WEND THE WAVE

Identification & Site Information #

Vessel Type Description #

The Wend the Wave was a wooden schooner barge built in 1867. Initially enrolled in Cleveland, Ohio, this vessel played a vital role in transporting goods across the Great Lakes, particularly in the lumber and freight trades. With a length of 128 feet, the Wend the Wave was a moderately-sized barge that underwent significant modifications throughout its operational life, including the addition of new decks in 1874 and a substantial rebuild in 1882. These upgrades reflected the evolving needs of Great Lakes commerce and the necessity for vessels to adapt to the demanding conditions of inland sea navigation.

History #

The Wend the Wave had a storied history on the Great Lakes, marked by frequent tows and the challenges of navigating the often treacherous waters of the region. Over the years, the schooner barge became a familiar sight on the lakes, frequently engaged in towing operations alongside various steamers and other barges.

In June 1883, the Wend the Wave was caught in a particularly fierce storm on Lake Michigan while being towed by the steambarge East Saginaw. The storm, which involved two cyclones, caused the tow line to part, resulting in the Wend the Wave and its fellow barges (Hinckley and Light Guard) being separated. Despite the tumultuous weather, all three barges managed to reach Chicago separately. However, the Wend the Wave suffered the loss of approximately 500 railroad ties, which were washed off its deck during the ordeal.

Throughout the 1880s, the Wend the Wave continued to be a reliable workhorse in the towing trade. It was towed by various vessels, including the Huron City, the Atlanta, and the Garden City, often alongside other barges such as the Monitor, Lightguard, Russian, and S.H. Lathrop. These operations underscored the barge’s critical role in the transportation of materials essential to the industrial growth of the Great Lakes region.

In January 1888, ownership of the Wend the Wave transferred to John Hollywood of Bay City, Michigan. Under Hollywood’s ownership, the barge continued its service until it met its tragic end.

On October 6, 1889, the Wend the Wave was caught in a severe storm on Lake Erie, a day marked by numerous maritime disasters. Several vessels, including the Lady Franklin and Rhoda Emily, ran ashore, while others like the Magruder and Wend the Wave were wrecked. The Wend the Wave was lost in this storm, a victim of the unforgiving conditions that often beset vessels on the Great Lakes.

Final Disposition #

• Date of Loss: October 6, 1889
• Cause of Loss: Wrecked in a storm on Lake Erie
• Crew: Not specified
• Final Location: Lake Erie

Tags #

• Shipwreck
• Schooner Barge
• Lake Erie
• 19th Century Vessel
• Maritime History
• Foundering in Gale
• Great Lakes Shipwreck

Conclusion #

The Wend the Wave exemplifies the challenges faced by maritime vessels on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. Built in 1867 and serving the region for over two decades, this schooner barge played a vital role in the transportation of goods, enduring both the routine and the extraordinary demands of Great Lakes commerce. The vessel’s final moments, lost to a fierce storm in 1889, highlight the perilous conditions that mariners faced, where even the most experienced crews and durable vessels could succumb to the power of the elements.

The loss of the Wend the Wave adds to the rich tapestry of Great Lakes maritime history, serving as a reminder of the inherent dangers of navigating these inland seas. The barge’s story, marked by resilience and service, ultimately concludes in the depths of Lake Erie, where its remains rest as a testament to a bygone era of shipping.

Resources & Links #

• Great Lakes Ships
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• David Swayze Shipwreck File