Identification & Site Information

  • Vessel Name: ALMERON THOMAS
  • Former Name(s): Sometimes referred to as THOMAS ALMERON
  • Official Number: 106848
  • Type at Loss: Schooner, wood (2-mast)
  • Builder: A. Thomas, Bay City, Michigan
  • Year Built: 1891
  • Original Owner: Likely A. Thomas, associated with Bay City shipbuilding operations
  • Specifications: Length: 50 ft (15.24 m) Beam: 17 ft (5.18 m) Depth: 6 ft (1.83 m)
  • Gross Tonnage: 35 tons
  • Net Tonnage: 33 tons
  •  Hull Material: Wood
  • Masts: 2
  • Date Lost: November 30, 1900
  • Cause of Loss: Storm (Sprang a Leak and Capsized)
  • Place of Loss: Near Point Lookout, northwest Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
  • Waterbody: Lake Huron
  • Cargo at Loss: Gravel
  • Loss of Life: None

Vessel Type

The ALMERON THOMAS was a two-masted wooden Schooner built in 1891 in Bay City, Michigan. Designed primarily for bulk cargo transport, she was part of the working Schooner fleet that carried essential materials like gravel, lumber, and stone across the Great Lakes, especially in the Saginaw Bay region where industrial and construction activities were rapidly expanding during the late 19th century.

Description

At 50 feet in length with a beam of 17 feet and a Draft of 6 feet, the ALMERON THOMAS was relatively small compared to the large schooners of earlier decades. However, vessels of her size were well-suited for navigating shallower harbors, river mouths, and the nearshore environments of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. Her wooden Hull construction was typical for schooners of her era, reflecting traditional Great Lakes shipbuilding techniques.

She was operated under the command of Captain Samuel Murdock during her final voyage.

History

Built by A. Thomas in Bay City, Michigan, in 1891, the ALMERON THOMAS served primarily in local and regional trade routes, transporting bulk cargoes such as gravel, which was a key material for road construction and building projects in the rapidly industrializing Great Lakes region.

Her routes likely included frequent stops along Lake Huron’s shoreline, including Saginaw Bay, a hub for shipping related to Michigan’s booming lumber and mining industries.

Final Voyage & Loss

On November 30, 1900, the ALMERON THOMAS was carrying a load of gravel when she encountered a severe galewhile navigating northwest Saginaw Bay near Point Lookout. During the storm, the vessel sprang a leak, compromising her buoyancy. In an effort to save the ship and crew, Captain Murdock attempted to run the Schooner aground to prevent her from sinking in deeper water.

Unfortunately, the vessel struck bottom, which caused her to capsize in approximately 20 feet of water. The ship broke apart shortly after capsizing, likely due to the force of the storm waves pounding her Hull against the lakebed.

Despite the severity of the wreck, there were no fatalities—the crew managed to survive, which was a fortunate outcome considering the dangerous conditions.

Final Disposition

  • Declared a Total Loss: 1900
  • Cause of Loss: Sprang a leak, capsized, and broke apart during a storm
  • Location: Near Point Lookout, northwest Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron
  • Depth: Approximately 20 feet
  • Current Status: No known salvage or recovery efforts documented

Located By & Date Found

  • Status: No known modern wreck discovery reported
  • Approximate Location: Northwest Saginaw Bay, near Point Lookout, Lake Huron
  • Coordinates: Unknown

NOTMARs & Advisories

  • Obstructions: None currently recorded in navigational notices
  • Advisories: None reported

Given the shallow depth of 20 feet, it’s possible that some remains of the vessel may still exist, though they may be heavily scattered or deteriorated due to natural forces and potential interference from local boat traffic over the years.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The ALMERON THOMAS represents the last era of small working schooners on the Great Lakes, serving local industries well into the 20th century despite the dominance of steam-powered vessels. Her loss in 1900 underscores the constant threat posed by the unpredictable weather of the Great Lakes, particularly during late fall when storms were at their fiercest.

While the wreck has not been formally identified, its shallow resting place near Point Lookout in Saginaw Bay offers potential for future exploration by maritime archaeologists and divers interested in the history of small, hardworking schooners that played a crucial role in the development of the Great Lakes region.