Title: The Sinking of the Schooner H.G. CLEVELAND
In the annals of maritime history, the story of the schooner H.G. CLEVELAND stands as a testament to the unpredictable and sometimes perilous nature of life on the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1867 by W. A. Jones in Black River, Ohio, the schooner was born of wood and craftsmanship, measuring 137 feet in length, 26 feet in breadth, and with a depth of 10 feet. With a gross tonnage of 264 tons and net tonnage of 251 tons, it was a vessel that carried not just cargo but the dreams of those who sailed her.
As the years passed, the H.G. CLEVELAND weathered the challenges of life on the waters of Lake Erie. The vessel was no stranger to hard work, ferrying limestone across the lake’s expanse. Under the ownership and guidance of Frank Jennings of Cleveland, the schooner became a familiar sight to those who frequented the lake’s shores.
However, fate had a different course in store for the schooner. On that fateful day of August 13, 1899, the vessel found itself between Kelley’s Island and the entrance to Cleveland Harbor, laden with limestone. The lake’s waters, known for their capriciousness, would prove to be unrelenting. The H.G. CLEVELAND succumbed to a sudden hull failure, sending a shudder through those who bore witness to her plight.
It was the steamer “CITY OF DETROIT” that stumbled upon the sinking vessel, discovering it in a dire condition. Swift action was taken, with a lifeboat left behind and a tug dispatched to aid the struggling schooner. The tug “MAYTHAM” extended a helping hand, attempting to tow the “H.G. CLEVELAND to safety. Yet, despite their efforts, the vessel’s destiny was sealed. The waters of Lake Erie would become its final resting place.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the H.G. CLEVELAND succumbed to the depths, sinking in 60 feet of water off Rocky River, Ohio. A vessel that had once sailed with purpose now lay motionless beneath the waves, a silent reminder of the challenges that mariners faced.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, efforts were made to mitigate the impact of the schooner’s sinking. Capt. C. E. Dahlke of Cleveland undertook the task of removing the wreck, a contract made with the government to eliminate the danger it posed to navigation. The wreck, a poignant reminder of the vessel’s existence, would soon be erased from the surface.
The H.G. CLEVELAND may have met its end on that August day, but its story lives on as a reminder of the complexities of life on the Great Lakes. It is a narrative of hard work, unforeseen challenges, and the enduring spirit of those who braved the waters. The vessel’s legacy stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the elements and the resilience of those who navigated through them.
