Other Names #
- ISAAC WALTON
The schooner GIPSEY, a wooden vessel of 33 tons, played a notable role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes during the mid-19th century. Built in 1859 in Sodus, New York, by H. Doviel, the GIPSEY was a resilient and adaptable vessel that underwent numerous transformations and faced many challenges throughout its service life.
The GIPSEY was originally built on the bottom of an older vessel, the ISAAC WALTON, which had been constructed in 1847. This practice of reusing the hulls of older ships was not uncommon in the 19th century and reflects the resourcefulness of shipbuilders of the time. The vessel was commissioned by R. Scott & Co., based in Sandusky, Ohio, and had its home port in Sodus, New York. The schooner, valued at $1,200, was classified as a Class B1 vessel according to the Lake Vessel Register of 1861.
Throughout its operational life, the GIPSEY saw several ownership changes:
– **1860 – 1866:** The schooner had 11 enrollments in Oswego, New York.
– **1866 – 1867:** It had 2 enrollments in French Creek, New York, during which it was owned by J. Garlick from Sodus, New York.
– **1868:** The vessel was owned by a party in Clayton, New York, with its gross tonnage recorded at 22.56 tons.
– **1876:** Ownership passed to A. Cock in Clayton, New York.
The schooner GIPSEY encountered several incidents throughout its service:
– **September 1866:** The schooner ran ashore at Galloo Island on Lake Ontario. It was subsequently refloated and repaired, with property loss estimated at $230.
– **November 8, 1866:** The GIPSEY struck the south pier while attempting to dock, resulting in significant damage, including broken railings, stanchions, and a mainsail torn into ribbons.
– **July 12, 1848:** In a remarkable incident, the schooner, then lying at the foot of Commercial Street, had one of its topmasts shattered by a bolt of lightning. The lightning strike caused considerable damage, traveling down the mast and into the water via the anchor chain, and even shattered the stern of a small boat nearby.
The GIPSEY continued to operate on the Great Lakes, facing the typical hazards of 19th-century maritime navigation, including storms and groundings. On October 19, 1873, the schooner ran aground near Cape Vincent, New York, but was released without significant damage. Despite the various challenges and repairs, the vessel remained in service for several decades.
The schooner GIPSEY’s history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of 19th-century wooden vessels. From its construction on the remnants of the ISAAC WALTON to its numerous repairs and changes in ownership, the GIPSEY exemplified the spirit of maritime perseverance. Its story, preserved in historical records and maritime registers, continues to captivate those interested in the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes.
References and Links #
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Ships
- Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library
- Alexandria Bay Local Waterfront Revitilization Plan