Director

Vessel Name: FONTANAOfficial Number:	120713Rig: SchoonerVessel Length:	231.33 feetVessel Width: 38.00 feetVessel Depth: 9.00 feetGross Tonnage: 1,183.00Net Tonnage: 1,105.00Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1888 – June 28, enrolled Port Huron, Michigan1888 – July 16, arrived Duluth in tow of steamer KALIYUGA; maiden voyage1891 – remeasured: 231.33 feet long; 39.00 feet wide; 17 feet deep1888 to 1900 – iron ore trade for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co.1900 – August 3, sunk by collision with barge SANTIAGO in rapids of St. Clair River; one life lost. Was in tow of steamer KALIYUGA, downbound with 2,593 tons of iron ore from Presque Isle, MI to Cleveland, OH1900 – Nov 19, documents surrendered, Port Huron; total loss

Simon Langell and friends aboard the FONTANA prior to its launching in June 1888

FONTANA stern remains above water north of the Blue Water Bridge after collision on Aug. 4, 1900.

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The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the cabin and stern of the schooner FONTANA sunk after a collision with the barge SANTIAGO in the rapids of the St. Clair River on August 3, 1900. The 231 ft. FONTANA had been built in the Langell Shipyard in 1888. The schooner was carrying a load of iron ore in tow of the steamer KALIYUGA downbound opposite the Fort Gratiot light in a light fog when the SANTIAGO, in tow of the steamer APPOMATTOX, sheared into the FONTANA’S bow causing a big hole. The FONTANA sank in a few minutes with the loss of one life. John McGregor, who had joined the crew just two months prior to the collision, was asleep in the FONTANA’S forecastle when the collision occurred and had no chance to escape.

FONTANA  (Marker #9)

In 1864 the master shipbuilder, Simon Langell, entered St. Clair’s shipbuilding industry. Langell, of French descent, was born in Nova Scotia in 1835. His family moved to Marine City (Michigan) when he was eight. Langell was mostly self-educated but went to the State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Michigan. His remarkable string of careers included teacher, sailor, shipyard worker, ship designer, and shipbuilder.	Simon Langell proved his worth as a shipbuilder when he built the 138.5 ft. wooden bark HEMISPHERE in 1864 and a scow dubbed the LIBERTY in 1865. Both vessels were built in a shipyard on the St. Clair River. Sawmill owner Eugene Smith bought the HEMISPHERE in 1868. The little 59-ton LIBERTY was purchased by Fred H. Blood of St. Clair.	In 1870, the new Interocean Transportation Company bought its first ship, the AGNES L. POTTER from Langell’s St. Clair shipyard. In 1872, Langell sold the Wilson Transit Company its first ship, the D.N. WILSON. This was also Langell’s first steamer. Most small shipyards would not install steam engines, so the hulls were launched, and then towed to Detroit or Port Huron to have the engines installed. However, in the case of the D.N. WILSON, Langell had the steam engine shipped by rail to St. Clair and he installed it at his shipyard. Often Langell sent his hulls to Detroit to have engines made by the Samuel F. Hodge Company installed.	By 1872 it was clear that the shipyard on the St. Clair River was too small and the river at that site was too shallow. Simon Langell then began to build a new shipyard on the Pine River to be called the Langell Yard. Today this is the location of the St. Clair Boar Harbor. The Panic of 1873 began an economic depression in the United States which slowed the shipbuilding business for several years including Langell’s. Therefore, the Langell Yard was not fully completed until 1878. As business picked up in 1878, Langell bought a stand of oak timber and began construction of two steam barges. The steamer OSCODA was launched in 1878. The decade of the 1880’s saw the peak years for the Langell Shipyard. Fifteen ships were built in that decade and the yard was enlarged to accommodate the business. Langell could not find enough skilled workers, so he went to Montreal and recruited French Canadian ship carpenters who came to St. Clair with their families.	In 1881, Langell completed and launched the OGEMAW which was used in the years to come mostly to haul lumber and pull schooner barges. Its last owner was Richard Burns whose misfortune it was to have it burn to the waterline near St. Clair on December 3, 1922.One of Langell’s most memorable ships was the SIMON LANGELL, built in 1886 for Captain J. Pringle. During the SIMON LANGELL'S 50-year career on the Great Lakes, it had five owners but kept its original name throughout. In November of 1936 it was tied up at Kingston, Ontario alongside three other steamers.  A fire started in one and quickly spread to the other three. The SIMON LANGELL was a total loss. Its remains were towed into Lake Ontario and sunk.	The largest wooden schooner built by the Langell Yard was the KALIYUGA in 1887. Its construction was financed by a group of St. Clair investors including Eugene Smith. Later KALIYUGA was owned by Cleveland Cliffs when it disappeared in a storm on Lake Huron called the “Big Blow of 1905.” Fourteen ships sank in that storm’s 60 to 80 mile per hour winds. Twelve days after the storm, the KALIYUGA’S pilothouse was sighted floating near Cove Island off the Bruce Peninsula. All sixteen people aboard the KALIYUGA were lost.	In 1888, Langell launched the 221-foot schooner FONTANA in the Pine River. It was built for Edward Recor’s St. Clair Steamship Company. On August 4, 1900, with a cargo of iron ore, it was being towed by the KALIYUGA. At the entrance to the St. Clair River in Port Huron, the schooner SANTIAGO collided with the FONTANA which sank with the loss of one life. Weeks of discussion took place over what to do with the wreck. On September 17th the stern of the ship, which had been above water, sank slowly below the surface. At that point its owners officially abandoned the ship and, since it was a hazard to navigation, the government dynamited and dredged its remains.	The peak years of the Langell Shipyard ended in 1890 with the construction of the steam barge LANGELL BOYS. For several years, the 151-foot ship was operated by the Simon Langell and Sons Steamship Company of St. Clair. Then it went through a series of owners. In 1920, it was completely rebuilt and enlarged at the McLouth Yards in Marine City. Its service ended on June 13, 1931 while sailing from Saginaw, Michigan to Sprague, Ontario. A fire broke out in the empty cargo hold and soon was out of control. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. The remains of the LANGELL BOYS sank two miles off Oscoda, Michigan.By the 1890’s, the era of wooden ships was coming to an end. During the decade only two ships were built in the Langell Shipyard. In 1892 the steam yacht PENELOPE was completed. Built for J. Lee Borden of Chicago, it became one of the Great Lakes best known yachts. In 1894, the ferry WELCOME was launched at the shipyard on the Pine River. In 1896, the wooden steamer ALFRED MITCHELL was started on speculation by the Langells. It stood on the stocks for four years because they found it hard to find a buyer but finally on June 16, 1900 it was launched into the Pine River. Its construction was the end of wooden boat building in St. Clair.	The Langell Shipyard remained open for a few years longer to repair and winter ships. Some of the decaying building remained until the early 1960’s. By then the Diamond Crystal Salt Company owned the property. The company donated it to the City of St. Clair for the construction of the Charles F. Moore Boat Harbor which was opened in 1970.

