AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR.: A Tale of Fire and Transformation #
AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR., a wooden sandsucker barge, embarked on a journey that would see it undergo various transformations and meet a tragic fate. Built in 1900 by A. Anderson in Marine City, Michigan, this vessel had a significant role in the transportation of sand in the Great Lakes region. Its story is one of resilience, adaptation, and eventual destruction.
With dimensions measuring 150 feet in length, 35 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth, AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR boasted a gross tonnage of 478 and net tonnage of 418. It was primarily constructed to support the booming construction industry, serving as a sandsucker barge designed to extract sand from the lakebeds of Lake Erie.
On May 11, 1935, tragedy struck when AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR sank at its dock in Sandusky, Ohio, within the peaceful confines of the harbor. The vessel’s fate seemed uncertain, but there was hope that it could be repaired and restored to its former glory. However, fate had other plans.
Six years later, in May 1941, AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR faced a devastating fire while moored at a dock. This catastrophic event occurred while the vessel awaited conversion into a breakwater. The flames consumed the wooden structure, reducing it to ashes. The once-proud barge, which had witnessed the bustling activity of the Great Lakes, was now lost to the ravages of fire.
Interestingly, there is a conflicting account regarding the vessel’s final moments. According to one source, AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR was towed several miles out into Lake Erie and destroyed by explosives in 1937. The reasons behind this action remain unclear, adding an air of mystery to the barge’s ultimate demise.
AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR.’s history is also marked by a significant transformation. Originally built as a steamer, it was later converted into a barge after 1928. This adaptation allowed it to continue its sand transportation duties, providing a vital service to the construction industry.
Throughout its existence, AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JRr. was owned by the Lorain Washed Sand Co., with its homeport in Cleveland. The vessel played an important role in the economic activities of the Great Lakes, supporting the region’s construction and infrastructure development.
Although the story of AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. ends in tragedy, it represents the dynamic nature of maritime history. Vessels like this barge played a vital role in shaping the Great Lakes region, serving as crucial transportation links and witnesses to the economic growth of the area.
Today, the remnants of AlVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. lie at the bottom of Lake Erie, a silent testament to the passage of time and the ever-changing nature of the maritime industry. Its story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of vessels navigating the unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
