Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: South Side
- Type: Wooden scow-schooner
- Year Built: 1867
- Builder: H. Oertling
- Dimensions: 101 ft × 25 ft × 5 ft (30.8 m × 7.6 m × 1.5 m); 139.75 GRT
- Registered Tonnage: 139.75 GRT
- Location: Baileys Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin
- Official Number: 115334
- Original Owners: Theod. Plathner
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden-hulled scow-schooner—simple, economical sailing workboat optimized for bulk light cargo in shallow harbors and coastal routes.
Description
Built in Milwaukee in 1867, South Side was a typical scow-schooner—clumsy but capable of hauling bulky, lightweight goods like lumber, ties, or seasonal trees. She relied on sails and modest cargo holds.
History
Owned by Theod. Plathner of Milwaukee, she served regional supply lines. Laden with Christmas trees and ties from northern ports, she battled headwinds and leaks on her return trip in December 1893. Forced to shelter near Plum Island, she later anchored offshore but kept leaking. Eventually towed by William Rudolph to Baileys Harbor, she was abandoned for the winter. The empty or waterlogged hull remained until spring, then broke up and dispersed her deck cargo. The exact fate of remaining crew (beyond captain and mate) is unclear.
Significant Incidents
- December 4, 1893: The South Side struck a leak while adrift off Milwaukee and sought shelter near Plum Island.
- After being towed to Baileys Harbor, the vessel was abandoned over winter, leading to its break-up and cargo scattering.
Final Disposition
Broken apart during winter in Baileys Harbor and declared a total loss. No salvage was attempted; cargo was lost or scattered.
Current Condition & Accessibility
Recorded at Baileys Harbor following tow and winter abandonment. The vessel was “up high on beach” and waterlogged. No modern dive site or GPS documentation exists.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”south-side-us-115334″ title=”References & Links”]
The South Side exemplified late-season, low-cost sail transport of light goods like Christmas trees on Lake Michigan. Her gradual demise—leak, tow, abandonment, winter break-up—reflects the hazards small sailing vessels faced even without dramatic storms. While no loss of life is recorded, crew details remain vague. Her wreck is now a forgotten testament to late-19th-century seasonal maritime commerce.
Full Wreck Record — complete historical article, construction details, voyage logs, incident reports, dive conditions, and all research sources.
Join Shotline to read more →