The Birdie was a schooner that was built in 1881 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Measuring 47 feet in length, 11 feet in beam, and 3 feet in depth, it had a gross tonnage of 13 and a net tonnage of 12. This two-masted wooden vessel was primarily used for fishing and sailing on the Great Lakes.
On either October 7th or 9th in 1892, tragedy struck when the Birdie was caught in a severe storm in Hammond Bay, located in the eastern Straits of Mackinac on Lake Huron. The powerful winds and treacherous waves caused the schooner to be dragged ashore, resulting in the shipwreck. Fortunately, there was no loss of life during the incident.
After the wreck, there were attempts to salvage the Birdie. In November of that year, the vessel was purchased in the hopes of recovery. However, as time went on and the following summer arrived, the Birdie was ultimately given up as lost.
The official records and lists of the Birdie sometimes show conflicting information regarding its construction year. While some sources indicate it was built in 1881, others suggest it was constructed in 1878. Despite this discrepancy, the ship remained an integral part of the fishing fleet in Bronte, Ontario, during its active years.
During the late 19th century, Bronte served as a bustling fishing port on Lake Ontario. The Bronte fishing fleet consisted of various mackinaw-rigged boats, with the Birdie being one of the smaller vessels in the fleet. The fishing boats were primarily two-masted schooners, and their masts would line the piers of Bronte on Saturdays, giving the harbor a picturesque and vibrant atmosphere.
As the 20th century approached, the fishing industry in Bronte transitioned from sailing vessels to powerboats. The Birdie remained a notable part of the fleet’s history, representing an era when sailing ships dominated the waters. Today, the legacy of Bronte’s fishing fleet lives on, reminding us of the rich maritime heritage that once thrived in this Ontario community.
