IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION:
The C.F. Bielman was a bulk freighter equipped with three masts, one stack, diagonal steel straps, and internal steel arches. The vessel’s design was typical of the era, intended for the transport of bulk materials across the Great Lakes. The ship was powered by a robust triple expansion engine and was notable for its large size and capacity.
HISTORY:
The C.F. Bielman was constructed in 1892 at West Bay City, Michigan, by the F.W. Wheeler Company. Originally owned by the Stewart Transportation Company of Detroit, Michigan, the vessel played a significant role in the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Throughout its early years, the C.F. Bielman operated as a reliable freighter, towing barges such as the Mary E. McLachlan and navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.
In 1900, the C.F. Bielman ran aground at Fisherman’s Shoal in Lake Michigan, but was successfully lightered and released. The vessel underwent several ownership changes, transferring to the McLachlan Transportation Company in 1902 and later to the Reid Wrecking Company in 1918. During its time with the Reid Wrecking Company, the vessel was repowered with a double steeple compound engine and modified to include special accommodations for automobiles.
The C.F. Bielman was dismantled in Port Huron in 1916 and again in 1926. The vessel’s enrollment was surrendered in 1916 and again in 1927, both times marked as “abandoned.” Despite these setbacks, the C.F. Bielman found a final purpose in 1934 when it was towed to Great Duck Island in Lake Huron and scuttled to serve as a gravel dock.
FINAL DISPOSITION:
The C.F. Bielman met its final fate in 1934 when it was intentionally scuttled at Great Duck Island in Lake Huron. The vessel was repurposed as a gravel dock, marking the end of its operational life on the Great Lakes.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES:
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the C.F. Bielman wreck site. Divers and researchers are advised to check local advisories before visiting the site.
LOCATED BY & DATE:
The C.F. Bielman was scuttled in 1934 at Great Duck Island in Lake Huron. The wreck is known to be used as a gravel dock, making it a notable feature in the area.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
- Great Lakes Ships
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Bowling Green State University
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Great Lakes Vessel History
KEYWORDS:
C.F. Bielman, bulk freighter, Great Lakes, Lake Huron, Stewart Transportation Company, scuttled, gravel dock.
CONCLUSION:
The C.F. Bielman served as a vital bulk freighter on the Great Lakes, undergoing several transformations and ownership changes throughout its history. Its final role as a gravel dock at Great Duck Island in Lake Huron reflects the resourcefulness of maritime practices, where even after a vessel’s operational life ends, it can still serve a purpose. The legacy of the C.F. Bielman continues to be remembered by those who study and explore the history of Great Lakes shipping.
