IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The Lillian was a wooden schooner built in 1859, featuring two masts and a single deck. Originally constructed in Henderson, New York, the vessel was designed for versatility on the Great Lakes, serving various roles over its long operational history. Her modest size, at 55 feet in length and a beam of 11.6 feet, made her suitable for a range of cargo tasks, including the later addition of auxiliary power, which was pioneering at the time.
HISTORY: #
The schooner Lillian began her career in 1863 under the ownership of E. Jennings in Henderson, NY. Throughout her service life, she changed hands multiple times, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Great Lakes shipping industry. In the early 1880s, the Lillian came under the ownership of Canadian interests, including Joseph Adamson of Toronto, who utilized her in the stonehooking trade.
Significant repairs and modifications were made over the years, including a remeasurement in 1865 and a rebuild in 1871-72. By the late 19th century, she was equipped with a gasoline engine by Capt. George Blowers of Port Credit, making her one of the first schooners in the region to adopt auxiliary power. Despite facing challenges, such as sinking in Port Credit in 1896, the Lillian was raised, repaired, and continued to serve for several more decades.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
- Final Location: Hamilton, ONT, Lake Ontario
- Date: 1929
- How: Abandoned
The Lillian was ultimately abandoned in 1929 in Hamilton, Ontario, marking the end of her extensive career. By this time, the vessel had seen multiple overhauls and had been a significant part of the stonehooking fleet, a testament to her durability and the evolving needs of the Great Lakes maritime trade.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
- Final Location: Hamilton, ONT, Lake Ontario
- Date: 1929
- How: Abandoned
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no specific NOTMARs or advisories related to this vessel at the time of abandonment.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes: Link
CONCLUSION: #
The Lillian, built in 1859, exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of schooners on the Great Lakes. From her early days as a sailing vessel to her later years equipped with an auxiliary engine, the Lillian played a significant role in the regional trade, particularly in stonehooking. Her abandonment in 1929 in Hamilton, Ontario, marks the end of an era for this pioneering vessel.
