The schooner-barge COMMODORE was initially built in 1880 as a 3-mast schooner by Thomas Arnold in Carrollton, MI. It had a length of 176.5 feet, beam of 34 feet, and depth of 12.2 feet, with a gross tonnage of 586 and net tonnage of 565. It was originally owned by E.F. Gould of East Saginaw, MI.
Over the years, the COMMODORE underwent changes in ownership and configuration. In 1887, it was owned by A.A. Pinet and had three masts. In 1888, ownership transferred to Frank Louden of Bay City, and it was towed by the P.H. BIRCKHEAD. The vessel experienced incidents like losing its sails, rudder, and deck cargo in a storm on Lake Superior in 1900.
In 1912, the COMMODORE was rebuilt at the E.I. Rose Shipyard in North Tonawanda, NY, with one mast removed, and it was towed by the BENTON & ELIZA STRONG. By 1918, it was being towed by the steamer JAY GOULD.
The final unfortunate incident occurred on June 17, 1918, when the COMMODORE was upbound and being towed by the steamer JAY GOULD. A storm struck near the Southeast Shoal Light Vessel on Lake Erie. The COMMODORE capsized and foundered, leading to its sinking. Fortunately, the crew of seven was rescued by the big steel steamer MATAAFA before the COMMODORE went underwater.
The vessel was carrying a cargo of coal at the time of the incident. Although no lives were lost, the COMMODORE was considered a total loss due to the sinking. This event was part of a series of accidents and storms on the Great Lakes in 1918, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives and vessels.
