Identification & Site Information

  • Name: Cream City
  • Former Names: Rhoda Emily
  • Official Number: 110641
  • Date Built & Launched: 1884
  • Builder: Linn & Craig, Trenton, Michigan (Hull #27)
  • Dimensions: 166 ft (50.6 m) length × 32 ft (9.8 m) beam × 20 ft (6.1 m) depth
  • Gross Tonnage: 875 GRT
  • Net Tonnage: 654 NRT
  • Propulsion: Wooden-hulled propeller Steamer
  • Date Lost: July 1, 1918
  • Location: Wheeler’s Reef, near False Detour Passage, Lake Huron
  • Cause of Loss: Stranded on reef in fog
  • Cargo: Unknown; towing two barges
  • Casualties: None reported
  • Final Owner: Not specified(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled propeller Steamer designed for bulk freight transport on the Great Lakes.

Description

The Cream City, originally named Rhoda Emily, was a wooden-hulled propeller Steamer constructed in 1884 by Linn & Craig in Trenton, Michigan. Measuring 166 feet (50.6 meters) in length with a beam of 32 feet (9.8 meters) and a depth of 20 feet (6.1 meters), she had a Gross Tonnage of 875 and a Net Tonnage of 654. Designed for bulk freight transport, she was a common sight on the Great Lakes during her operational years.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

History

Throughout her service, the Cream City operated primarily on the Great Lakes, transporting various bulk commodities. On July 1, 1918, while navigating through dense fog near False Detour Passage in Lake Huron, she ran aground on Wheeler’s Reef. Despite not being in immediate danger, efforts by tugs to free her were unsuccessful over two seasons. Ultimately, in 1925, she caught fire and burned to the waterline, marking the end of her service.(greatlakesrex.wordpress.com)

Final Disposition

After grounding on Wheeler’s Reef in 1918, the Cream City remained stranded despite salvage attempts. In 1925, she caught fire and was destroyed, with the wreckage remaining on the reef.

Located By & Date Found

As of current records, the wreck of the Cream City has not been located.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners or advisories regarding obstructions related to the Cream City wreck site.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The Cream City‘s grounding and subsequent destruction highlight the navigational challenges faced by mariners on the Great Lakes, particularly in areas prone to fog and hidden hazards like Wheeler’s Reef. Her story serves as a reminder of the perils of early 20th-century lake navigation and the importance of advancements in maritime safety and navigation technology.

Suggested Keywords, Categories, and Glossary Terms

  • Keywords: Cream City Steamer, 1918 Lake Huron shipwreck, Wheeler’s Reef, Great Lakes maritime history
  • Categories: Shipwrecks of Lake Huron, Maritime History of Michigan, 20th Century Shipwrecks
  • Glossary Terms:
    • Propeller Steamer: A steam-powered vessel propelled by one or more propellers.
    • Stranded: A vessel that has run aground and is unable to move without assistance.
    • Gross Tonnage (GRT): A measure of the overall internal volume of a vessel.
    • Net Tonnage (NRT): A measure of the useful capacity of a vessel.