This ¼ mile, nineteen-stop walking tour highlights Simon Langell’s prime role in St. Clair’s “heady” days of wooden shipbuilding. Langell came to St. Clair in 1860 to build wooden freighters for the growing Great Lakes shipping industry. Initially, Simon Langell built boats (locals refer to Great Lakes freighters as “boats”) on the St. Clair River south of the mouth of the Pine River. In 1872 he moved his shipyard to the Pine River where a slower current and deeper water shoreline made side-launching boats much easier. By 1900, Langell had built 30 boats ranging from 40 to 269 ft. long. Data and stories of 17 of those boats are shared on the walking tour.

Simon Langell Personal History1835 - Born – November 13, Nova Scotia1842 - Family moved to Buffalo, New York1843 - Family moved to Newport (now Marine City), Michigan1859 - Married Helen M. Docoe1865 - Son John D. Langell was born (one of seven sons)1866 - Built HEMISPHERE on property owned by Wesley Truesdail on the St. Clair River1872 - Pine River shipyard was laid out (now St. Clair Boat Harbor)1888 - Mayor of St. Clair (also 1890-1892, 1894 and 1904)1900 - Built last boat ALFRED MITCHELL1920 - Died - April 29, buried in Rosehill Cemetery (Puttygut Rd, between River (M29)and Range Roads, East China Twp.)

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of an 1880 photograph of Simon Langell and his wife Helen M. (Docoe) Langell in front of their homestead. The two-story wood home was located at the corner of Front and Fort Streets in St. Clair south of the Pine River immediately adjacent to Langell’s Shipyard. Simon Langell developed his boat building skills while growing up in Marine City, Michigan. He designed and built boats in St. Clair from the end of the Civil War until 1900. He was a self-taught man with many skills and became known as an industry leader in boat building. Often, he built boats without a commission, usually with neighbors financing their construction. When he did not have work for his shipyard, he designed boats for others. Somehow, he found the time to be St. Clair’s Mayor, serving six times.

Simon Langell Homestead (Marker #1)

Vessel DataVessel Name: ALFRED MITCHELLOfficial Number:	107551Rig: PropellerVessel Length:	255.00 feetVessel Width:	39.42 feetVessel Depth:	21.00 feetGross Tonnage:	1,751.00Net Tonnage:	1,550,00Hull Material: WoodBuilder:   Langell, Simon St. Clair, Michigan 1900Notes:  First enrollment issued at Port Huron, Michigan, June 30, 1900. Was on the stocks for about three (3) years. Sold to J.M. Scott, Mobile, Alabama, October 1917. Name changed to ISLA DE LA REUNION on September 30, 1919; registry changed to Belgium

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the Great Lakes freighter ALFRED MITCHELL underway with a full load of cargo. The 255-foot ALFRED MITCHELL was the last freighter built in St. Clair’s Langell Shipyard on the Pine River in 1900. Sold to an Alabama owner in 1917, the boat's registry was changed to Belgium in 1919.

