FINAL DISPOSITION

On September 21, 1887 (or September 22, according to some sources), while moored at Heard’s Dock near Amherstburg, Ontario, the Ada E. Allen caught fire. To prevent the flames from spreading to nearby vessels and infrastructure, the vessel was cut loose and allowed to drift to Bois Blanc Island, where it burned to a Total Loss.

At the time of the fire, the vessel was carrying a light load, and there were no casualties. The property loss was estimated at $1,000. The vessel’s poor condition and recent layup suggest that it was nearing the end of its operational life before the fire.

NOTMARs & ADVISORIES

There are no active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories specific to the wreck of the Ada E. Allen.

LOCATED BY & DATE

The wreck’s precise location has not been documented, and there are no reports of exploration or recovery efforts.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

Given the vessel’s wooden construction and the nature of its loss (a total burn), it is unlikely that significant remains exist. The wreckage may have deteriorated or been scattered, and the site is not known as a recreational diving location.

RESOURCES & LINKS

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•David Swayze Shipwreck File

•Great Lakes Ships Database

KEYWORDS

•Ada E. Allen

•Wooden Steambarge

•Great Lakes Shipwreck

•Bois Blanc Island

•St. Clair River

•Lake Erie Shipwreck

•19th Century Maritime History

CONCLUSION

The Ada E. Allen exemplifies the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes vessels during the late 19th century. Originally built as a Bark, the vessel was converted to a steambarge and underwent multiple rebuilds to remain viable for transportation. Its tragic loss to fire in 1887 marked the end of a storied career, reflecting the challenges of maintaining wooden ships during this era. Though its remains are likely minimal, the Ada E. Allen contributes to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, reminding us of the risks faced by vessels and their crews in this vital region.