Other Names #
- F.P. JONES
- GLENCADAM
The ARLINGTON, originally known as GLENCADAM and later renamed F.P. JONES, was a steel-built bulk freighter constructed in 1913 by the Detroit Shipbuilding Co. in Wyandotte, Michigan. It was primarily designed for operation on the Great Lakes. The ship had a length of 244 feet, a beam of 43 feet, and a depth of 21 feet. It had a gross tonnage of 1,870 tons and a net tonnage of 1,118 tons, with a triple expansion engine and two Scotch boilers.
Over the years, the ownership of the vessel changed several times. It was initially owned by the George Hall Coal Co., then transferred to the U.S. Government in 1918 and back to George Hall Coal Co. in 1919. In the same year, the ship was renamed GLENCADAM. Ownership shifted to Glen Line Ltd (Playfair) in 1920 and received the official number C138219. In 1925, it was acquired by Mathews Steamship Co Ltd and renamed ARLINGTON. Subsequently, it was owned by various companies, including Misener Steamship Co in 1933 and Burke Towing & Salvage Co in 1936.
The tragic final voyage of the ARLINGTON occurred on May 1, 1940, while it was sailing on Lake Superior. It had been loaded with approximately 98,000 bushels of wheat after being inspected and found to be in good order prior to the 1940 season. The ship encountered heavy seas and bad weather, leading to water ingress and listing. Efforts were made to inspect and repair the hatches, but the situation worsened, and the crew decided to abandon the vessel.
During the evacuation, Captain Burke remained in the pilothouse, attempting to stabilize the ship while the lifeboats were launched. Unfortunately, the ARLINGTON suddenly sank, and the captain lost his life. The remaining crew members managed to reach the lifeboat and were later rescued by the SS COLLINGWOOD, which had been sailing with the ARLINGTON.
This incident marked the tragic end of the ARLINGTON’s career, sinking to the bottom of Lake Superior and becoming a part of maritime history.
