IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Kewaunee, later renamed Mary A. Daryaw, was a wooden schooner built in 1866 at Port Huron, Michigan, by J.P. Arnold. This vessel was designed for cargo transport across the Great Lakes, particularly in the coal-carrying trade. It was a sizable vessel with a length of over 123 feet and played a vital role in the region’s maritime commerce for several decades.
HISTORY #
The schooner began its life as Kewaunee, operating under that name for many years. In April 1921, the vessel was acquired by the Daryaw brothers of Kingston, Ontario, and subsequently renamed Mary A. Daryaw. Throughout its service, the schooner was primarily engaged in the transportation of coal on Lake Ontario, a common trade during that period.
Tragically, the Mary A. Daryaw met its end on October 15, 1927. The vessel, with the official Canadian number 150481, was moored at the spile dock below Kingston when a devastating fire broke out. Despite the efforts of Kingston firefighters who battled the blaze for over six hours, the fire caused severe damage, destroying the sails, cabin, and much of the hold. The fire marked the end of the Mary A. Daryaw, leaving only two remaining sailing schooners from the once-great fleet on Lake Ontario.
The loss of the Mary A. Daryaw highlighted the decline of sailing vessels in the region, as steamships and other more modern vessels began to dominate the waters. The vessel’s final voyage had involved transporting 300 tons of coal from the Lackawanna trestle in Oswego to Kingston, a route it had likely traversed many times before. The fire that ultimately destroyed the schooner was discovered in the hold around 3:00 a.m., but the cause remained unknown.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
After the fire rendered the Mary A. Daryaw unsalvageable, the wreck was moved to the Wolfe Island Graveyard and scuttled there in 1937. The site is located 100 meters southeast of the Sanor wreck, within a known area for the disposal of retired vessels.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The wreck of the Mary A. Daryaw lies at a depth of 98 feet, making it accessible to divers. The site, located near the Sanor wreck in the Wolfe Island Graveyard, offers an opportunity to explore the remnants of this once-proud schooner. Given the fire damage and subsequent scuttling, the condition of the wreck may vary, but it remains a significant part of Lake Ontario’s underwater heritage.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Divehub.ca Dive Site Information: Provides details for divers exploring the Wolfe Island Graveyard, including the wreck of the Mary A. Daryaw.
- Historical Collections of the Great Lakes (HCGL): Offers historical data and ship histories, including information on the Mary A. Daryaw.
- Queens University Video Tape Holdings POW Photo Project 1998: Archival footage and photographs documenting the wrecks in Lake Ontario, including the Mary A. Daryaw.
- Vlada Dekina Photogallery 2002: Photographs of shipwrecks in the Lake Ontario region, potentially featuring the Mary A. Daryaw.
KEYWORDS #
- Kewaunee
- Mary A. Daryaw
- Wolfe Island Graveyard
- Lake Ontario shipwrecks
- Great Lakes schooner
- Kingston maritime history
- Sanor wreck
- Coal-carrying trade
ANALYSIS #
The Mary A. Daryaw (formerly Kewaunee) is a poignant example of the decline of the Great Lakes’ schooner fleet in the early 20th century. Built in 1866, the vessel served faithfully for over half a century, transporting coal and other goods across Lake Ontario. Its final years were marked by a tragic fire that not only destroyed the schooner but also symbolized the fading era of sail on the Great Lakes.
The wreck of the Mary A. Daryaw, now lying in the Wolfe Island Graveyard, offers divers a unique glimpse into this bygone era. The site’s proximity to the Sanor wreck further enhances its appeal, making it a compelling destination for those interested in the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The wreck serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by wooden vessels and the inevitable transition to more modern forms of maritime transportation.
