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.

Identification & Site Information:

• Name: Alice Mary (later Lorraine)
• Type of Wreck: Sloop Barge (rebuilt as a Schooner)
• Other Names: Lorraine
• Location: Cataraqui Wrecks, Bay of Quinte, Ontario
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 80 feet (24.4 m)
  • Width: 10.6 feet (3.2 m)
  • Depth: 5.4 feet (1.6 m)
• Tonnage:
  • Gross: 70.10 tons
  • Net: 67.15 tons
• Final Disposition: Wrecked on April 24, 1882, later rebuilt as Lorraine
• Site Status: Associated with the Cataraqui Wrecks

Vessel Type Description:

The Alice Mary was constructed as a wooden sloop barge in 1875 by Christopher Harris of Dog Lake, Battersea, Ontario. Initially a single-masted barge for St. Lawrence River operations, the vessel was well-suited for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. After its wreck in 1882, the vessel was reconstructed as a schooner named Lorraine, featuring increased tonnage and modified design.

History:

The Alice Mary experienced a dramatic history on the Great Lakes. Built in 1875, it served various purposes until it encountered a severe storm on April 24, 1882. While carrying a cargo of peas, the vessel began leaking and eventually stranded in the Bay of Quinte near Kingston. The wreck was deemed a total loss, valued at $4,000.

After its initial loss, Captain Allen acquired the wreck and attempted to salvage and repair it. However, the decayed timbers and the swelling of the peas on board made restoration uncertain. Officially removed from the shipping registry on May 8, 1882, the vessel was soon rebuilt from its hull and rechristened Lorraine. Registered in Kingston in September 1882, Lorraine resumed operations under a new design as a schooner with 73.63 tons of gross tonnage.

The Lorraine continued to operate until it was noted as “supposed to be out of existence” in 1937, indicating its ultimate disappearance—whether by sinking, scrapping, or other means.

Final Disposition:

The Alice Mary was initially wrecked in the Bay of Quinte during a storm. After reconstruction as Lorraine, the vessel’s ultimate fate remains unclear, with historical records marking its presumed end in 1937.

NOTMARs & Advisories:

• NOTMARs: None specific to the Alice Mary or Lorraine.
• Advisories: Divers exploring the Cataraqui Wrecks in the Bay of Quinte should exercise caution due to potential hazards and the site’s historical significance.

Located By & Date:

The original wreck of the Alice Mary was stranded and salvaged in the Bay of Quinte in April 1882. Details of its modern discovery or exploration are not widely reported. Lorraine’s final location remains speculative, likely tied to the Cataraqui Wrecks.

Resources & Links:

• David Swayze Shipwreck File
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• Great Lakes Ships Database

Analysis:

The Alice Mary‘s journey from its construction to its loss and eventual reconstruction as Lorraine highlights the resilience of maritime operations on the Great Lakes. Its transformation into a schooner represents an era of resourcefulness and innovation in the face of adversity. The vessel’s enigmatic disappearance adds a layer of intrigue, serving as a focal point for maritime historians and enthusiasts.

Keywords: • Alice Mary • Lorraine • Sloop Barge • Schooner • Bay of Quinte • Cataraqui Wrecks • Canadian Maritime History • 1882 Shipwreck

Conclusion:

The Alice Mary and its reincarnation as Lorraine offer a unique narrative within Great Lakes maritime history. They reflect the challenges and ingenuity of the late 19th century, preserving their legacy in the waters of the Bay of Quinte and the Cataraqui Wrecks. This story stands as a testament to the persistence of maritime communities and the enduring mysteries of shipwrecks.

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