ANNA SMITH

The steam barge ANNA SMITH caught fire on December 26, 1889, while it was docked at Burt’s dock at the upper end of the city. The fire was located in the after end of the boat, near the engine. Fortunately, the propeller CITY OF NEW BALTIMORE arrived on the scene shortly after the fire was discovered, and with the help of two streams of water, the flames were extinguished, resulting in only slight damage to the boat. The timely arrival of the propeller saved the ANNA SMITH from serious injury. The cause of the fire could not be determined. The ANNA SMITH eventually became a total loss, with all valuable wreckage taken to Cheboygan, leaving only the engine and boiler behind.