Identification & Site Information

  • Name: South Side
  • Former Names: None recorded
  • Official Number: 115334 (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Date Built & Launched: 1867, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Builder: H. Oertling) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Measurements: 101 ft × 25 ft × 5 ft (30.8 m × 7.6 m × 1.5 m); 139.75 GRT (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Type: Wooden scow‑Schooner (sail‑powered) designed for bulk light cargo transport
  • Cargo at Loss: Christmas trees and railroad ties
  • Crew at Loss: Five aboard; all feared lost (though later salvage notes mention only captain and mate) (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Date Lost: 4 December 1893
  • Place of Loss: Adrift off Milwaukee, Lake Michigan; struck a leak and sought sheltered anchorage near Plum Island, later found in Baileys Harbor, Door County, Wisconsin (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)
  • Circumstance: After nearly a month sailing to Newport loaded with Christmas trees and ties, adverse headwinds forced the vessel to seek shelter. She sprung a leak and, though towed into Baileys Harbor by William Rudolph, was Abandoned there over winter, broke apart, and scattered her cargo. Only the captain and mate remained aboard at abandonment; crew count and fate uncertain (wisconsinshipwrecks.org)

Vessel Type

Wooden-hulled scow-Schooner—simple, economical sailing workboat optimized for bulk light cargo in shallow harbors and coastal routes.

Description

Built in Milwaukee in 1867, South Side was a typical scow-Schooner—clumsy but capable of hauling bulky, lightweight goods like lumber, ties, or seasonal trees. She relied on sails and modest cargo holds.

History

Owned by Theod. Plathner of Milwaukee, she served regional supply lines. Laden with Christmas trees and ties from northern ports, she battled headwinds and leaks on her return trip in December 1893. Forced to shelter near Plum Island, she later anchored offshore but kept leaking. Eventually towed by William Rudolph to Baileys Harbor, she was Abandoned for the winter. The empty or waterlogged Hull remained until spring, then broke up and dispersed her Deck cargo. The exact fate of remaining crew (beyond captain and mate) is unclear (wisconsinshipwrecks.org).

Final Disposition

Broken apart during winter in Baileys Harbor and declared a Total Loss. No salvage was attempted; cargo was lost or scattered.

Located By & Date Found

Recorded at Baileys Harbor following tow and winter abandonment. The vessel was “up high on beach” and waterlogged. No modern dive site or GPS documentation exists.

Notations & Advisories

No known submerged hazard markers or chart wreck warnings. Since the wreck occurred in shallow, sheltered harbor waters and was broken up, there are no current navigational concerns.

Conclusion

The South Side exemplified late-season, low-cost sail transport of light goods like Christmas trees on Lake Michigan. Her gradual demise—leak, tow, abandonment, winter break-up—reflects the hazards small sailing vessels faced even without dramatic storms. While no loss of life is recorded, crew details remain vague. Her wreck is now a forgotten testament to late-19th-century seasonal maritime commerce.

Suggested Keywords & Glossary Terms:
scow-Schooner, Christmas tree Schooner, seasonal freight, Baileys Harbor abandonment, light cargo sailing

Suggested Categories:
Great Lakes shipwrecks | Lake Michigan wrecks | seasonal vessel losses | scow-schooners