Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Name: Viola
- Type: Wooden canal boat
- Year Built: 1869 or earlier
- Builder:
- Dimensions: Length X ft (Y m); Beam; Depth of hold
- Registered Tonnage: approx. 67 tons
- Location: Roughly 20 miles west of Cleveland
- Official Number: 61027
Wreck Location Map
Vessel Type
Wooden canal boat, approximately 67 tons.
Description
The Viola was transporting minstrel show equipment—likely stages, props, and musical instruments—for performers scheduled to appear in Toledo. The minstrels themselves had remained aboard the towing steamer Michigan during the transit.
History
The Viola was built in 1869 or earlier and was primarily used for transporting goods across the Great Lakes. On June 17, 1871, she was caught in a sudden storm, which led to her breaking loose from her tow by the propeller steamer Michigan. Without tug assistance and at the mercy of the waves, she drifted ashore and was wrecked, resulting in a total loss.
Significant Incidents
- Loss Date: June 17, 1871
- Caught in a sudden storm, leading to her drifting ashore and wrecking.
- No casualties reported; however, the minstrel troupe lost their show equipment.
Final Disposition
Salvage was likely impossible or uneconomical for a small canal boat; she was abandoned as a wreck. No loss of life occurred, though the minstrel troupe lost their show equipment, causing immediate financial consequences.
Current Condition & Accessibility
The current condition of the wreck is unknown, but it is presumed to be submerged and may have remnants lying below water near the wreck site.
Resources & Links
[shotline_reference_links slug=”viola-us-61027″ title=”References & Links”]
The Viola met a swift and fatal end on June 17, 1871, when severe storm conditions caused her to drift from her tow and wreck near Cleveland. The loss underscores the risks faced by towed canal boats, even when carrying cultural payload like minstrel show equipment. Despite its modest size and profile, the wreck offers insights into 19th-century entertainment logistics and Lake Erie maritime hazards.
Legacy Notes & Full Historical Record
This section preserves the original unedited Shotline content for this wreck so that no historical detail is lost as we transition to the new logbook format.
Shotline Diving Wreck Profile
- Official Number: 61027
- Type: Wooden canal boat, approx. 67 tons
- Build: 1869 or earlier
- Loss Date: June 17, 1871
- Location: Roughly 20 miles west of Cleveland, Lake Erie
- Casualties: None reported (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
Cargo & Intended Voyage
The Viola was transporting minstrel show equipment—likely stages, props, and musical instruments—for performers scheduled to appear in Toledo. The minstrels themselves had remained aboard the towing steamer Michigan during the transit (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Cause of Loss
Caught in a sudden storm, Viola broke loose from her tow by the propeller steamer Michigan. Without tug assistance and at the mercy of the waves, she drifted ashore and was wrecked—becoming a total loss (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files).
Final Disposition
Salvage was likely impossible or uneconomical for a small canal boat; she was abandoned as a wreck. No loss of life occurred, though the minstrel troupe lost their show equipment, causing immediate financial consequences.
Sources
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Files: entry confirms basic details, cargo, and loss circumstances (Great Lakes Shipwreck Files)
- Alchem’s Lake Erie Shipwreck Map “B”: adds location and cargo notes (Alchemin)
Significance & Research Notes
- Represents a lesser-known but telling example of the dependency of entertainment troupes on lake transport during the 19th century.
- Highlights the vulnerability of small towed craft during sudden storms on Lake Erie.
- Archeologically, canal boats typically offer little large-scale wreckage, but some remnants may lie below water near the wreck site.
Research Gaps & Next Steps
- Crew & Troupe Records: Investigate minstrel company records or local press for names and performance itineraries.
- Newspaper Reports: Look for June 1871 Cleveland or Toledo papers for reports on the wreck or its impact on the show.
- Site Investigation: Survey site ~20 miles west of Cleveland for wreckage, debris field, or remains of the boat’s structure.
Conclusion
The Viola met a swift and fatal end on June 17, 1871, when severe storm conditions caused her to drift from her tow and wreck near Cleveland. The loss underscores the risks faced by towed canal boats, even when carrying cultural payload like minstrel show equipment. Despite its modest size and profile, the wreck offers insights into 19th-century entertainment logistics and Lake Erie maritime hazards.
viola-us-61027 1871-06-17 13:54:00