built 1927; lost December 1950, Likely wooden or steel coastal freighter or scow-style vessel operating on Lake Superior
Vessel Identity & Construction
- Built: circa 1927 (exact yard and registry port not recorded)
- Type: Likely a small coastal or harbor vessel—possibly a scow, Tug, or service craft
- Documented Usage: Uncertain; sparse registry suggests local service
Final Incident — December 1950
- Loss Date: December 1950 (specific day unspecified)
- Incident: Caught in a severe gale and blizzard, Eleanor ran ashore on a rugged rocky shoreline, likely on Lake Superior.
- She came to rest so high above the rock line that salvage was impossible. The vessel was left Abandoned and eventually written off.
- Cargo or Deck gear: none reported
- Crew: Not documented—presumably ashore or safely evacuated
- Final Status: Declared lost; no documentation suggests a formal registry surrender
Summary Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Eleanor |
| Built | 1927 |
| Loss Date | December 1950 (blizzard + gale) |
| Loss Location | Rocky shore (presumed Lake Superior shore) |
| Cause of Loss | Blown ashore in storm and stranded high |
| Cargo / Passengers | None reported |
| Crew Casualties | Not recorded |
| Salvage Status | Impossible due to position above rocks |
Context & Source Notes
- The loss appears recorded in a truncated “E‑” list database with minimal detail, noting only the vessel’s grounding “ran ashore in a gale and blizzard” and her position “so high in the rocks that she could not [be recovered]” (downtosea.com, history.nd.gov, greatlakesrex.wordpress.com).
- No further registry data—such as tonnage, owner, crew, or cargo—is available in the summary record, indicating she was likely small, local‑run, and not heavily documented.
Research Suggestions
Given the incomplete record, potential lines of inquiry include:
- Local newspapers (Upper Peninsula, Lake Superior coastal towns), December 1950 issues—reports of vessel loss or maritime incidents in blizzard conditions.
- Shipping and vessel registry filings—particularly in ports like Marquette, Duluth, or Thunder Bay—to locate registration details or known ownership.
- Local harbor authority or Coast Guard logs—often kept records of vessels driven ashore during storms.
- Maritime historical societies in Northern Michigan or Ontario—for stealth records or small-vessel incident references.
Conclusion
The vessel Eleanor, built circa 1927, was lost in December 1950 during a severe gale and blizzard when she was driven ashore onto a rocky shoreline—likely on Lake Superior. She was stranded too high to salvage and Abandoned. No further data exists regarding crew, cargo, or ownership.