Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Manistee (formerly Lora, Alice Stafford)
- Type: Wooden propeller passenger/package steamer
- Year Built: 1882
- Builder: B. Randall, Benton Harbor, Michigan
- Dimensions: 202 ft (61.5 m) × 32 ft (9.8 m) × 22 ft (6.7 m)
- Registered Tonnage: 843 gross / 485 net
- Location: Johnson Boiler Works dock, Spring Lake, Michigan
- Coordinates: Approx. N 43° 04.7′, W 086° 12.0′
- Official Number: 140537
- Original Owners: Noted under various operators (final: local passenger/freight service)
- Number of Masts: Not recorded
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Vessel Type
Wooden propeller passenger/package steamer.
Description
Description
The Manistee began her career in 1882 as the Lora, a wooden propeller designed for passenger and package freight trade on Lake Michigan. Rebuilt and renamed Alice Stafford in 1897, she was again renamed Manistee in 1905. At 202 feet long and over 840 gross tons, she represented the wooden end of the Great Lakes steamer era, operating passenger service and carrying light cargo between Michigan ports.
History
History
Through three names, the vessel served reliably across Lake Michigan routes. By the early 20th century, she was an aging wooden hull operating at a time when iron and steel steamers dominated the lakes. Nevertheless, she remained in service until 1914, when a catastrophic fire ended her career.
Significant Incidents
Significant Incidents
- On 28 June 1914, while moored at the Johnson Boiler Works dock, a fire broke out around 3–4 a.m., leading to the vessel being declared a total loss.
- Two crew members sustained serious burns, but all crew members escaped alive.
- The vessel drifted downstream while fully ablaze and grounded on a sandbar.
Final Disposition
Final Disposition
The vessel was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned at Spring Lake. Later surveys, including in 2008 by local researchers, noted scattered wreckage and lifeboat artifacts, but no substantial remains. The Manistee is considered a constructive total loss with no archaeological site of significance remaining.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Current Condition & Accessibility
Not a dive site. The remains are shallow and largely dispersed near the Johnson Boiler Works dock. Emergency contacts include the USCG Grand Haven Station. No permits are required as there are no significant remains.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”manistee-us-140537-lora-alice-stafford” title=”References & Links”]
Closing Summary
The Manistee serves as a reminder of the wooden steamer era on the Great Lakes, with her loss marking the transition to more modern vessels. Today, her remains are scattered and not accessible for diving.
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 Card (Site Style)
Description
The Manistee began her career in 1882 as the Lora, a wooden propeller designed for passenger and package freight trade on Lake Michigan. Rebuilt and renamed Alice Stafford in 1897, she was again renamed Manistee in 1905. At 202 feet long and over 840 gross tons, she represented the wooden end of the Great Lakes steamer era, operating passenger service and carrying light cargo between Michigan ports.History
Through three names, the vessel served reliably across Lake Michigan routes. By the early 20th century, she was an aging wooden hull operating at a time when iron and steel steamers dominated the lakes. Nevertheless, she remained in service until 1914, when a catastrophic fire ended her career.Final Voyage
On 28 June 1914, the Manistee was moored at the Johnson Boiler Works dock in Spring Lake, near Ferrysburg, Michigan. Around 3–4 a.m., fire broke out aboard. Clerk William Elkins, awakened by crackling flames, raised the alarm as fire consumed the forward cabin. Strong winds spread the blaze rapidly, forcing the crew of ~22 to abandon ship in their night clothes. Two men suffered serious burns, but all escaped alive. The burning vessel broke loose from her moorings and drifted downstream, finally grounding on a shallow sandbar while fully ablaze. The Manistee was declared a total loss.Final Disposition
The vessel was completely destroyed by fire and abandoned at Spring Lake. Later surveys, including in 2008 by local researchers, noted scattered wreckage and lifeboat artifacts, but no substantial remains. The Manistee is considered a constructive total loss with no archaeological site of significance remaining.Located By & Date Found
Remains noted in shallow water off Spring Lake, documented by the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association (MSRA) in 2008.Notmars & Advisories
No active advisories; wreck destroyed and removed/dispersed.Dive Information
Not a dive site. Shallow burned remains near Johnson Boiler Works dock, largely dispersed. Emergency Contacts: USCG Grand Haven Station. Permits: None required; no significant remains.Crew & Casualty Memorials
No fatalities. No memorials known. Two crew sustained burn injuries. Loss was reported in the Grand Haven Tribune and regional press.Documented Statements & Extracts
“Elkins, ship’s clerk, was awakened by the sound of crackling flames. Within minutes the vessel was fully ablaze, and the crew escaped with only their night clothes. The Manistee drifted, burning, until she grounded on a sandbar. She was declared a total loss.” — Michigan Shipwreck Research Association.
Registry, Enrollment & Insurance Trails
Official No. 140537. Built as Lora (1882), rebuilt as Alice Stafford (1897), renamed Manistee (1905). Enrollment surrendered after destruction by fire in 1914. Insurance payout unknown.Site Documentation & Imaging
Recorded by the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association in 2008. Artifacts included lifeboat remains and burned timbers.Image Gallery
Resources & Links
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association – Manistee
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files
- Manistee News Advocate – Six Ships Named Manistee
References
- Michigan Shipwreck Research Association, *Manistee* wreck file.
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files, vessel chronology.
- Manistee News Advocate, archival articles on fire and wreck remains.
- Grand Haven Tribune, June–July 1914 coverage of fire and loss.