Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Avery, Waldo A. (later renamed PHENIX, then LIBERTY)
- Type: Wooden Bulk Freighter (Screw-Propelled)
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Wheeler & Crane, Bay City, Michigan
- Dimensions: 240.1 ft (73.2 m); Beam: 38 ft (11.6 m); Depth of hold: 17.6 ft (5.4 m)
- Registered Tonnage: Gross Tonnage: 1294; Net Tonnage: 1035
- Location: Ogdensburg, New York, St. Lawrence River
- Official Number: 116816
- Original Owners: H.A. Hawgood, Waldo A. Avery, Steamer Phenix Co., Phoenix Transportation Co., George B. Hall Coal Co.
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Avery, Waldo A. was a robust wooden bulk freighter, designed primarily for carrying iron ore and grain across the Great Lakes. Powered by a screw propulsion system and a for-and-aft compound engine producing 560 horsepower, the vessel was built to withstand the challenges of Great Lakes shipping. Its triple-thick, 18-inch hull construction further emphasized durability against ice, storms, and heavy cargo loads.
Description
The Avery, Waldo A. was launched on August 27, 1884, and served extensively in the bustling iron ore and grain trades of the Great Lakes. Initially owned by H.A. Hawgood of Bay City and Waldo A. Avery of East Saginaw, the vessel’s early years were marked by incidents that reflected the hazards of maritime transportation:
- 1885 Collision: Struck the steamer WALLULA.
- 1893 Fire: Caught fire near McGulpin’s Point but survived.
The Avery, Waldo A. underwent a significant rebuild in 1895 by James Davidson, after which it was renamed PHENIX. Under this name, it operated for several owners, including the Steamer Phenix Co. and Phoenix Transportation Co., before transferring to George B. Hall Coal Co.
Other notable incidents include:
- 1906 Grounding: Stranded near Cheboygan, Michigan.
- In 1918, the vessel was renamed LIBERTY, continuing its service under George Hall Coal Transportation Co. until its dismantling in 1923. Its life ended not in tragedy but through obsolescence, when it was dismantled and repurposed.
History
The Avery, Waldo A. (PHENIX/LIBERTY) was dismantled in 1924 and abandoned at Ogdensburg, New York. Portions of the vessel were used in the construction of a dock at the Diamond Match (Algonquin) plant. Over time, the remains were submerged and buried, leaving little trace of the once-proud freighter.
Significant Incidents
- 1885 Collision: Struck the steamer WALLULA.
- 1893 Fire: Caught fire near McGulpin’s Point but survived.
- 1906 Grounding: Stranded near Cheboygan, Michigan.
Final Disposition
The remains of the Avery, Waldo A. are submerged and incorporated into the dock structure, with likely minimal visible remnants due to deterioration and reuse in construction.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Condition: The remains are submerged and incorporated into the dock structure, with likely minimal visible remnants due to deterioration and reuse in construction.
Accessibility: Not accessible for diving or exploration due to its location as part of an industrial site.
Resources & Links
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The story of the Avery, Waldo A. (PHENIX/LIBERTY) is emblematic of the Great Lakes’ maritime history—a tale of resilience, adaptation, and eventual decline. The vessel’s long service life, multiple incidents, and transformations reflect the dynamic nature of shipping during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its ultimate use in constructing a dock illustrates how these vessels continued to contribute to the industry long after their operational lives had ended. While its physical presence may be buried, its history remains an integral chapter in the annals of Great Lakes commerce and transportation.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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