Identification & Site Information #
Vessel Type Description #
The FILER was a wooden schooner barge, originally built in 1871 in Manistee, Michigan. Designed primarily for cargo transportation, the vessel had a solid build with a gross tonnage of 357 tons. Over its operational life, the FILERunderwent several ownership changes and participated in various trade routes across the Great Lakes.
History #
The FILER had a long and varied history on the Great Lakes, serving as a key player in the transportation of goods across these inland seas. Throughout its life, the FILER experienced several incidents that marked its operational career.
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1871: The FILER was constructed in Manistee, Michigan, and began its service primarily operating out of Chicago, Illinois. Its robust wooden structure made it well-suited for the rigorous demands of Great Lakes shipping.
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1898: The vessel faced one of its early challenges when it became waterlogged off Racine, Wisconsin. The crew was rescued by the lifesaving service, and the FILER was later raised and converted for continued use.
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1900: The FILER was involved in towing operations alongside the Oscoda and Ida Corning, reflecting its continued utility in the maritime trade network.
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1915: Ownership of the FILER transferred to Oscar E. Parks, acting as the agent for the Hamilton Transportation Co. The vessel continued its service, now under new management, as it approached the final years of its operational life.
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October 19, 1916: The FILER met its tragic end when it foundered approximately 3 miles east of the Bar Point Light in the Detroit River, Michigan. The schooner barge was caught in a severe storm, which ultimately led to its sinking. Tragically, six out of the seven people aboard the vessel lost their lives, marking a significant loss in the history of Great Lakes shipping.
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Post-Sinking: Salvage operations were initiated to recover the valuable cargo of coal from the wrecked vessel. Captain Trotter of the Trotter Towing & Wrecking Company led these efforts. However, the operation faced setbacks, including a collision with the steamer Samuel Mather during foggy conditions. Despite these challenges, salvage efforts resumed, though the FILER itself was declared a total loss.
Final Disposition #
- Date of Loss: October 19, 1916
- Cause of Loss: Foundered in a storm in the Detroit River
- Crew: Seven aboard, six perished
- Salvage Operations: Partial salvage attempted; cargo recovery hindered by collision and other challenges
Tags #
- Shipwreck
- Schooner Barge
- Lake Erie
- Detroit River
- 19th Century Vessel
- Maritime History
- Great Lakes Shipwreck
- Filer
- Salvage Operations
Conclusion #
The FILER represents a storied chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Built in 1871, the vessel served faithfully across several decades, navigating the challenging waters of the region. Its eventual loss in October 1916, amid a fierce storm in the Detroit River, stands as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by those who ventured across these waters. The tragedy of the FILER is further underscored by the loss of six of its seven crew members, a stark testament to the perils of Great Lakes shipping during this era.
Despite the efforts to salvage the cargo, the wreck of the FILER remains a somber symbol of the ship’s final journey. The vessel’s history, from its construction to its ultimate demise, highlights the resilience and challenges of maritime trade on the Great Lakes, contributing to the rich tapestry of the region’s nautical heritage.
