Identification & Site Information

•Name: W.J. Suffel.

•Type: Wooden Schooner.

•Official Number:

•Initial Registration: 71247.

•Re-registration: 71274.

•Location:

•Initial Registration: Port Burwell, Ontario.

•Re-registration: Port Hope, Ontario.

•Registration Closed: April 6, 1906, in Kingston, Ontario.

Vessel Type Description

The W.J. Suffel was a classic wooden Schooner, emblematic of the robust cargo vessels that dominated 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Built in 1874 by Lemuel McDermand in Port Burwell, Ontario, the vessel featured:

•Dimensions:

•Length: 120 feet (36.58 meters).

•Beam: 26 feet (7.92 meters).

•Depth: 9.8 feet (2.99 meters).

•Tonnage:

•Gross and Net: 238 tons.

•Design:

•Carvel-built Hull.

•Square Stern.

•Rigged as a two-masted Schooner.

The Schooner was primarily used for cargo transport, reflecting the critical role of such vessels in the maritime economy of the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History

The W.J. Suffel was first registered in Port Burwell, Ontario, on September 1, 1874, beginning a career that spanned over three decades. It was a workhorse of Great Lakes trade, facilitating the movement of goods between regional ports.

•1885: Re-registered in Port Hope, Ontario, under a new official number (71274), possibly reflecting a change in ownership or operational base.

•Trade Routes: The Schooner continued operating on the Great Lakes, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.

Final Disposition

The W.J. Suffel’s official registration was closed on April 6, 1906, in Kingston, Ontario. The vessel’s fate beyond this date remains unclear:

•It may have been retired, repurposed, or lost to natural causes, as was common with aging schooners.

•The closure of its registration marked the end of its documented service.

Legacy

The W.J. Suffel serves as a historical representation of the wooden schooners that defined maritime commerce on the Great Lakes. Its longevity and service highlight the durability of its construction and the significance of such vessels in the development of Ontario’s trade and industry.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•No current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are associated with the W.J. Suffel, as its service ended over a century ago.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Wrecksite.eu

•National Archives of Canada: Repository of historical records for Canadian vessels.

•Port Hope Historical Records: Local archives containing historical details of vessels registered in Port Hope.

Conclusion

The W.J. Suffel is a testament to the craftsmanship and resilience of 19th-century wooden schooners. Its three decades of service on the Great Lakes reflect the importance of such vessels in facilitating trade and connecting communities. Though its ultimate fate remains a mystery, its history enriches our understanding of the maritime heritage of Ontario and the Great Lakes region.