Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Florence Howard
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: Mid-19th Century
- Builder: Picton, Ontario
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 119 tons
- Location: Approximately 4 miles WNW of Salmon Point, Lake Ontario
- Coordinates: Not specifically provided
- Original Owners: B. Flint, David Andrews
- Number of Masts: Two
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The Florence Howard was a wooden schooner, a common vessel type for 19th-century Great Lakes shipping. Its single-deck, two-mast design made it ideal for transporting bulk goods. With a gross tonnage of 119 tons under the old measurement system, the schooner had a substantial cargo capacity of about 7,000 bushels, often used for grains like barley and wheat, critical commodities for the regional economy.
Description
Constructed in Picton, Ontario, the Florence Howard epitomized the robust shipbuilding heritage of the area.
History
Key Events:
- 1863: Began service under B. Flint of Belleville, Ontario.
- 1866: Underwent significant repairs, reflecting active use and wear from harsh Great Lakes conditions.
- 1870: Involved in a collision with the schooner Dominion 25 miles from Rochester, a testament to the crowded and perilous nature of the waterways.
Post-Collision Ownership: Ownership transferred to David Andrews, another Belleville resident.
On November 20, 1883, the Florence Howard departed Wellington carrying 5,000 bushels of barley destined for West Point. Adverse weather conditions led to its sinking approximately 4 miles west-northwest of Salmon Point, Lake Ontario. While the cargo was lost, records suggest no loss of life, sparing the crew from the tragedy.
Significant Incidents
The Florence Howard faced several significant incidents during its service:
- 1863: Commenced operations under B. Flint.
- 1866: Underwent major repairs.
- 1870: Collided with the Dominion.
- 1883: Sunk in adverse weather conditions.
Final Disposition
The schooner rests at the bottom of Lake Ontario. Its cargo of barley, a key export, highlights its role in the economic engine of the 19th-century Great Lakes trade. The wreck site, uncharted and unexplored, remains an enduring mystery beneath the cold waters near Salmon Point.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The condition of the Florence Howard‘s wreck is speculative, given its age and Lake Ontario’s powerful currents. Likely broken and encrusted over time, the site has not been actively studied or salvaged. Its inaccessibility and limited documentation render it an artifact of regional maritime history rather than a prominent dive site.
Resources & Links
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The Florence Howard is a poignant emblem of 19th-century Great Lakes navigation. From its construction in Picton to its loss near Salmon Point, the schooner’s story echoes the enduring challenges faced by mariners and the importance of trade to regional development. As it rests beneath Lake Ontario, it remains a hidden yet significant piece of maritime history.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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