ALFRED MITCHELL  (Marker #2)

Vessel DataOfficial Number	14458Rig: PropellerVessel Length:	269.50 feetVessel Width: 40.15 feetVessel Depth: 20.58 feetGross Tonnage:	1,948.00Net Tonnage: 1,581.00Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:                              1887 – June 21, enrolled in Port Huron, MI1887 – towed ERASTUS CORNING1888 to 1899 – towed barge FONTANA1895 – August 5, grounded Bois Blanc Island, Lake Huron in fog, jettison 300 tons soft coal cargo; released by tugs DIANA and STROHN following day 1897 – aground Ballard’s Reef, Detroit River, ore laden; released 1901 – April 3, enrolled Cleveland, Ohio 1905 – October 19, foundered off Presque Isle, Lake Huron with all hands, seventeen lives lost. The vessel was bound from Marquette, MI for Cleveland, OH with a cargo of iron ore.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the Great Lakes freighter KALIYUGA under construction in St. Clair’s Langell Shipyard in 1886. The name KALIYUGA was meant to mean “Age of Iron.” At 269.5 feet, the KALIYUGA was the longest wooden boat built by Simon Langell and the longest on the Great Lakes at the time. Note the masts and the smoke funnels. At that time wooden steamers often had both masts and funnels to reduce insurance costs. Sailing under the Cleveland Cliffs fleet flag, the KALIYUGA was steaming downbound in Lake Huron with a load of iron ore on October 19, 1905, when she was lost in a storm off Presque Isle. All 17 hands aboard perished. The steamer Little Smith found remnants of the KALIYUGA pilot house floating in Georgian Bay near Cove Island 12 days later.

KALIYUGA (Marker #3) 

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of lumber piles and a work shed in the Langell Shipyard. In 1872, Simon Langell moved his shipyard from the St. Clair River to a 12-acre site immediately across the Pine River from this marker. Today, the St. Clair Boat Harbor and the city’s Sewage Treatment plant occupy the former shipyard site.  Langell moved his shipyard from the St. Clair River to the Pine River because the Pine offered deeper waters along the shoreline which was better for side-launching boats. The Pine also had a slower current than the St. Clair River. The shipyard was a very industrial site and typical of that type of business in the late 1800’s. During the years from 1872 to 1900, Langell built 26 freighters, schooners and yachts ranging in length from the 42 ft. GROWLER to the 269.5 ft. KALIYUGA. After 1900, the shipyard became a repair and service site for wooden boats plying the Great Lakes.

Langell Shipyard  (Marker #4)

Vessel DataVessel Name:	 MELBOURNEOfficial Number:	 91253Rig:		SchoonerVessel Length:	168.66 feetVessel Width:		31.50 feetVessel Depth:		12.50 feetGross Tonnage:	510.35Net Tonnage:		484.84Hull Material:		WoodBuilder:  Simon LangellNotes: 1880 – June 8, enrolled Detroit, MI1884 – Towed by NIPIGON1890 – towed by F.W. WHEELER1893 – May, ashore Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior1907 – towed by steambarge J.C. PRINGLE1914 – Final U.S. enrollment surrendered at Detroit, MI, sold Canadian, C134474 (170’ length, 31.5’ wide, 12.4’ deep, 518 gross tons)1930 – abandoned

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.

MELBOURNE  (Marker #5)

Vessel DataVessel Name: ARENAC              Official Number:	106549Rig: SchoonerVessel Length:	178.5 feetVessel Width: 34.42 feetVessel Depth: 12.58 feetGross Tonnage:	521.00Net Tonnage: 496.00Hull Material: woodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1888 – Enrolled Port Huron, Michigan; maiden voyage Au Sable, MI1896 – March 23, enrolled Duluth, MN; owned by Alex R. Sinclair, Duluth; Henry Fish, St. Clair, MI and George W. Pack, Asheville, NC1896 – September 30, ashore near Fort Erie, Buffalo Harbor1897 – Enrolled Duluth, MN; owned by Alex R. Sinclair, Henry Fish, St. Clair, MI and A.W. Comstock, Alpena, MI1909 – May 16, badly listed &amp; waterlogged Marquette after springing leak during gale in tow of steamer SIMON LANGELL1916 – April 21, owned Pringle Barge Line, Detroit1916 – April 28, Owned by Moore McCormack Lines, New York; sent to Atlantic coast with steamer GETTYSBURG &amp; barge ALEX ANDERSON1923 – Sold to Cuban owners with tobacco interest; ultimate disposition unknown

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the two-masted wooden schooner ARENAC carrying a full load of cut lumber. The 178 ft. Great Lakes boat was built in the Langell Shipyard in 1888, number 24 of 30 wooden freighters built by Simon Langell in St. Clair. Like other schooners built at this time, the ARENAC was designed for the lumber trades to be towed by steam barges. After 28 years of service on the Great Lakes, the ARENAC was sold to a New York owner and used in the Atlantic Coast trade. In 1923, she was sold to Cuban owners for tobacco shipping.

ARENAC  (Marker #6)

Vessel DataVessel Name: OSCAR T. FLINTOfficial Number:	155165Rig: PropellerVessel Length:	218.00 feetVessel Width: 37.00 feetVessel Depth: 14.00 feetGross Tonnage: 823.96Net Tonnage: 700.54Hull Material: WoodenBuilder:  Simon LangellNotes:1889 – May, launched1889 – June 10, enrolled Port Huron, MI; in lumber, coal, ore &amp; grain trades1896 – April 20, rebuilt Port Huron, MI (2 decks, length 218’, width 37’, 22’deep, gross tons 1,126.85, net tons 969.33)1900 – chartered Northern Steam Ship Co.1901 – October 8, grounded Bois Blanc, Lake Erie, released1902 – March 25, owned Andrew W. Comstock &amp; Alex Sinclair, Duluth, MN for $45,000.1902 – August 11, rebuilt 1 deck, 3 masts, 823 gross tons, 700 net tons1907 – March 5, owned Alex Sinclair, Duluth &amp; Lillie Comstock, Detroit, MI1909 – November 25, burned and sank six miles west of Thunder Bay Island, Lake Huron, with cargo of salt and stone.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the wooden steamer OSCAR T. FLINT underway in the Great Lakes. At 218 feet in length, the OSCAR T. FLINT was one of larger boats built in the Langell Shipyard. It was launched in St. Clair’s Pine River in 1889 at nearly the height of the shipyard’s production and began serving in the lumber, coal, ore &amp; grain trades. Seven years after her launching, the OSCAR T. FLINT was rebuilt, adding 8 feet to her depth and 269 net tons of cargo carrying capacity as a result of this increased depth. After being bought by Andrew W. Comstock and Alex Sinclair of Duluth, Minnesota, the OSCAR T. FLINT was “rebuilt” back to the boat’s original depth and cargo carrying capacity. The boat burned and sank on November 25, 1909 six miles west of Thunder Bay Island in Lake Huron.

