Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type

The J.S. Crouse was a wooden-hulled propeller-driven freight Steamer, colloquially referred to as a “rabbit”—a term used for small, nimble freight vessels operating on the Great Lakes.

Description

Built in 1898 by R.C. Brittain in Saugatuck, Michigan, the J.S. Crouse measured 90 feet (27.4 meters) in length, with a beam of 17 feet (5.2 meters) and a depth of 8 feet (2.4 meters). With a Gross Tonnage of 82 and Net Tonnage of 72, she was designed for the transportation of miscellaneous freight across the Great Lakes. Her construction reflected the typical design of small freight steamers of the late 19th century, optimized for maneuverability and versatility in cargo transport.

History

The J.S. Crouse served as a freight Steamer on Lake Michigan, primarily operating out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was employed in the transportation of various goods, including lumber and agricultural products, between ports along the lake. Her size and design made her well-suited for navigating the often challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, allowing her to access smaller ports and harbors that larger vessels could not.

On November 15, 1919, the J.S. Crouse encountered a severe gale while en route with a cargo of lumber and potatoes. The storm forced her ashore on the southwest side of Sleeping Bear Bay, near Glen Arbor, Michigan. While the crew survived the stranding, the vessel later caught fire and was destroyed. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, but it resulted in the Total Loss of the vessel.

Final Disposition

Following the fire, the remains of the J.S. Crouse were largely destroyed. However, some components were salvaged. Notably, her Fore-and-aft compound steam engine and Scotch boiler with two fireboxes were repurposed and installed in the wooden steambarge M.H. Stuart, built in 1921 by the Wolter & O’Boyle Shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin .(Wisconsin Shipwrecks)

Located By & Date Found

The boiler of the J.S. Crouse was located near Glen Haven’s historical canning pier. Its exact discovery date is not specified, but it has been documented and photographed in recent years .(Facebook)

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) or advisories related to the wreck of the J.S. Crouse. However, as with all shipwreck sites, divers and visitors should exercise caution and adhere to local regulations when exploring or studying the area.

Resources & Links

Conclusion

The J.S. Crouse exemplifies the challenges faced by small freight steamers operating on the Great Lakes in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her loss in 1919 underscores the perils of maritime navigation during that era, particularly the threats posed by sudden and severe storms. While the vessel was destroyed, the repurposing of her engine and boiler in another ship reflects the resourcefulness of the maritime community and the practice of salvaging valuable components from lost vessels.