CHARLES P. MINCH

Site Description

The Charles P. Minch, a schooner built in 1867, had a rich history that included various ownership changes and incidents. Constructed in Vermillion, OH, the vessel was made of wood and had a single deck. It was built by Isaac W. Nicholas for its original owner, Philip Minch from Cleveland, OH. The Charles P. Minch had three masts and measured 154.7′ in length, 28.2′ in beam, and 11.8′ in depth. It had a gross tonnage of 408.21 and a net tonnage of 387.8.

Unfortunately, the final chapter of the Charles P. Minch’s history involved a tragic event. On October 27, 1898, the schooner was wrecked at Tecumseh Cove on Cove Island in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron. The vessel, carrying a cargo of lumber and bound for Chicago, was driven ashore and met its demise in the wreck. This marked the end of its seafaring journey.

Throughout its history, the Charles P. Minch experienced various notable events. It was enrolled in Sandusky, OH, on May 15, 1867. In 1878, the schooner underwent repairs, including the installation of new end frames. By 1880, it received three new masts and a new gang of wire rigging. Ownership of the vessel changed over the years, with Gilchrist of Vermillion, OH, owning it in 1882 and C.W. Elphicke of Chicago assuming ownership in 1885.

During its active years, the Charles P. Minch was towed by different vessels, including the Josephine and A. Everett in 1887 and the M.T. Geene in 1889. The schooner also encountered various mishaps. In 1893, it ran ashore near Whitefish Point, Lake Superior, loaded with stone. It was subsequently towed to Sault Ste. Marie for temporary repairs before being transported to Superior, WI, for major repairs. The vessel suffered further damage and leaks on Lake Superior in September 1894 and grounded on Grand Island in October 1895.

One notable incident occurred in May 1896 when the Charles P. Minch lost its centerboard during heavy weather on Lake Michigan. The vessel, carrying a cargo of Lake Superior sandstone, sought shelter at Ludington, MI. Ultimately, the schooner met its tragic fate in 1898 when it was wrecked in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, bringing an end to its seafaring days.