OSCAR T. FLINT  (Marker #7)

Vessel Name: OSCODAOfficial Number: 155012Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 175 feetVessel Width: 32.33 feetVessel Depth: 13.25 feetGross Tonnage: 529.69Net Tonnage: 345.16Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1878 – October 19, enrollment at Detroit, MI1885 – engine steepled, Globe Iron Works; 22”, 44” x 32”; 500 hp, 100 rpm1887 – Jan 19, owned Alex Sinclair, et al, Port Huron, MI1889 – April 15, owned Gordon Corning, et al, East Saginaw, MI1893 – November 2, stranded, Horseshoe Reef, Buffalo, N.Y.1893 – new boiler, 12’ x 13’; 125# steam scotch boiler by Wickes Brothers, Saginaw1900 – Feb 7, owned Edward L. Hines, Chicago, IL; changed – 2 masts1901 – March 6, owned Edward Hines Lumber Co, Chicago, IL1914 – November 8, stranded, Pelky Reef, between St. Helens Island and Sisqual Bay, twelve miles east of Naubinway, MI, on the north shore of Straits of Mackinaw, Lake Michigan; no lives lost. Had schooners ALICE B. NORRIS and A.C. TUXBURY in tow. Vessel broke up during the next few days.1914 – November 20, enrolled surrendered, Chicago, IL

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the steamer OSCODA underway in the Great Lakes. The 175 ft. OSCODA was built of wood in the Langell Shipyard in 1878 with masts and the capability to be steam powered. The engine was “steepled” in 1885 at Globe Iron Works to give it a rating of 500 horsepower and 100 rpm for its propeller. A new scotch steam boiler replaced the original in 1893. On Nov. 8, 1914, while encountering gale force winds and while towing the barges ALICE B. NORRIS and A.C. TUXBURY, the OSCODA ran aground on Pelky Reef on the north shore of Lake Michigan west of the Straits of Mackinaw. As the OSCODA and TUXBURY began breaking up, the crews lashed together lumber being carried on their decks and rode the surf over the reef to the NORRIS. After the storm subsided, the tug SHENK came from the Soo and towed the NORRIS to St. Ignace. No lives were lost in the entire episode.

OSCODA  (Marker #8)

Vessel Name: KALKASKAOfficial Number: 14429Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 178.00 feetVessel Width: 33.66 feetVessel Depth: 15.42 feetGross Tonnage: 679.66Net Tonnage: 555.00Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1884 – May 29, enrolled in Port Huron, MI1890 – spring towed ARENAC1898 – February 21, enrolled Chicago, IL, owned J.A. Calbic et al, 2 masts; towed MEAD, MEDIATOR &amp; barge ALOHA1898 – September, aground Portage Lake Canal, Lake Superior1899 – fall, towed R.L. FRYER1900 – towed OAK LEAF &amp; ROBT. L. FRYER1901 – installed F. Elp boiler, Kling Brothers, Chicago (9’ x 13’8”, 140 pounds)1905 – towed ROBERT L. FRYER &amp; OAK LEAF in Ashland, Chicago lumber trade1906 – July 12, adrift with schooner R.L. FRYER in tow, Lake Michigan, 80 miles off Chicago, broker shaft; tug C.M. CHARNLY towed to Chicago1908 – April 14, enrolled in Chicago, owned Kalkaska Steamship Co., Michigan City, IN1918 – March 28, enrolled Milwaukee, WI; owned Charles S. Neff, Milwaukee1920 – rebuilt as a sand dredge1920 – May 12, enrolled Port Huron, owned S.C. McLouth estate, Marine City, MI1926 – March 26, owned American Trust Co., Detroit, Michigan1928 – April 20, owned Pierce McLouth, Marine City, Michigan1932 – September 15, burned at Marine City, MI. Hull raised and dismantled by Sin-Mac Lines, Ltd., of Montreal, Quebec1932 – October 10, documents surrendered in Port Huron, MI

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the steamer KALKASKA upbound in the St. Clair River in the early 1890’s. Built in 1884 in St. Clair’s Langell Shipyard, the 178 ft. KALKASKA spent the next 36 years carrying a variety of cargoes around the Great Lakes. During most of those years the primary cargo was lumber. In 1920, the KALKASKA was converted to a sand dredge and operated by the S.C. McLouth estate of Marine City, Michigan. On September 15, 1932, she caught fire and burned while docked in Marine City. The hull was raised and dismantled and the ships documents were surrendered about one month after the fire.

