Identification & Site Information

Vessel Type Description

The wreck in Little Marble Lake represents a logging Barge, originally a Steamboat operated by the Canada Lumber Company under Peter McLaren. Constructed to tow log booms across Lower Mazinaw Lake, the vessel was later converted into a Barge by removing its steam engines and related machinery. The Barge retained its robust Hull, suitable for carrying heavy logging materials, and was critical to the company’s operations.

History

Steamboat Era:

The Steamboat, built for the Canada Lumber Company, was vital to 19th-century logging operations on Mazinaw Lake. It towed log booms across the lake and also provided recreational summer cruises, demonstrating its versatility. At 23 metres (75 feet) in length, the Steamboat was a prominent vessel, capable of carrying up to 100 passengers during its recreational service.

Conversion to a Logging Barge:

As the need for large steamboats declined, the vessel was repurposed into a Barge. The Conversion involved removing steam-related components, reinforcing the Hull, and adapting the structure to carry logs and other heavy materials.

Final Incident:

In 1906, a severe storm caused the Barge to be washed over the dam at the bottom of Lower Mazinaw Lake. The strong currents carried the vessel downstream, where it broke apart near the rapids at the entrance to Little Marble Lake. The remains of the vessel now lie scattered on the lakebed.

Final Disposition

The Barge, originally a Steamboat, rests in pieces at the bottom of Little Marble Lake, marked by a surface jug for divers. The wreck consists of the Hull and structural remnants, with significant decay and partial burial in sediment.

NOTMARs & Advisories

NOTMARs: No active Notices to Mariners are associated with this site.

Advisories: Access requires permission from the local campground. For safety, divers are advised to visit with a partner.

Current Condition & Accessibility

The wreck is easily accessible:

From Shore: A short surface swim to the jug marking the site.

Underwater: The wooden Hull has significantly decayed, with visible remains scattered on the lakebed. While not intact, the site offers a glimpse into the vessel’s construction and history.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The logging Barge in Little Marble Lake is a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the logging industry in Ontario. Initially a Steamboat, its Conversion and eventual sinking during the storm of 1906 reflect the dynamic challenges faced by industrial operators. The wreck serves as a submerged artifact of Ontario’s logging heritage, connecting modern observers with the past.

Resources & Links

  • Books: The Oxen and the Axe by the Cloyne and District Historical Society, The Mazinaw Experience by John Campbell
  • Videos: SLD’s Corey’s dive video documenting the wreck site
  • Historical Societies: The Cloyne and District Historical Society

Conclusion

The wreck in Little Marble Lake, a former Steamboat turned logging Barge, offers a unique window into the history of Ontario’s logging industry. It illustrates the resourcefulness of the Canada Lumber Company and the pivotal role of waterways in 19th-century industrial operations. While the vessel has succumbed to decay, it continues to share its story through the remains on the lakebed and local historical accounts.

Keywords

#LoggingBarge #LittleMarbleLake #CanadaLumberCompany #SteamboatConversion #OntarioMaritimeHistory #MazinawLake #Shipwreck #UnderwaterArchaeology #19thCenturyLogging #CloyneAndDistrictHistory