Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Emily and Eliza
• Type: Scow-schooner (wooden)
• Year Built: 1878
• Builder: Anspaugh Bros., Oak Harbor, OH
• Dimensions: 78 ft × 21 ft × 5 ft
• Registered Tonnage: 64 gross tons
• Location: Near the mouth of Otter Creek, Platte Bay, Lake Michigan
• Official Number: 36582
• Original Owners: House of David, Benton Harbor, MI

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

Vessel Identification & Profile

• Name: Emily and Eliza
• Official Number: 36582
• Year Built: 1878, by Anspaugh Bros., Oak Harbor, OH
• Vessel Type: Scow-schooner (wooden)
• Dimensions: 78 ft × 21 ft × 5 ft, 64 gross tons

Description

Historical Significance

• Official No. 36582; classified as a scow-schooner, 78′ × 21′ × 5′, 64 gross tons.
• Lost in a storm on September 9, 1910, near Platte Bay, close to Sleeping Bear, while loading cedar fence posts. The vessel was owned by the House of David out of Benton Harbor, Michigan.

The Emily and Eliza typifies late-era scow-schooners that served niche lumber markets. Her loss near Platte Bay during lumber loading operations underscores the persistent hazard of storms, even in near-shore work. Owned by the House of David—a unique collective with industrial interests—she represents a convergence of maritime commerce and regional sectarian enterprise.

History

Operational History

• Originally operated by Anspaugh Bros (Port Clinton, Ohio) for coastal cargo.
• Later owned by the House of David, Benton Harbor, MI—an industrial-lumber sect.
• Specialized in hauling cedar fence posts along Michigan’s shores.

Significant Incidents

Final Voyage & Loss

• Date: September 9, 1910
• Location: Near the mouth of Otter Creek, along Platte Bay near Sleeping Bear Point, Lake Michigan
• Cargo: Cedar fence posts
• Cause: Blown ashore during a storm while taking on lumber; wrecked and pounded apart
• Casualties: None reported

Final Disposition

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Emily and Eliza is located near the mouth of Otter Creek in Platte Bay. The site may be accessible for diving, but conditions can vary significantly due to weather and water conditions.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck of the Emily and Eliza is located near the mouth of Otter Creek in Platte Bay. The site may be accessible for diving, but conditions can vary significantly due to weather and water conditions.

Resources & Links

[shotline_reference_links slug=”emily-and-eliza-us-36582″ title=”References & Links”]

In summary, the Emily and Eliza serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels operating in the Great Lakes, particularly during stormy weather. Her story reflects the intersection of maritime history and the unique cultural aspects of the House of David.