KALKASKA  (Marker #10)

Vessel Name: OGEMAWOfficial Number: 155035Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 167.58 feetVessel Width: 30.16 feetVessel Depth: 13.00 feetGross Tonnage: 625.18Net Tonnage: 333.03Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:                                 1881 – June 18, enrollment issued at Port Huron, MI1883 – April 13, owned Penoyer Bor., Oscoda, MI1890 – March 14, owned Edward Smith, et al, Buffalo, N.Y.1891 – December 3, sprung a leak on Big Bay de Noque, between Peninsula Point and Poverty Passage and sank. Decks and cabins blown off as vessel sank in 11 fathoms water, 1 ½ miles northwest of Burnt Buff. Crew rescued by consorts MAXWELL and TILDEN. Vessel removed from enrollment at Buffalo, N.Y. as total loss.1894 – September 25, owned Michigan Wrecking &amp; Salvage Co., Detroit, MI1895 – raised &amp; rebuilt, length 162.6’, width 30.0’, 11.4’ deep, gross tons 594, net tons 325, one deck, redocumented in Detroit, MI1904 – April 26, owned E.B. Foss, Bay City, MI1916 – June 9, owned Argo Steamship Co., Mentor, OH1918 – April 13, owned J.C. Garey, Saginaw, MI1922 – May 2, owned William Burns, Detroit, MI1922 – December 3, burned to a total loss 1 ½ miles below Grand Point, near Harsens Island, St. Clair River. No lives lost. Was upbound light from Toledo, OH to lay up at Marine City.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the steamer OGEMAW underway in the Great Lakes. Launched in St. Clair’s Pine River, this was the 15th wooden ship built in the Langell Shipyard. The 167 ft. OGEMAW carried lumber to a variety of ports on the Great Lakes. In 1891 the boat sprang a leak in Big Bay de Noque and sank in 11 fathoms (66 feet) of water. The entire crew was rescued by nearby boats. The OGEMAW was declared a total loss but was raised and rebuilt in 1895, sailing for another 28 years until catching fire near Harsens Island (St. Clair River) and burning to a total loss on the way to lay up in Marine City, Michigan. Once again the entire crew was rescued.

OGEMAW  (Marker #11)

Vessel Name: D.C. WHITNEYOfficial Number: 157075Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 220.00 feetVessel Width: 40.00 feetVessel Depth: 14.58 feetGross Tonnage: 1,090.01Net Tonnage: 1,013.22Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1882 – September 4, enrolled in Detroit1883 – June, struck railroad bridge that failed to open1885 – towed barge WAYNE1885 – February, converted to two (2) decks, 22 feet draft1886 to 87 – Towed barge ASHLAND1887 – September, stranded Pt. Hope reef with consort ASHLAND1888 – towed barge H.W. SAGE1889 to 1890’s – towed barge WAYNE1890 – November 14, one crewman killed, one fatally injured, two seriously injured in accidental fall to hold1891 – April 14, owned Whitney Transportation Company, Hamtramck, MI1891 – October 12, stranded, Raspberry Island, Lake Superior; released by tug CORA a. SHELDON1893 – May 12, stranded with consort WAYNE, Round Island, Lake Huron; released by tug MERRICK1896 – March 19, enrolled Detroit, one deck, one mast1898 – Towed WAYNE AND ASHLAND1899 – owned Whitney Transportation Co., Detroit; 229 feet long, 40 feet wide, 21 feet deep, with 2 decks1901 – February, owned J.C. Gilchrist, Cleveland, Ohio1901 – March 5, owned Inland Star Transit Co., Mentor, Ohio1902 – August, towed MOONLIGHT1903 – April 14, owned Gilchrist Transportation Co., Mentor1905 – November 25, stranded in storm, Washington Island, WI, Lake Michigan1905 to 1906 – repaired Milwaukee, WI1906 – November 11, burned Racine, WI1908 – February 20, sold Canadian; documents surrendered: owned Joseph Ganley, et al, Sault Ste. Marie, ONT1909 – May, rebuilt as propeller GARGANTUA, C1224351909 – August 5, beached Sault Ste. Marie1910 – owned Midland Towing &amp; Wrecking Co., Ltd, Midland, ONT1912 – beached Beausoliel Island; hull later recovered and converted to barge, Kingston, ONT; machinery to TOILER1920 – Out of documentation; hull converted to floating drydock, Midland1950 - abandoned

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the steamer D.C. WHITNEY underway on the open waters of Lake Huron. Built in the Langell Shipyard and launched in 1882 in St. Clair’s Pine River, this 220 ft. wooden freighter had a checkered career for the next 68 years. During its first 25 years sailing the Great Lakes, it carried a variety of cargo and towed barges doing the same. Several times, the D.C. WHITNEY ran aground and needed the help of local tugs to pull it free. In 1892 it was lengthened by 9 feet and added a second deck giving it an additional 7 feet in depth. In 1908 it was sold to a new owner then rebuilt as the steamer GARGANTUA. Three years later, the boat was beached in Lake Ontario, recovered and converted to a barge. In 1920, the boat was converted to a floating drydock then totally abandoned in 1950.

