Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Cream City
- Type: Wooden-hulled propeller steamer
- Year Built: 1884
- Builder: Linn & Craig, Trenton, Michigan (Hull #27)
- Dimensions: 166 ft (50.6 m) length × 32 ft (9.8 m) beam × 20 ft (6.1 m) depth
- Registered Tonnage: 875 GRT; 654 NRT
- Location: Wheeler’s Reef, near False Detour Passage, Lake Huron
- Official Number: 110641
- Original Owners: Not specified
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled propeller steamer designed for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes.
Description
The Cream City, originally named Rhoda Emily, was a wooden-hulled propeller steamer constructed in 1884 by Linn & Craig in Trenton, Michigan. Measuring 166 feet (50.6 meters) in length with a beam of 32 feet (9.8 meters) and a depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters), she had a gross tonnage of 875 and a net tonnage of 654. Designed for bulk freight transport, she was a common sight on the Great Lakes during her operational years.
History
Throughout her service, the Cream City operated primarily on the Great Lakes, transporting various bulk commodities. On July 1, 1918, while navigating through dense fog near False Detour Passage in Lake Huron, she ran aground on Wheeler’s Reef. Despite not being in immediate danger, efforts by tugs to free her were unsuccessful over two seasons. Ultimately, in 1925, she caught fire and burned to the waterline, marking the end of her service.
Significant Incidents
- July 1, 1918: Grounded on Wheeler’s Reef in fog.
- 1925: Caught fire and burned to the waterline.
Final Disposition
After grounding on Wheeler’s Reef in 1918, the Cream City remained stranded despite salvage attempts. In 1925, she caught fire and was destroyed, with the wreckage remaining on the reef.
Current Condition & Accessibility
As of current records, the wreck of the Cream City has not been located.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”cream-city-rhonda-emily-us-110641″ title=”References & Links”]
The Cream City‘s grounding and subsequent destruction highlight the navigational challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly in areas prone to fog and hidden hazards like Wheeler’s Reef. Her story serves as a reminder of the perils of early 20th-century lake navigation and the importance of advancements in maritime safety and navigation technology.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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