Construction and Early History
The Emma Blake, also known by some as the Emma Black, was constructed in 1868 in Conneaut, Ohio, by a shipbuilder named Blake. As a wooden scow-schooner, the vessel was specifically designed for the transportation of cargo on the Great Lakes. With a gross tonnage of 28, the Emma Blake was a modest-sized vessel, typical of the working schooners of the time. The two-masted design provided the necessary stability and capacity to handle the demands of cargo transport across the often-turbulent waters of Lake Erie.
The vessel was initially owned by W. Blake of Conneaut, Ohio, likely a relative of the shipbuilder. The Emma Blake served the region’s maritime commerce, operating out of the Great Lakes ports and contributing to the bustling trade that characterized the area during the late 19th century.
The Storm and the Tragic Loss
On October 17, 1870, a powerful storm swept across Lake Erie, bringing with it strong winds and tumultuous waves that wreaked havoc on vessels caught in its path. The Emma Blake, along with two other ships, was in the vicinity of Cleveland when the storm struck. The scow-schooner was driven against the Toledo railroad pier in Cleveland Harbor, a position that proved fatal for the vessel and her crew.
The impact with the pier caused the Emma Blake to sink rapidly, becoming a total wreck. The storm’s severity, combined with the unfortunate positioning of the vessel, made it impossible for the crew to escape. Tragically, all lives on board were lost in the disaster, with reports confirming at least six fatalities. The exact number of crew members remains unknown, but the loss was deeply felt in the maritime community.
Historical Records and Final Disposition
Following the loss of the Emma Blake in 1870, the wreck was deemed beyond salvage. The vessel remained sunken near the Toledo railroad pier, its remains serving as a grim reminder of the perils of navigating the Great Lakes.
Interestingly, historical records indicate that the Emma Blake was rebuilt on June 24, 1871, albeit with a slightly reduced gross tonnage of 26 13/95. Ownership was transferred to John Pierce of Cleveland, suggesting an attempt to revive the vessel’s career. Despite these efforts, the rebuilt Emma Blake did not enjoy a long second life. The vessel was eventually abandoned on September 30, 1883, with its documents officially surrendered in Cleveland, Ohio. This marked the end of the Emma Blake’s brief and tragic maritime history.
Legacy and Remembrance
The story of the Emma Blake serves as a poignant chapter in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The vessel’s tragic end during the storm of October 1870 underscores the constant dangers faced by sailors of the time, who navigated the unpredictable waters of Lake Erie in vessels that, while sturdy, were often at the mercy of the elements. The loss of life and the destruction of the Emma Blake are a stark reminder of the risks inherent in maritime trade during the 19th century.
Despite its relatively short service life, the Emma Blake’s story continues to be remembered through historical records and accounts, preserving the memory of the vessel and her ill-fated crew. The eventual abandonment of the rebuilt schooner symbolizes the difficulties faced by those who sought to rebuild and recover after such devastating losses.
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Ships Database
- Alchemy Inc
- Shipwreck Log
Keywords
Emma Blake, Emma Black, scow-schooner, Great Lakes shipwreck, Lake Erie, Cleveland Harbor, Toledo railroad pier, maritime history, vessel loss, storm wreck, shipwreck abandonment.
Ongoing Research & Monitoring
Further research will focus on uncovering more details about the storm that led to the Emma Blake’s demise, as well as any surviving documentation or historical evidence related to the vessel’s rebuilding and subsequent abandonment. Continuous monitoring of maritime history databases and other archival sources will ensure that any new information is incorporated into the historical record of the Emma Blake.
