Identification & Site Information

  • Name: C.L. FICK
  • Year Built: 1867
  • Official Number: 33668
  • Built at: Trenton, Michigan, USA
  • Vessel Type: Scow Schooner
  • Hull Material: Wood
  • Number of Decks: 1
  • Builder: Frank Burk
  • Original Owner: Fick & White, Detroit, MI
  • Power: Sail
  • Number of Masts: 2
  • Hull Dimensions:
    • Length: 97.4 ft (29.7 m)
    • Beam: 22.8 ft (6.9 m)
    • Depth: 6.5 ft (2.0 m)
    • Gross Tonnage: 113 tons
    • Capacity: 125,000 board feet of lumber

Final Disposition

  • Final Location: Near Stoney Lake, Lake Michigan
  • Date Lost: 15 October 1894
  • How Lost: Driven ashore in a storm, total wreck

Vessel Type Description
The C.L. FICK was a typical Great Lakes scow Schooner, broad-beamed with a shallow Draft and two masts. These rugged, economical cargo carriers specialized in transporting heavy, bulky cargoes such as lumber across the lakes and were well-suited to the shallow harbours and undeveloped shorelines of 19th-century Michigan and Wisconsin.

History

  • 1867: Enrolled at Detroit, MI and began operations.
  • 1867, May 31: Arrived Detroit on her maiden voyage.
  • 1876: Owned by Francisco, Detroit, MI.
  • 1878, December 23: Owned by E. Fiefield, Bay City, MI; recorded at 97.1 x 22.8 x 6.7 ft.
  • 1879: Listed as owned in Detroit, MI.
  • 1883 or 1884: Reportedly driven ashore and wrecked (location uncertain).
  • 1891, June 3: Went aground at Evanston, Lake Michigan, while lumber laden in company with LENA BELUN; later released; owned by Fred Harris.
  • 1894, October 15: While attempting to ride out a storm at anchor on Lake Michigan, the C.L. FICK was driven ashore near Stoney Creek, MI, becoming a Total Loss.

Final Disposition
The vessel broke apart after grounding during a severe gale while anchored, ending her service on Lake Michigan after nearly three decades of lumber transport.

NOTMARs & Advisories
No current Notices to Mariners are associated with the C.L. FICK.

Located By & Date
Remains of the vessel have not been positively identified to date.

Current Condition & Accessibility
Presumed scattered and buried near Stoney Creek, MI, Lake Michigan.

Resources & Links

Conclusion
The C.L. FICK represents the hard-working scow schooners that served the Great Lakes lumber trade throughout the late 19th century. Her grounding and loss in 1894 highlight the vulnerability of these vessels to sudden storms on the open lakes.

Keywords: scow Schooner, lumber trade, Lake Michigan, Great Lakes shipwreck, 19th-century Schooner, storm wreck