D.C. WHITNEY  (Marker #12)

Vessel Name: CHAUNCY HURLBUTOfficial Number: 125238Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 184.66 feetVessel Width: 32.16 feetVessel Depth: 21.25 feetGross Tonnage: 1,009.00Net Tonnage: 829.00Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1873 – November 27, launched1874 – September 22, enrolled Detroit, MI, she was a double decker and originally had three (3) masts1874 – November, aground Middle Island, Lake Erie1875 – Chartered Pridgeon Line: Chicago &amp; Sarnia route1877 – July, ashore Russell Island1881 – May/June, towed barges ANNIE WRIGHT &amp; SENATOR; cargo coal; Erie, PA, Chicago route, also towed barges JOHN A. VOUGHT &amp; ANNIE VOUGHT1883 – towed barge THOS. P. SHELDON; Marquette ore trade1886 – towed C.G. KING &amp; SENATOR1887 – installed steeple compound engine 18” + 36” stroke, 370 hp, 95 rpm: Detroit Drydock Engine Works1889 – May, towed C.L. BUTTS &amp; D.K. CLINT1889 – August 18, fire destroyed upper decks, Superior, WI, Lake Superior1889 – September, repaired (Napoleon Grignon, Duluth, MN)1890 – ore trade Escanaba, MI &amp; Fruitport; towed barges D.K. CLINT &amp; L.C. BUTTS1891 – November, developed leak; made Cheboygan, MI; consort HUTCHINSON broke loose; made port1894 – September 3, aground near Terren’s Mill, St. Mary’s River; cargo coal, released by tug MERRITT, navigation hindered by dense smoke1899 – Owned by John O. Teagan, Detroit1903 – Towed barge D.K. CLINT1906 – November, aground Pigeon Bay, Lake Erie, released; towed by Amherstburg, ONT1908 – September 6, stranded in storm 10 miles west of Whitefish Point, ½ mile NW Vermillion, MI, Lake Superior; cargo stamp sand, crew rescued1910 – August 21, sunk

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the steamer CHAUNCY HURLBUT upbound in Lake Huron after leaving the St. Clair River. Launched on Nov. 27, 1873, the propeller-driven HURLBUT was one of the first wooden boats built in Simon Langell’s new shipyard on the Pine River. She was a double-decker and originally had three masts. For more than 30 years she carried coal and iron ore and towed barges carrying the same cargoes. In 1908, the HURLBUT was stranded in a storm west of Whitefish Point in Lake Superior but her crew was rescued. She sunk on August 21, 1910

CHAUNCY HURLBUT  (Marker # 13)

Vessel Name: NIPIGONOfficial Number: 130272Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 191.00 feetVessel Width: 34.00 feetVessel Depth: 13.58 feetGross Tonnage: 626.84Net Tonnage: 540.39Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes: 1883 – August 16, enrollment issued in Detroit, MI; regularly towed barge MELBOURNE1887 – June, struck Ripley’ Rock, Marquette, MI pier, Lake Superior1890 – 10’6” x 16’, 110# steam, firebox boiler by Dry Dock Engine works, Detroit, MI1891 – April 14, owned Whitney Transportation Co., Hamtramck, MI1892 – September 16, collided with &amp; sank steamer VIENNA off Whitefish Point, Lake Superior1893 – May, ashore Keweenaw Point, Lake Superior1896 – Mar 19, two masts1898 – November, slightly damaged by fire1905 – March 18, owned Marine Transportation Co., Ogdensburg, N.Y.1906 – July 21, crashed through three Welland Canal gates, stem shattered1909 – two 6’ x 11’6”, 140# steam, firebox boiler by Kingsford Foundry Works, Oswego, N.Y.1913 – March 1, owned William J. Harlow, Toledo, OH; purchased from Skilling, Whitney &amp; Barnes Lumber Co., Ogdebnsburg; towed barge MIDDLESEX1916 – April 14, owned Max G. Voelker, Buffalo, N.Y.1916 – December 18, Erie &amp; Montreal Transportation Co., Buffalo1917 – October 2, owned William P. Good, New York, N.Y.1917 – November 12, owned Otter Navigation Co., New York, N.Y.1919 – October 2, renamed MAPLEHILL; C141588; owned Montreal Transportation Co., OUE (194.2’length, 33.9” wide, 13.7’ deep, gross tons 560, net tons 560). This firm soon merged to Canada Steamship Lines1920 – renamed MAPLEGRANGE1925 – laid up &amp; abandoned at Kingston, Ontario1925 – scuttled in the deep water of Lake Ontario near Kingston after salvageable items had been removed.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the propeller-driven steamer NIPIGON downbound in Lake Huron near Lexington, Michigan. The 191 ft. NIPIGON was launched in 1883 after construction at the Langell Shipyard in St. Clair, Michigan. During her first few years of operation, she regularly towed the barge MELBOURNE. A new firebox boiler was installed in 1890 and a larger one in 1909. On July 21, 1906, the NIPIGON crashed through three gates on the Welland Canal in Ontario shattering her stem. In 1919, after several ownership changes, the NIPIGON was renamed the MAPLEHILL. A year later, the name was changed to MAPLEGRANGE. She was laid up and abandoned in Kingston, Ontario in 1925. Later that year, after all salvageable items were removed, the boat was scuttled in Lake Ontario’s deep water.

