Other Names #
- MARY CALVIN
The Misfortune of the Merry Calvin: A Stranded Schooner #
The Troubled Journey and Stranding of the Schooner Merry Calvin
The Merry Calvin, also known as Mary Calvin in some records, was a wooden schooner that met an unfortunate fate in the waters of the Detroit River in the early 19th century. Built around 1816 in Detroit, Michigan, this small vessel was destined for trade and transportation along the river.
With a reported tonnage of 12 tons, the Merry Calvin set sail from Detroit around the 6th of November, 1825, bound for Monroe. However, its journey was beset by difficulties from the start. Upon reaching the mouth of the Detroit River, the schooner encountered adverse winds that delayed its progress for approximately two weeks.
Finally, on the 17th of November, the Merry Calvin resumed its voyage. However, as it attempted to navigate towards Monroe, it was driven onto the Canada shore at Bar Point, located 5 miles below Amherstburg. The vessel was stuck, but efforts were made to salvage the situation. The cargo was unloaded, and the schooner was eventually refloated. Once the cargo was reloaded, the Merry Calvin set off under tow, heading back towards Detroit.
Unfortunately, the troubles for the Merry Calvin were far from over. During the journey back, the schooner struck a rock, causing it to run aground once again. This incident occurred on Sunday night, and by Monday morning, the vessel was freed from the rock. Determined to reach its destination, the Merry Calvin hoisted its sails with the aid of a brisk south wind, intending to make it to the mouth of the Huron River. However, despite the effort, the schooner was unsuccessful in its attempt.
Ultimately, the Merry Calvin found itself stranded near Brownstown, Michigan, with water filling its hold. The vessel remained in this state at the time of the report, and there is no further mention of its fate in official or unofficial records.
Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or loss of life during the mishaps encountered by the Merry Calvin. The cargo, though temporarily unloaded, was safely retrieved and would soon be delivered to its intended recipients in Monroe.
