Shotline Diving

Connecting You to the Depths of the Great Lakes

Philo Scoville (Scoville, Philo – Midland Rover) US 19620

Explore the wreck of the Philo Scoville, a historic wooden schooner submerged near Russel Island, offering a glimpse into Great Lakes maritime history.

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

  • Name: Philo Scoville (also known as Scoville, Philo; Midland Rover)
  • Type: Schooner
  • Year Built: 1863
  • Builder: Quayle & Martin, Cleveland, Ohio
  • Dimensions: Length: 139.6 ft (42.5 m); Beam: 30.4 ft; Depth of hold: 11.3 ft
  • Registered Tonnage: 471 (old measurement system)
  • Depth at Wreck Site: 30 m / 90 ft
  • Location: Russel Island, Tobermory, Ontario, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: N 45° 16.134′ W 081° 41.832′
  • Official Number: US19620
  • Original Owners: Bemis & Son, Simon S. Cook, Kate S. Barnes
  • Number of Masts: 3

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Philo Scoville, originally built as the Scoville, Philo, was a wooden schooner with three masts, designed for the transportation of bulk goods across the Great Lakes. Constructed in 1863 by Quayle & Martin in Cleveland, Ohio, the vessel had a single deck and was initially owned by Bemis & Son of Buffalo, New York. Known for its robust construction, the schooner served various roles throughout its career, including in the grain trade between Lake Superior and Montreal. Over time, the vessel underwent multiple ownership changes and name alterations, reflecting its long and eventful service life on the Great Lakes.

Description

The schooner had a storied history filled with notable incidents. After its launch in 1863, it was employed primarily in the grain and coal trades. In 1872, the vessel sank with a load of coal on Rose’s Reef in Lake Erie but was successfully raised and repaired. A few years later, in December 1875, the schooner broke loose from its moorings in Meaford, Ontario, causing damage to the vessel and the dock, both of which were repaired.

In 1879, Simon S. Cook of Morrisburg, Ontario, acquired the vessel, and it was renamed Midland Rover. The schooner experienced another serious incident in Toronto in 1882 when it was wrecked, resulting in the loss of two lives. By 1885, the vessel was actively engaged in the grain trade and was towed by the propeller City of Montreal. In August 1887, the Midland Rover collided with the schooner Monterey in Lake Huron, leading to damages that were subsequently repaired in Port Huron, Michigan.

The vessel’s final name change occurred on September 10, 1887, when it was renamed Philo Scoville after being purchased by Kate S. Barnes of Port Huron. The vessel was reenrolled in the United States under the same official number, US19620.

History

The Philo Scoville met its tragic end on October 6, 1889, when it was driven into the shallows by a fierce storm near Russel Island in Tobermory, Ontario. The schooner was wrecked on the rocks and eventually broke apart, leading to the loss of one life. The wreck of the Philo Scoville remains submerged near Russel Island, serving as a testament to the perilous nature of maritime navigation in the Great Lakes.

Significant Incidents

  • 1872: Sank with a load of coal on Rose’s Reef in Lake Erie; successfully raised and repaired.
  • December 1875: Broke loose from moorings in Meaford, Ontario, causing damage to the vessel and dock.
  • 1882: Wrecked in Toronto, resulting in the loss of two lives.
  • August 1887: Collided with the schooner Monterey in Lake Huron; damages repaired in Port Huron, Michigan.

Final Disposition

The wreck is well-known among divers and was located near Russel Island in Tobermory, Ontario. The exact date of discovery is not documented, but the site has been a popular dive location for many years.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck site is considered a safe dive location, though divers should be mindful of the depths and possible currents around the island. No specific obstructions are marked on navigational maps, but mariners are advised to exercise caution in the area.

Resources & Links

The Philo Scoville’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, from its construction in 1863 to its final wreck in 1889. Serving under various names and owners, the vessel played a significant role in the maritime history of the Great Lakes, particularly in the grain and coal trades. Its ultimate demise near Russel Island serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by mariners on these vast inland seas.