NIPIGON  (Marker #14)

Vessel Name: SIMON LANGELLOfficial Number: 116091Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 195.25 feetVessel Width: 34.50 feetVessel Depth: 13.58 feetGross Tonnage:  845.00Net Tonnage: 677.00Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes: 1886 – April 24, enrolled Port Huron, MI1886 – June, aground Lake George1886 – August 14, owned. Clair Transportation Co., China, MI; towed SWEETHEART &amp; F.M. KNAPP inTwo Harbors iron ore trade1889 – March 16, owned Alex R. Sinclair et al, Port Huron. During Alex R. Sinclair’s affiliation with vessel, she largely ran in Kelley’s Island-Duluth stone trade, carrying 800,000 feet of lumber on downbound return trip. The voyage usually took about a month round trip, with schoonerbarges ARENAC AND W.K. MOORE and occasionally INTERLAKEN in tow.1891 – December, new boiler1893 – November 30, collision with unknown steamer off Presque Isle, Lake Huron, stopping her machinery for an hour.1898 – October, stranded on Goose Island, released the 17th1899 – new 14’4” x 12’8” 178# steam firebox boiler, William Denny &amp; Brothers, Scotland1900 – March 12, rig changed, 1 deck, 2 mast1905 – October 17, aground Tonawanda River with lumber1906 – August 16, Detroit, repairs to bow &amp; bulwarks, damaged in collision with barge CHATTANOOGA, Soo passage.1913 – March 10, owned Sinclair Transportation Co., Duluth, MN1916 – April17, owned Argo Steamship Co., Mentor Special District, OH1919 – March 2, owned Robert S. Misner et al, Sarnia, ONT; C1383731923 – owned Langell Transportation Co., Sarnia1930 – laid up Portsmouth, ONT1936 – hull stripped1936 – November 23, burned at dock.1937 – hull raised, towed

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the wooden steam barge SIMON LANGELL. This 195 ft. Great Lakes freighter was built in St. Clair’s Langell Shipyard in 1886 and named after the shipbuilder. She was originally operated by the Langell family’s Clair Transportation Co. engaged in the iron ore trade. In 1889, under the first of four new owners, the SIMON LANGELL delivered stone to Duluth, Minnesota, then brought 800,000 feet of lumber downbound on her return trip. The round trip took nearly a month because the SIMON LANGELL usually had three barges in tow. During her 50 years of regular sailing, she had two new and larger boilers installed for more power. On Nov. 23, 1936 the SIMON LANGELL caught fire and burned at the dock at Portsmouth, Ontario. The following year, the hull was raised, towed out into Lake Huron near Sarnia, Ontario and scuttled.

SIMON LANGELL  (Marker #15)

Vessel Name: Wilson, D.MOfficial Number: 6772Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 179.1 feetVessel Width: 32.7 feetVessel Depth: 12.2 feetGross Tonnage: 757Net Tonnage: 591Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes: 1873 – May, launched; for coal, iron &amp; grain trade; first steamer in Wilson Line.1873 – June 18 temporary enrollment at Detroit, MI; July 2 enrolled at Cleveland1877 – Aug. 7, Same owners; temporary documents, Marquette, MI; Aug. 16 Permanent enrollment, Cleveland.1880 – Enrolled Cleveland; owned Thomas Wilson et al; towing barges in Lake Superior trade.1883 – Enrolled Buffalo, NY; owned Charles H. Lane et al; in Chicago &amp; Ogdensburg Transit Co. fleet; towed barge MANITOWOC for years.1890 – Enrolled Buffalo; owned John A. Miller et al.1894 – Oct. 27 Leaking, sank in 40’ water, Lake Huron.1896 – Nov. 23 Documents surrendered “Vessel lost by sinking”.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the wooden three-masted steamer D.M. WILSON in the Great Lakes using sails for additional power. The D.M. WILSON was the 7th boat built by Simon Langell and one of the first built in the new Langell Shipyard on the Pine River in St. Clair, Michigan. At 179.1 ft., the D.M. WILSON was the longest ship built by Langell when she was launched in 1873 for the coal, iron and grain trade. The freighter was also the first steamer built for the new Wilson Line. After sailing for 21 years, the D.M. WILSON sprang a leak on Oct. 27, 1894 twinty-five miles from the Thunder Bay light with the MANITOWOC in tow. Other steamers tried to tow her to Middle Island, but she foundered. The barge was saved and the crew taken off. The D.M. WILSON sank in 48 feet of water. The hull broke up and is now one of the shipwrecks in the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

D.M. WILSON  (Marker #16)

Vessel Name: LANGELL BOYSOfficial Number: 141067Rig: PropellerVessel Length: 151.00 feetVessel Width: 30.00 feetVessel Depth: 11.16 feetGross Tonnage: 387.44Net Tonnage: 286.13Hull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes: 1890 – launched1890 – July 17, enrolled Port Huron, MI1891 – towed J.W. HANAFORD &amp; JOHNSON1892 – April 19, Owned F.W. Bradley et al, Bay City, MI; towed J.B. COMSTOCK1893 – valued by Inland Lloyds at $46,0001898 – lost 100,000 feet of deck load in storm off Racine, WI1900 – April 20, owned John w. Ritchie et al, Bay City, MI1904 – owned Charles A. Eddy et al, Bay City, MI1907 – Owned Mershon, Eddy, Parker Co., Saginaw, MI. Under Marshon’s ownership it had a dark red hull, white trim, white houses, Black stack and known as the “Little Red Barn”.1912 – Owned Carrolton Steamship co., Carrolton, MI1921 – rebuilt by Sidney McLouth yard, Marine City, MI; lengthened, bustled, newhouses fore &amp; aft (156.6’ long, 33.8’ wide, 10.6’ deep; gross tonnage 467,57; 1 deck, 2 masts. Used mostly in the rough lumber trade from Georgian Bay to finishing mill at Carrollton, usually towingschooner C.J. FILLMORE.1927 – Locked in ice 30 to 35 miles from Bay City for 67 days, 20 miles from shore.1931 – June 13, caught fire six miles off Au Sable, MI, Lake Huron; drifted and sank two miles off Au Sable pierhead in eighteen feet of water. Crew of twelve rescued by U.S.C.G.1931 – June 17, enrollment surrendered, Port Huron, MI

