VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The ADDA was a scow schooner, a type of flat-bottomed vessel designed for shallow waters, making it ideal for navigating the Great Lakes and inland waterways. Scow schooners were typically used for transporting bulk cargo, such as lumber and other raw materials. The ADDA, equipped with two masts, was a typical example of this vessel type, serving various owners and carrying out numerous voyages across the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century.
HISTORY #
Construction and Early Ownership:
The ADDA was built in 1857 by the shipbuilders Herrick & Hayes in Fairport, Ohio. Initially owned by M.B. & L. Butler of Fairport, the vessel was constructed with wood and featured a single deck. It was designed to serve the bustling cargo trade on the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie.
Ownership Changes:
Throughout its service life, the ownership of the ADDA changed multiple times. In 1863, it was owned by L.B. Coates of Cleveland, Ohio. By 1866, the vessel was owned by parties in Saugatuck, Michigan, and two years later, in 1868, it was owned by parties in Chicago, Illinois. In 1871, the ADDA was owned by George Halvorson, indicating its continued importance in regional trade.
Notable Incidents:
The ADDA experienced several notable incidents during its operational life:
- April 1859: The vessel struck the Cleveland West pier in Lake Erie, Ohio, causing damage.
- May 1861: The ADDA went ashore in Pigeon Bay, Ontario, Lake Erie.
- October 1862: The schooner ran aground in Cleveland, Ohio, but managed to free itself and continue its service.
Despite these challenges, the ADDA continued to be a reliable vessel for its owners and played a significant role in the Great Lakes cargo trade.
Significant Achievement:
In June 1859, the ADDA became the first vessel to transport a cargo of lumber directly from the western United States to New England without the need for transshipment. The cargo, consisting of walnut, cherry, and whitewood lumber, was destined for Providence, Rhode Island. The owners of this significant shipment were Rufus Cheney of Whitewater, Wisconsin, and J. E. Stevens of St. Joseph, Michigan. This accomplishment highlights the vessel’s versatility and the increasing importance of direct shipping routes during that era.
Final Voyage and Wreck:
The ADDA met its unfortunate end on August 28, 1872, when it was wrecked. Details of the incident are scarce, but it marked the conclusion of the vessel’s service on the Great Lakes. The circumstances surrounding the wreck remain unclear, leaving a sense of mystery about the final moments of the ADDA.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The ADDA was wrecked on August 28, 1872, bringing an end to its operational life. The exact location and details of the wreck are not well-documented, and it is unclear what became of the remains of the vessel.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no currently active Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to the wreck of the ADDA. The wreck site, if known, has not been marked as a significant navigational hazard.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The ADDA was last known to have been wrecked on August 28, 1872. The specific site of the wreck is not documented, and it is unclear whether the wreckage was recovered or remains on the lakebed.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
CONCLUSION #
The scow schooner ADDA represents a typical vessel of the mid-19th century Great Lakes shipping industry. Built in 1857, it served various owners and experienced numerous incidents throughout its service life. The ADDA’s role in pioneering direct lumber shipments from the West to New England is a notable achievement in its history. Despite the challenges and eventual wreck in 1872, the ADDA remains a part of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes, reflecting the economic activity and the hazards faced by vessels of its time.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Maritime History, Scow Schooner, Lake Erie, 19th Century Shipping, Shipwreck Resilience, Fairport Ohio, Cleveland Ohio, Saugatuck Michigan, Chicago Illinois
