Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR.
- Type: Wooden sandsucker barge (originally a steamer)
- Year Built: 1900
- Builder: A. Anderson
- Dimensions: 150 ft (45.7 m) x 35 ft (10.7 m) x 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 478 gross tons; 418 net tons
- Location: Sandusky, Ohio (dock site); possible scuttling in Lake Erie
- Coordinates: Not documented
- Official Number: Not located
- Original Owners: Lorain Washed Sand Co.
- Number of Masts: N/A (barge, laid up at time of loss)
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was originally constructed as a steamer and later converted into a wooden sandsucker barge. These vessels were crucial for dredging and transporting sand for construction projects across the Great Lakes.
Description
The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was built in 1900 at Marine City, Michigan, by A. Anderson. In 1928, it was converted into a sandsucker barge, primarily used by the Lorain Washed Sand Co. for dredging and hauling sand across Lake Erie. Sandsucker barges played a vital role in supplying sand for various industrial and construction projects in the region.
History
After nearly three decades of service as a steamer, the vessel was rebuilt into a barge in 1928. It contributed to infrastructure development by dredging sand from lakebeds and transporting it to construction sites. On May 11, 1935, the ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. sank while tied up at dock in Sandusky, Ohio. Salvage efforts were abandoned, and the vessel was left idle. Conflicting reports exist regarding its fate: one account suggests it was scuttled in Lake Erie with explosives in 1937, while another indicates it was destroyed by fire at its moorings in May 1941.
Significant Incidents
- Sank at dock in Sandusky, Ohio on May 11, 1935.
- Reportedly scuttled in Lake Erie in 1937.
- Reportedly destroyed by fire at dock in May 1941.
Final Disposition
The final fate of the ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. remains uncertain. It is reported to have been either scuttled in 1937 or destroyed by fire in 1941. The lack of precise documentation leaves its ultimate end unresolved. If scuttled, wreckage may still lie offshore in Lake Erie; if burned, remains may have been reduced to rubble at the dockside.
Current Condition & Accessibility
No confirmed discovery of the wreck site has been documented. If scuttled, her remains may be located on the lakebed; if destroyed at dock, remnants may lie buried under shoreline infrastructure in Sandusky, Ohio. No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR..
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”alvah-s-chisholm-jr-us-107557″ title=”References & Links”]
The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Great Lakes and the importance of sand in construction and industrial projects. Its uncertain fate continues to intrigue divers and historians alike.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Lead Image
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
Description
The ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR. was constructed in 1900 at Marine City, Michigan by builder A. Anderson as a steamer. In 1928, she was converted into a wooden sandsucker barge, used by the Lorain Washed Sand Co. for dredging and hauling sand across Lake Erie. Sandsucker barges were essential in supplying sand for road, construction, and industrial projects across the Great Lakes region.History
After nearly three decades as a steamer, the vessel was rebuilt in 1928 into a barge. She supported infrastructure growth by dredging sand from lakebeds and transporting it to harbors and construction sites. On May 11, 1935, she sank while tied up at dock in Sandusky, Ohio. Salvage attempts were abandoned, and she was left idle. Reports diverge on her fate: one account states she was towed into Lake Erie and scuttled with explosives in 1937, while another records she was consumed by fire at her moorings in May 1941.Final Dispositions
The ultimate end of the vessel remains unclear. She is reported as both scuttled (1937) and destroyed by fire (1941). The absence of precise documentation leaves her fate unresolved. If scuttled, wreckage may still lie offshore in Lake Erie; if burned, remains may have been reduced to rubble at the dockside.Located By & Date Found
No confirmed discovery of the wreck site has been documented. If scuttled, her remains may be located on the lakebed; if destroyed at dock, remnants may lie buried under shoreline infrastructure in Sandusky, Ohio.Notmars & Advisories
No active Notices to Mariners are associated with the ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR.. Location remains uncertain due to conflicting records.Dive Information
Access: Unknown Entry Point: Sandusky, Ohio (if remains at dock) Conditions: Unknown Depth Range: Unknown Emergency Contacts: USCG Ninth District (Great Lakes) Permits: Required for excavation or disturbance Dive Support: Not available (site undocumented)Crew & Casualty Memorials
No casualties were recorded with the loss of the ALVAH S. CHISHOLM JR..Documented Statements & Extracts
“On May 11, 1935, the sandsucker barge Alvah S. Chisholm Jr. sank at Sandusky docks. Later reports suggest it was destroyed by fire in 1941, or scuttled in Lake Erie with explosives in 1937.” — Great Lakes Shipwreck File (David Swayze).
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official enrollment records list the vessel as a 478 gross ton steamer converted into a barge in 1928. Home port: Cleveland, Ohio. No insurance records located online.Site Documentation & Imaging
No survey or imaging of the wreck has been conducted. Its final location remains uncertain.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes
- Great Lakes Vessel Database (BGSU/HCGL)
- David Swayze Shipwreck File
References
- David Swayze, Shipwreck File (USACE collection).
- Great Lakes Vessel Database, Bowling Green State University.
- Maritime History of the Great Lakes online archives.