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the wooden steam barge LANGELL BOYS underway in Georgian Bay, Ontario to pick up a load of lumber for delivery to Michigan sawmills. The 151 FT. LANGELL BOYS was one of the last boats built in the Langell Shipyard. Launched in 1890, she carried lumber throughout her 41-year sailing career. Lumber was put into the ship’s hold but also piled as high as possible on the deck. This sometimes created a top heavy boat that struggled in storms. In 1898, the LANGELL BOYS lost 100,000 feet of deck load in a storm off Racine, Wisconsin. In 1907, under ownership of Mershon, Eddy, Parker Co., it had a dark red hull, white trim, white houses, Black stack and known as the “Little Red Barn.” On June 13, 1931, the LANGELL BOYS caught fire six miles off AuSable, Michigan, drifted and sank in 18 feet of water two miles off the AuSable pierhead. The crew of 12 was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

LANGELL BOYS  (Marker #17)

Vessel Name: AMOSKEAGOfficial Number: 1123Rig: SchoonerVessel Length: 135.00 feetVessel Width: 26.00 feetVessel Depth: 10.25 feetGross Tonnage: 243.94Net Tonnage: Not knownHull Material: WoodBuilder: Simon LangellNotes:1867 -- First enrollment issued at Port Huron, Michigan, (M(ay 10, 18671872 – towed by ROBT. HOLLAND Marquette &amp; Cleveland ore trade1874 – New decks1876 – sold to Swenson, Chicago, April 20, 1883Remeasured 138.42 feet long, 27 feet wide, 9.5 feet deep268.49 gross tonnage, 255.07 net tonnage1883 – Renamed HORANCE TABER rebuilt and convert to three (3) mast1907 – Remeasured 138.42 feet long, 26.5 feet wide, 9.33 feet deep 262.00 gross tonnage, 235.00 net tonnage1911 – April 24 sold to H. Daryaw, Kingston, OntarioCanadian Registration: C130324135.66 feet long, 26.5 feet wide, 9.66 feet deep236 gross tonnage1922 – November 27, stranded on Four Mile Point, Simcoe Island, Ontario, Lake Ontarioand became a total loss

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the 135 ft. wooden schooner AMOSKEAG. It was one of the first boats built by Simon Langell in his St. Clair shipyards. As a schooner, the AMOSKEAG was usually towed by a steamer, initially the ROBERT HOLLAND, as part of the iron ore trade from the mines near Marquette, Michigan to the steel mills of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1883, the two-masted AMOSKEAG was re-built to a three-masted schooner and renamed the HORACE TABER. The boat continued carrying iron ore for another 39 years until she was stranded on Four Mile Point on Simcoe Island in Lake Ontario and became a total loss.

AMOSKEAG  (Marker #18)

Vessel Name:								WELCOMEOfficial Number:						81492Rig:												PropellerVessel Length:							80.00 feetVessel Width:								21.00 feetVessel Depth:							9.42 feetGross Tonnage:							212.59Net Tonnage:								129.71Hull Material: 							WoodBuilder:										Simon LangellNotes:										1894 – November 12, enrollment issued at Port Huron, MI												1894 – running in connection with Michigan Central Railway												1904 – rebuilt 140/77 tons												1910 – January, owned Douglas Transportation Company, St. Clair, Michigan (a subsidiary of 																	Diamond Crystal Salt Company)												1913 – Owned Frank F. Fix, Buffalo, NY												1914 – ran Niagara River routes for Erie Beach Amusements, Limited (Niagara Ferry &amp; Train 																	Company, Incorporated)												1917 – renamed FRANKLIN												1925 – owned Charles Fix, Buffalo, NY												1941 – abandoned for age, lies in sunken condition at Grand Island, NY. Skeleton lies at 																	Fix’s place Grand Island.

The tiles on this marker present an illustration of the wooden ferry WELCOME carrying passengers and cargo across the St. Clair River between Courtright, Ontario and St. Clair, Michigan. The 80 ft. double-deck WELCOME was the second last of 30 schooners, freighters and specialty boats built by Simon Langell in his shipyards at St. Clair. For several years, the WELCOME was owned by the Douglas Transportation Co., a subsidiary of the Diamond Crystal Salt Company, carrying cargo in connection with the Michigan Central Railway. In 1914 she carried tourist passengers on the Niagara River. Renamed the FRANKLIN in 1917, the ferry operated in the Niagara River area until being abandoned and left to sink in the river near its owner’s place (Charles Fix) on Grand Island, New York.

Langell Shipyard Walking Tour

FONTANA (Marker #9)

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information