Other Names #
- R.C. BRITTAIN U110337
History #
The R.C. Brittain was a wooden propeller ship built in 1877 by James L. Elliott in Saugatuck, Michigan. Initially constructed as a passenger vessel, it had dimensions of 105.2 feet in length, 22 feet in beam, and 8 feet in depth. The ship had a gross tonnage of 286.04 tons and was powered by a single high-pressure steam engine with one cylinder.
Owned by Ralph C. Brittain of Saugatuck, Michigan, the R.C. Brittain was primarily used for freight and passenger transportation. It operated along the Chicago-St. Joseph-Saugatuck-Holland route, carrying cargo such as fruit, lumber, and passengers. The vessel had a capacity of 500 tons.
Throughout its history, the R.C. Brittain underwent several rebuilds and ownership changes. It was sold to Covell & Staples of Whitehall, Michigan, in 1880 and later owned by various individuals and companies, including Peter D. Campbell, George Morley, William Peter, Alvin Peter, and Theobald Emig. In 1899, the ship’s ownership transferred to William Scott of Wallaceburg, Ontario, and it was registered under the Canadian flag.
In 1912, while docked at Sarnia, Ontario, the R.C. Brittain experienced a devastating fire and was destroyed. Fortunately, there were no casualties resulting from the incident. After the fire, the hull of the ship was set aside for possible future rebuilding. However, in 1924, it sank at the dock and was eventually scrapped in 1926.
In 1935, the wreck of the R.C. Brittain was removed from Sarnia Bay and scuttled in Lake Huron. The ship’s final resting place is in the depths of the lake.
Throughout its active years, the R.C. Brittain served as a transportation vessel, carrying various cargoes and passengers along the Great Lakes. However, its career came to an end with the destructive fire and subsequent sinking at the layup dock in Sarnia.
