Other Names #
- M.C. HAWLEY
History #
The CITY OF GREEN BAY, a historic steam-powered vessel formerly known as the M.C. HAWLEY, met a tragic fate on August 19, 1909. While crossing Saginaw Bay in Lake Huron, the vessel caught fire, resulting in its complete destruction. This incident marked the end of a notable maritime career that spanned several decades. Despite the loss, no lives were claimed in the unfortunate event.
The CITY OF GREEN BAY was originally constructed as a sidewheeler named M.C. HAWLEY in 1880 by shipbuilder John Gregory in Fort Howard, Wisconsin. With dimensions of 131 feet in length, 20 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth, the vessel boasted a gross tonnage of 208 and a net tonnage of 171. Powered by a single high-pressure steam engine, the vessel underwent various modifications throughout its lifetime.
In 1884, the vessel underwent a name change, becoming the CITY OF GREEN BAY. Over the years, it passed through the hands of several owners, including McCormick & Co., Thomas Hawley, Haspold, J.D. Lundquist, Booth P. Co., P.C. Maloney, M. & P. Transportation Co., and Harts Steamship Line. Each owner utilized the vessel for different purposes, such as transporting cargo for the Wisconsin Central Railroad and serving Lake Superior routes.
Tragedy struck the CITY OF GREEN BAY on that fateful day in August 1909. While crossing Saginaw Bay, a fire broke out onboard, quickly engulfing the vessel. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire proved relentless, causing the vessel to burn to the waterline. Eventually, the CITY OF GREEN BAY sank off Sandstone Point, also known as Whitestone Point, in Saginaw Bay. Miraculously, all individuals on board were able to escape unharmed.
Following the devastating fire, the CITY OF GREEN BAY was declared a total loss. Insurance adjusters who assessed the vessel predicted that it would be beyond recovery. On August 24, 1909, the final enrollment of the vessel was surrendered, officially marking its demise. The once-proud steamship, which had played a significant role in the region’s maritime history, was now consigned to the depths of Lake Huron.
The story of the CITY OF GREEN BAY, formerly the M.C. HAWLEY, serves as a testament to the risks and challenges faced by vessels plying the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its construction as a sidewheeler to its conversion into a propeller and subsequent transformation into a dredge, the vessel experienced various roles and navigated through changing ownership. However, its journey came to a tragic end when fire consumed the vessel during a crossing of Saginaw Bay. Today, the CITY OF GREEN BAY remains an enduring symbol of the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes region.
