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Rescue of The Mineral State

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

This mural on the side of the former Jacksons Fisheries building depicts the Port Stanley Lifesaving Crew rescuing the crew of the schooner The Mineral State on October 29, 1902. A storm destroyed the schooner, and the crew clung desperately to the rigging, unable to safely enter Port Stanley's harbour, until the Lifesaving Crew rescued them. One Mineral State crew member chose to take his chances trying to boat to shore, and had to pulled up the cliff once he reached the shore. The Port Stanley Lifesaving Crew received an award from the US Consul on behalf of the President of the United States for their rescue effort.

Images

The fishing crew of the Elgin. Note also the mention of the Old East Fishing Company on the page.

Plant, Font, Art, Monochrome photography

The old mural (2014), depicting the same story of the rescue of the Mineral State.

Sky, Building, Window, Graffiti

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The Port Stanley Lifesaving Crew was established by 1885 and practiced regularly until 1929. Over their active years, they took part in many lifesaving missions, rescuing crews of ships who were in peril. Another notable rescue was The Groton in November 1897, for which the Lifesaving Crew was awarded a medal from the US Consul on behalf of the President. 

Lake Erie is known for its nasty and dangerous storms, which have claimed the lives of many boats and their crews. The danger is compounded by the fact that the north shore of Lake Erie is largely unbroken cliffs, with few safe harbours for ships to take refuge in during storms. Even Port Stanley was a narrow and difficult harbour to try to make a safe landing during bad weather. 

Jacksons Fisheries and Jackson Fish Market closed in 2018 after 43 years of business in Port Stanley. Before that, beginning in the 1930s, the family business was located in Port Dover. Jacksons Fisheries was one of the last remaining, local, family-run fishery businesses. 

Sources

https://www.stthomastimesjournal.com/2018/04/23/jacksons-fisheries-closes-after-three-generations

Port Stanley Memories and Musings by Frank and Nancy Prothero

Image Sources(Click to expand)

Port Stanley Musings and Memories by Frank and Nancy Prothero

Google Maps

Additional Information