Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: S. B. Paige
- Type: Schooner
- Year Built: 1863
- Builder: Fowler in Oshkosh, Wisconsin
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: 143 GRT
- Location: Off South Manitou Island, Lake Michigan
- Official Number: 116335
- Original Owners: A. Day & Co., later Cook & Brown Lime Co.
- Number of Masts: Two-masted
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
The S. B. Paige was a two-masted wooden schooner primarily used for transporting lime, brick, and other building materials across the Great Lakes.
Description
Built in 1863 by Fowler in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the S. B. Paige was a wooden schooner with a registered tonnage of 143 gross tons. It was owned by A. Day & Co. and later by Cook & Brown Lime Co., both based in Oshkosh.
History
The S. B. Paige served for 44 years, demonstrating an impressive lifespan for a wooden vessel in the Great Lakes. It was primarily engaged in the transportation of building materials, reflecting the economic activities of the region during its operational years.
Significant Incidents
- On September 10, 1907, the S. B. Paige was caught in a storm on Lake Michigan near South Manitou Island.
- The vessel stranded during the gale and was declared a total loss, but all four crew members on board were rescued.
Final Disposition
The wreck of the S. B. Paige is located off South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan. It was declared a total wreck, likely breaking up in the surf. There is no formal salvage or archaeological survey documented for the site.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to have deteriorated significantly due to natural elements. No formal assessments have been conducted since its loss.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”s-b-paige-us-116335″ title=”References & Links”]
The S. B. Paige serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by wooden vessels in the Great Lakes, particularly during severe weather conditions. Research opportunities exist for historical weather records and potential underwater surveys to locate remnants of the wreck.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
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