Identification & Site Information

• Vessel Name: Manola (later renamed Maple Dawn)

• Vessel Type: Bulk Freighter

• Built By: Globe Ship Building Co.

• Place of Construction: Cleveland, Ohio, USA

• Year Built: 1890

• Dimensions:

• Length: 349 feet (post-Rebuild in 1923)

• Beam: 40.3 feet

• Depth: 21.2 feet

• Gross Tonnage: 3100 (post-Rebuild in 1923)

• Net Tonnage: 1835

• Depth at Wreck Site: 30 feet (9 meters)

• Final Resting Place: Near Christian Island, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron

• Coordinates: Exact coordinates not documented.

• Final Owner: Reid Towing & Wrecking Co., Sarnia, Ontario

Vessel Type Description

The Manola, later renamed Maple Dawn, was a steel-hulled bulk freighter, designed to carry large volumes of bulk cargo such as grain, iron ore, or coal across the Great Lakes. With its powerful triple expansion engine and robust construction, it exemplified the advanced maritime engineering of its era. The vessel underwent multiple rebuilds throughout its career, reflecting its adaptability to changing demands and its resilience in the face of numerous challenges.

History

Early Years (1890-1901):

• Launched in January 1890 at Cleveland, Ohio, the Manola served as a key freighter for the Minnesota Steamship Co., transporting goods across the Great Lakes.

• Sister ships included Mariska, Maruba, and Matoa, all part of a class designed for durability and efficiency.

• In September 1894, the Manola grounded near Sault Ste. Marie at Red Stark, causing minor damage.

Ownership Changes and U.S. War Service (1901-1918):

• Acquired by the Pittsburgh Steamship Co. in 1901, the Manola became a staple in Great Lakes shipping.

• Transferred to the U.S. War Shipping Board in 1918 during World War I.

• That same year, the vessel was cut in half at Buffalo Dry Dock, New York, for transportation to the East Coast, but the bow section Foundered near False Duck Island, Lake Ontario, leading to the tragic loss of 11 lives.

Rebuild and Renaming (1920-1923):

• Rebuilt at Lauzon, Quebec, in 1920, the vessel was renamed Maple Dawn and came under the ownership of Canada Steamship Lines.

• Returned to the Great Lakes in 1921, the ship underwent another significant Rebuild at Collingwood, Ontario, in 1923. This extended its length to 349 feet and increased its Gross Tonnage to 3100 tons.

Final Voyage and Wreck (1924):

• On November 30, 1924, the Maple Dawn stranded near Christian Island, Georgian Bay, while en route from Fort William to Midland, Ontario. The incident marked the vessel’s final operational chapter.

• Attempts to salvage the freighter failed, and it was ultimately cut up for scrap at the wreck site.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Manola lies in shallow water, approximately 30 feet (9 meters) deep, near Christian Island in Georgian Bay. While much of the vessel was dismantled for scrap, some remnants may still be present, providing a window into its storied past.

Legacy and Significance

The Manola  now the Maple Dawn represents the evolution of Great Lakes freighters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its repeated rebuilds and adaptations highlight the ingenuity of shipbuilders and the dynamic nature of maritime commerce. Despite its eventual wreck, the vessel played a crucial role in shaping the shipping industry and adapting to wartime and peacetime demands.

Resources and References

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: Comprehensive records of the Manola’s construction, ownership, and incidents.

• Canadian Shipbuilding Records: Details of rebuilds and modifications performed in Lauzon, Quebec, and Collingwood, Ontario.

• Great Lakes Shipwreck Preservation Society: Information on the Christian Island wreck site.

Conclusion

The Maple Dawn epitomized the adaptability and resilience of Great Lakes freighters, serving various roles over its long career. From its beginnings as a robust cargo vessel to its tragic end near Christian Island, the ship’s history is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of maritime life on the Great Lakes. Its wreck site remains a quiet reminder of its storied past and the enduring legacy of Great Lakes shipping.