T. L. D. No. 1

Identification & Site Information:

• Name: T. L. D. No. 1
• Other Names: None
• Official Number: 165633
• Type at Loss: Unrigged Scow 
• Build Info: 1913, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
• Specifications: 95 ft (28.96 m) x 27 ft (8.23 m) x 9 ft (2.74 m), 195 gross tons, 195 net tons
• Date of Loss: November 4, 1928
• Place of Loss: Detour, Michigan
• Lake: Lake Huron
• Type of Loss: Fire
• Loss of Life: None (1 crew member survived)
• Carrying: Unknown at time of loss

Vessel Type:

The T. L. D. No. 1 was an unrigged scow, primarily used for cargo transport and possibly for dredging or construction support operations given its flat-bottom design. Unrigged scows were common for bulk transport due to their simplicity and large cargo capacity.

Description: Built in 1913 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, T. L. D. No. 1 was designed as a wooden flat-bottomed Barge used for hauling bulk goods, likely timber, stone, or dredging materials, which were common in Great Lakes maritime industries at the time.

History: Owned by T. L. Durocher of Detour, Michigan, the Barge served in the Upper Great Lakes region, likely supporting local industries along the St. Mary’s River and northern Lake Huron. The vessel was typical of working barges of the early 20th century, with a simple, durable design optimized for ease of loading and unloading cargo.

Final Disposition:

On November 4, 1928, while moored at Detour, Michigan, the T. L. D. No. 1 was destroyed by a fire. Details on the cause of the fire are scarce, but fires were common hazards for wooden vessels due to their construction materials and proximity to flammable cargo. The sole person aboard survived, but the vessel was considered a Total Loss.

Resources & Links:

• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU)
• David Swayze Great Lakes Shipwreck File

Conclusion

The T. L. D. No. 1  reflect the diverse types of vessels that navigated the Great Lakes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The T. L. D. No. 1 served as an industrial workhorse, supporting local commerce in Lake Huron