Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Odd Fellow
• Type: Wooden scow-schooner
• Year Built: 1881
• Builder: E.C. Penney at Washington Island, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: Approx. 104 × 27 × 7 ft; 124 gross tons, 118 net tons
• Registered Tonnage: 124 gross tons, 118 net tons
• Location: Near Northport, Michigan

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Odd Fellow was a wooden scow-schooner, a type commonly used for hauling lumber and bulk materials.

Description

The Odd Fellow was constructed in 1881 and was approximately 104 feet long, 27 feet wide, and 7 feet deep. It had a gross tonnage of 124 tons and a net tonnage of 118 tons. The vessel was registered under U.S. enrollment, but the official number is not documented.

History

The Odd Fellow was built by E.C. Penney at Washington Island, Wisconsin, in 1881. It primarily operated in the Great Lakes region, transporting lumber and other bulk materials.

Significant Incidents

• Date of loss: October 28, 1892
• Location: Stranded near Northport, Michigan (NW Michigan coastline on Lake Michigan)
• Weather/event: Overwhelmed in a northwest gale, causing her grounding
• Cargo: Likely lumber (or possibly unladen/light), sources vary
• Fate: Declared a total wreck, with no lives lost

Final Disposition

The Odd Fellow was beached near Northport, Michigan, during a powerful northwest gale on October 28, 1892. The storm caused significant damage, leading to the vessel being declared a total loss. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The current condition of the Odd Fellow wreck is not documented, and it is unclear whether any remains are visible or if the site has been cleared. Further research may be needed to ascertain its status.

Resources & Links

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The wreck of the Odd Fellow serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by vessels navigating the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather events. Its history highlights the importance of maritime safety and the impact of storms on shipping operations.