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VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The Laura E. Calvin was a bark constructed in 1863 by H. Roney at Garden Island. Originally built as the Commerce in 1843, the vessel was later renamed the Eclipse due to its remarkable performance during its trial trip from Hamilton to Toronto, where it outpaced the well-known Oswego steamer Lady of the Lake. After its reconstruction in 1863, it was renamed Laura E. Calvin. The vessel had a tonnage of 311 tons, measuring 130.40 feet in length, 20.70 feet in beam, and 9.40 feet in depth. Built with a carvel hull and a square stern, the vessel featured three masts rigged as a schooner. The Laura E. Calvin was registered in Kingston, with Calvin & Breck as its owners, and its home port was Garden Island. The vessel was valued at $12,000 and classified as A2.
HISTORY #
The Laura E. Calvin had a rich history before its tragic sinking in 1869. Initially launched as the Commerce in 1843, the vessel was later renamed Eclipse after it achieved notable speed, surpassing other ships on Lake Ontario. It operated on the Hamilton-Toronto route, serving as a fast and reliable vessel for transporting goods and passengers.
By 1863, the vessel underwent significant reconstruction, being rebuilt as a bark on the bottom of the Eclipse. The reconstructed vessel was named Laura E. Calvin and continued to serve on the Great Lakes, now with an enhanced build and capabilities. However, its operational life came to an end on July 5, 1869.
The Laura E. Calvin departed from Kingston on July 3, 1869, bound for Chicago with a ballast of twelve tons of stone. The voyage started smoothly, but by early morning on July 4, the crew discovered that the vessel was leaking severely. Despite their efforts to pump out the water and steer the vessel to safety, the situation worsened. The captain, Captain Lounghway, ordered the crew to abandon the ship as it began to sink rapidly. The vessel ultimately sank near Broderick’s Point, Lake Ontario, with all sails set.
The crew was rescued by the schooner John Martin, which responded to their distress signal. The rescue operation was successful, and the crew reached Port Dalhousie on the night of July 5. The sinking of the Laura E. Calvin occurred approximately 60 miles from Niagara, between three and twelve miles offshore.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
The Laura E. Calvin sank rapidly on July 5, 1869, near Broderick’s Point in Lake Ontario. Despite the crew’s best efforts to manage the severe leak, the vessel was overwhelmed by the influx of water and sank with all sails set. Fortunately, all crew members were rescued by the schooner John Martin. The wreck of the Laura E. Calvin remains at the bottom of Lake Ontario, a silent testament to the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
Located by: Not specified; the exact location of the wreck remains undocumented.
Date of Discovery: Not applicable.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the Laura E. Calvin wreck site. The location of the vessel’s remains is not marked on navigational charts, and it does not pose a known hazard to navigation.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
The remains of the Laura E. Calvin have not been definitively located. Without specific records of the wreck’s final resting place, it is not accessible to divers or researchers. The condition of the wreck, if it still exists, is unknown.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Marine Disasters on the Western Lakes during 1869: Detailed documentation of the incident provided by Captain J.W. Hall.
- David Swayze Shipwreck File: A comprehensive resource for researching shipwrecks in the Great Lakes, including the Laura E. Calvin.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Provides detailed historical context and data on the Laura E. Calvin and other vessels that operated on the Great Lakes.
- Great Lakes Ships: Offers extensive information on historical vessels, including the Laura E. Calvin.
CONCLUSION #
The Laura E. Calvin had a significant and storied history, transitioning from the Commerce to the Eclipse and finally to the Laura E. Calvin. Its tragic sinking in 1869 off Broderick’s Point in Lake Ontario marked the end of a vessel that had once been celebrated for its speed and reliability. The loss of the Laura E. Calvin underscores the dangers faced by mariners on the Great Lakes and serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of maritime travel during the 19th century.
KEYWORDS #
laura e. calvin, lake ontario shipwreck, 1869 shipwreck, great lakes maritime history, bark vessel, commerce eclipse, broderick’s point wreck
ANALYSIS #
The Laura E. Calvin’s history offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Great Lakes vessels during the mid-19th century. The vessel’s repeated renaming and reconstruction reflect the changing demands and technological advancements of the time. The Laura E. Calvin’s final voyage and subsequent sinking serve as a somber reminder of the risks faced by those who navigated the Great Lakes, where even the most well-built and capable ships could fall victim to the elements. The legacy of the Laura E. Calvin adds depth to the rich maritime history of Lake Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region.
