IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION #
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DETAILED RECORD OF THE SCHOONER ADVANCE #
The schooner ADVANCE was a wooden-hulled sailing vessel constructed in 1856 in Dexter, New York. As a single-deck schooner with two masts, the ADVANCE was built for versatility and durability, designed to navigate the often challenging waters of the Great Lakes. Its official number was 105051, and it had a tonnage of 74 tons according to the old measurement system.
Early Years and Initial Challenges #
The ADVANCE’s early years were marked by significant challenges. In September 1857, just a year after its launch, the schooner encountered a devastating setback. While transporting a cargo of coal, the vessel struck rocks near Alexandria Bay in the St. Lawrence River. This collision caused the schooner to be holed and subsequently sunk. Despite this severe incident, the ADVANCE was later refloated, repaired, and returned to service, demonstrating the resilience of both the vessel and its crew.
Changing Ownership and Continued Service #
Over the course of its service life, the ADVANCE changed ownership multiple times, a common occurrence for vessels of its kind. In 1863, the schooner was owned by an individual named Smith from Port Colborne, Ontario. By 1866, ownership had passed to J. B. Devoe, also from Port Colborne. The ship’s ownership changed again in 1869 to J. Carr, and after undergoing partial rebuilding, it was acquired by J. Kerr of Belleville, Ontario, in 1870.
Despite the efforts to maintain and update the vessel, the ADVANCE continued to face difficulties. In October 1870, the schooner ran aground in Oswego, New York, on Lake Ontario. The damage was significant enough that the vessel was reported as abandoned. Shortly thereafter, the wreck was sold to farmers from the vicinity of Texas, New York, who likely intended to salvage or repurpose the vessel.
Final Voyage and Mysterious End #
The final chapter of the ADVANCE’s story occurred in 1873 when the schooner met its tragic end on Lake Ontario. Unfortunately, detailed records of the incident are scarce, and the exact circumstances leading to the vessel’s demise remain unknown. The loss of the ADVANCE marks the end of nearly two decades of service on the Great Lakes.
The schooner’s registration was officially closed on March 8, 1882, marking the final closure of its maritime career and leaving behind unanswered questions about its final moments.
Legacy of the ADVANCE #
The story of the ADVANCE is a testament to the challenges faced by schooners and their crews on the Great Lakes during the 19th century. From its early sinking and subsequent recovery to its eventual loss in Lake Ontario, the schooner’s journey reflects both the resilience and the peril inherent in maritime life during this era.
The ADVANCE played a vital role in the transportation of goods across the Great Lakes, contributing to the economic development of the region. Its disappearance remains a part of the broader narrative of maritime history, symbolizing the risks that came with navigating the vast and unpredictable waters of the Great Lakes.
Sources #
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes Website: For general information on shipwrecks and missing vessels on the Great Lakes.
- Great Lakes Ships Website: A resource offering historical records on vessels that operated on the Great Lakes, including those that have been lost or remain unaccounted for.
- Board of Lake Underwriters’ Lake Vessel Register: Documenting the details of the ADVANCE’s construction, ownership, and classification.
