Two Myrtles (Clover) (1899)

Shotline Diving Wreck Profile

• Name: Two Myrtles
• Type: Steam Screw Steamer
• Year Built: 1899
• Builder: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Dimensions: Length: 80.2 ft (24.4 m); Beam: 22.8 ft (6.9 m); Depth of hold: 7.1 ft (2.2 m)
• Registered Tonnage: 96 tons
• Depth at Wreck Site: 4.6 m / 15 ft
• Location: DeTour Village, near Watson Dock Complex
• Coordinates: Latitude 45°59.955'N, Longitude 83°53.936'W
• Original Owners: Leo Goetz (1934)

Wreck Location Map

Vessel Type

The Two Myrtles, originally known as the CLOVER, was a steam screw steamer used for various purposes during its operational life. Built to serve as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, it played a vital role in maintaining navigational aids across the Great Lakes.

Description

The wreck lies submerged near the north side of the Watson Dock complex. It is broken, measuring approximately 15×70 feet, and rests on its port side at a heading of 190 degrees. The wreck is marked as a hazard to surface navigation on nautical charts due to its shallow depth.

History

• Early Service (1899-1934): Launched in 1899 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the vessel began its career as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service. In 1913, its name was officially changed to CLOVER as part of its service identity.
• Ownership Change and Renaming (1934-1940s): In 1934, the vessel was sold to Leo Goetz of DeTour, Michigan, and renamed TWO MYRTLES. It continued to operate in the region, though its specific duties during this period are unclear.
• Abandonment (1940s): Ownership changed again in the early 1940s, and by the mid-1940s, the TWO MYRTLES was abandoned near the Watson Dock complex in DeTour Village.

Significant Incidents

• Salvaged in the 1940s, the machinery is now displayed at the DeTour Village Museum.

Final Disposition

The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) represents a unique piece of Great Lakes maritime history, transitioning from a lighthouse tender to private ownership and later abandonment. Its dual names reflect its service history and personal ties to the DeTour community.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is broken and deteriorated, with limited structural integrity. Visibility is frequently poor, making it challenging for divers and snorkelers. The depth ranges from 5-15 feet (1.5-4.6 meters), making it accessible for snorkelers but challenging due to poor visibility.

Resources & Links

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The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) serves as a small but notable part of Great Lakes maritime history. While the wreck itself holds limited interest for recreational exploration, its legacy as a lighthouse tender and its ties to the DeTour community remain significant. Artifacts displayed at the DeTour Village Museum ensure that the vessel’s story is preserved for future generations.