A Schooner’s Tale of Fire and Storm #
The history of maritime commerce on the Great Lakes is marked by numerous tales of peril and loss. One such story is that of the O.V. Brainard, a wooden schooner that met its fate in the treacherous waters of Lake Ontario. In this blog post, we explore the tragic events surrounding the O.V. Brainard’s encounters with fire and storms, shedding light on the risks faced by sailors and vessels in the 19th century.
The O.V. Brainard was built in 1848 in Sacket’s Harbor, New York. Constructed from wood, this two-masted schooner had a tonnage of 98.31 and served as a vital vessel in the bustling maritime trade on Lake Ontario.
In the turbulent year of 1851, tragedy struck the O.V. Brainard. During a severe gale on Lake Ontario, the schooner caught fire, forcing the crew to run her aground on Long Point. The fire consumed the vessel, leaving behind only remnants and a property loss of $6,500. This event marked a significant setback for the owners and a reminder of the inherent dangers of life on the lakes.
Despite the devastating loss, the O.V. Brainard was rebuilt in 1852, emerging from the ashes to resume its role in lake commerce. Under new ownership and with a tonnage increased to 114 gross tons, the schooner seemed destined for a brighter future. However, misfortune continued to haunt the vessel.
In November 1860, the O.V. Brainard found itself aground again, this time in Oakville, Canada West. Although it managed to be refloated, this incident highlighted the vessel’s vulnerability to the unpredictable forces of nature. The ship changed ownership multiple times, passing from Read & Stone to N. Golding and eventually landing under the ownership of M. Golding in Oswego.
October 1866 marked the end of the O.V. Brainard’s journey. Caught in the fury of a fierce storm on Lake Ontario, the schooner met its ultimate demise near Port Hope, Ontario. Reports indicated that the vessel was wrecked and lost in the storm, joining the long list of casualties that Lake Ontario had claimed over the years.
The O.V. Brainard’s story serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by sailors and vessels navigating the Great Lakes. Whether it was the destructive power of fire or the relentless fury of storms, the unpredictable nature of the lakes brought both tragedy and loss. The O.V. Brainard, with its resilience and unfortunate fate, remains a testament to the courage and resilience of those who sailed the inland seas, leaving behind a legacy woven into the fabric of Great Lakes maritime history.
(Note: The information presented in this blog post is based on historical records and accounts of the vessel’s history. Variations in details or additional information may exist.)
