MELBOURNE (Marker #5)

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the single-masted wooden schooner MELBOURNE. The 169 ft. Great Lakes boat was built in the Langell Shipyard in 1880, the thirteenth boat built by Simon Langell in St. Clair. Even though it had a mast and sails, the MELBOURNE was designed primarily to be towed by steam barges. This was common practice for vessels on the Great Lakes during the mid to late 1800’s. During the boat’s 50 year sailing history, the MELBOURNE sank twice (1904 and 1909) but was raised both times. It was abandoned in Canada in 1930.

Vessel Data

Vessel Name:  MELBOURNE

Official Number:  91253

Rig: Schooner

Vessel Length: 168.66 feet

Vessel Width: 31.50 feet

Vessel Depth: 12.50 feet

Gross Tonnage: 510.35

Net Tonnage: 484.84

Hull Material: Wood

Builder:  Simon Langell

Notes: 

1880 – June 8, enrolled Detroit, MI

1884 – Towed by NIPIGON

1890 – towed by F.W. WHEELER

1893 – May, ashore Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior

1907 – towed by steambarge J.C. PRINGLE

1914 – Final U.S. enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, sold Canadian, C134474 (170’ length, 31.5’ wide, 12.4’ deep, 518 gross tons)

1930 – abandoned

Great Lakes Maritime Database, Great Lakes Maritime Collection, Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library. “Shipbuilding in St. Clair,” Research Binder, Ships File Cabinet, St. Clair Historical Museum and Research Center archives.