IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION: #
VESSEL TYPE DESCRIPTION: #
The wreck in Little Marble Lake represents the remains of a logging barge that was converted from one of the two steamboats operated by the Canada Lumber Company, under the direction of Peter McLaren. Originally built as a steamboat, the vessel was repurposed into a barge to support the company’s extensive logging operations on Lower Mazinaw Lake. The transformation from a steamboat to a barge likely involved removing the steam engines and other machinery, while retaining the hull for transporting logs or other materials.
- Description: This steamboat was used by the Canada Lumber Company for pulling log booms and was later repurposed for recreational cruises during the summer. It was reported to be 23 meters long and capable of holding up to 100 people.
- Final Fate: The steamboat was reportedly washed downstream in 1906 when the dam at the bottom of the lake went out. It broke up just before the rapids at the entrance to Little Marble Lake, where its remains still rest.
- Conversion Possibility: This large steamboat is the most likely candidate for conversion into the logging barge that now lies in Little Marble Lake.
HISTORY: #
Construction and Original Use as a Steamboat:
- Steamboat Era: The steamboat, originally constructed for the Canada Lumber Company, was a significant asset in the logging industry on Mazinaw Lake during the late 19th century. Steamboats like this were vital for towing log booms across the lake, facilitating the movement of large quantities of timber to mills or shipping points. In addition to its industrial use, the steamboat also served as a recreational vessel, providing cruises for local residents during the summer months.
Conversion to a Logging Barge:
- Conversion Process: As the logging industry evolved, the need for large, powerful steamboats may have diminished, leading to the decision to convert one of these vessels into a more utilitarian barge. This conversion likely involved stripping the vessel of its engines and other steam-related components, reinforcing the hull for carrying heavy loads, and adapting the structure for towing by other vessels.
- Operation as a Barge: The barge, now a repurposed steamboat, continued to serve the Canada Lumber Company, playing a crucial role in the transportation of logs and other materials across Lower Mazinaw Lake. The vessel’s robust construction allowed it to endure the harsh conditions typical of logging operations.
Final Incident and Sinking: In 1906, a severe storm struck the region, causing the barge, which had been constructed from the steamboat, to be washed over the dam at the bottom of Lower Mazinaw Lake. The powerful currents carried the vessel downstream, where it eventually broke apart just before the rapids at the entrance to Little Marble Lake. The remains of the barge now rest at a depth of approximately 9 meters (30 feet) in Little Marble Lake.
FINAL DISPOSITION: #
The barge, once a proud steamboat, now lies in pieces on the bottom of Little Marble Lake. The site is marked by a jug on the surface, indicating the location of the wreckage. The wreck likely consists of the hull and other structural remnants, now scattered and partially buried in the lakebed.
NOTMARs & ADVISORIES: #
There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) specifically related to this wreck. However, permission from the local campground is required to access the site, and it is advised to visit with a friend for safety.
LOCATED BY & DATE: #
The remains of the barge are located near the entrance to Little Marble Lake, a well-known site to local historians and divers. The exact date of discovery is not documented, but the wreck has been a point of interest for many years.
CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY: #
The wreck is accessible from shore, with a short surface swim to reach the jug marking the site. The condition of the wreck is typical of wooden vessels that have been submerged for over a century, with significant decay and likely partial burial in the sediment. Divers exploring the site can expect to see the remains of the hull and other structural components, although the vessel is not intact.
RESOURCES & LINKS: #
- Local Publications:
- The Oxen and the Axe, by the Cloyne and District Historical Society
- The Mazinaw Experience, by John Campbell
- Videos: A video by SLD’s Corey documents the site.
- Local Historical Societies: The Cloyne and District Historical Society may provide further details and access to archives related to the wreck.
CONCLUSION: #
The story of the logging barge in Little Marble Lake is a fascinating chapter in the history of Ontario’s logging industry. Originally a steamboat serving the Canada Lumber Company, the vessel was repurposed into a barge to meet the changing needs of the company. Its final journey during the storm of 1906, resulting in its wreck near the entrance to Little Marble Lake, highlights the adaptability and eventual fate of these industrial workhorses. Today, the wreck serves as a submerged artifact, preserving the legacy of the logging industry on Mazinaw Lake and offering a unique dive site for those interested in Ontario’s maritime history.
Keywords:
Great Lakes Shipwrecks, Logging History, Steamboat, Little Marble Lake, Mazinaw Lake, Canada Lumber Company, Shipwreck Resilience, 19th Century Logging Operations, Underwater Archaeology, Ontario History
