IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
Name: NORTH STAR
Type: Steamer
Location: Rice Lake, near Peterboro, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates: Not specified; the vessel was located on Rice Lake
Date of Incident: October 11, 1904
Depth: Not applicable; the vessel burned to the water’s edge
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION #
The NORTH STAR was a steamer designed for passenger and freight transport across Rice Lake and various nearby points. Built to be a reliable and efficient means of transport, the vessel was integral to the region’s connectivity and economy. Measuring an unknown length, the NORTH STAR was capable of navigating the relatively shallow waters of Rice Lake, making it an essential part of local trade and travel.
HISTORY #
The steamer NORTH STAR had been a familiar sight on Rice Lake for a decade before its tragic end. Serving the communities along its route, the vessel was well-regarded for its dependability and the role it played in the daily lives of those who lived and worked along the lake. Owned by Captain Harris of Gore’s Landing, the steamer connected passengers and merchants, facilitating commerce and providing a crucial link between the towns.
FINAL DISPOSITION #
On the evening of October 11, 1904, the NORTH STAR was moored near Peterboro, Ontario, when a fire broke out under mysterious circumstances. The blaze quickly consumed the wooden structure of the vessel, leaving little time for any firefighting efforts to be effective. The steamer burned to the water’s edge, leaving only charred remains. The cause of the fire was never determined, adding a layer of mystery to the vessel’s tragic demise.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) related to the site, as the vessel was completely destroyed and no physical obstruction remains.
LOCATED BY & DATE #
The remains of the NORTH STAR have not been located, as the vessel was destroyed by fire and only remnants would potentially exist. No formal underwater search or discovery has been documented.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY #
Condition: The NORTH STAR was completely consumed by fire, leaving no significant wreckage. Any remnants are likely minimal and scattered, possibly buried under lake sediments or lost to time.
Accessibility: The site is not a typical dive site due to the lack of substantial wreckage. The area of the incident is publicly accessible as part of Rice Lake, but no significant artifacts or structures remain.
RESOURCES & LINKS #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes (Link to similar vessels and historical accounts)
- Local Historical Societies: Contact local societies in Peterboro or Rice Lake area for any additional information or records related to the NORTH STAR.
- Newspaper Archives: Explore historical newspaper archives for reports on the incident, such as the Peterboro Examiner from October 1904.
CONCLUSION #
The fiery destruction of the NORTH STAR was a significant loss for the community around Rice Lake. The vessel was more than just a means of transportation; it was a beloved part of the region’s history. The tragic events of October 11, 1904, serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of these early steamers to accidents and the enduring impact such losses have on local history. While no physical wreck remains, the legacy of the NORTH STAR lives on in the stories and memories of those who depended on her.
KEYWORDS #
- Steamer NORTH STAR
- Rice Lake
- Maritime History
- Shipwreck Report
- Peterboro, Ontario
- Historical Vessel Fire
- Lake Navigation
