Schooner Susan Ward (built 1862 – lost August 8, 1885)
Identification & Build
- Type: Wooden two-masted lumber Schooner
- Built: 1862
- Registry: U.S.—operating out of Oscoda, Michigan
- Trade: Timber transport, primarily moving lumber from northern mills to wider markets
Final Voyage & Loss (August 8, 1885)
- Incident: A catastrophic storm hit Oscoda, Michigan. While moored to the Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. dock, the fierce winds and waves:
- Sank the Susan Ward at her berth
- Tore off her Deck structure
- Pounded her remains into splinters, destroying the vessel entirely
- Crew: None aboard; moored at time of loss—no casualties reported
Wreck Condition & Aftermath
- The vessel was completely broken apart at the dock; no intact Hull or structural remains are known to survive
- Debris likely washed into the river mouth and lake; any remnants would be fragmented and deeply buried by silt
Historical & Archaeological Significance
- Illustrates the extreme vulnerability of small working vessels in exposed harbor locations during severe storms
- Highlights flawed mooring and dock protection practices of the 1880s—impacting discussions on harbor design and vessel safety
- Represents a class of lumber Schooner phase-out by the late 19th century
Research & Investigation Opportunities
| Focus Area | Suggested Actions |
|---|---|
| Oscoda Press Coverage | Search Oscoda Press and regional newspapers (Aug–Sept 1885) for storm damage account and company responses |
| Coast Guard/Lifesaving Logs | May document the storm’s impact on harbor vessels—even without casualties, may include dock damage reports |
| Company Records | Oscoda Salt & Lumber Co. archives may note financial loss, claims, or rebuilding efforts following the storm |
| Harbor Archaeology | While intact remains are unlikely, a side-scan sonar survey at the dock entrance could identify submerged debris fields or remnants of submerged timbers |
| Engineering Lessons | Analysis of storm damage may contribute to historical studies on storm exposure and dock design improvements in harbor architecture |
Summary Profile
- Vessel: Susan Ward, built 1862
- Lost: August 8, 1885—destroyed at Oscoda dock during severe storm
- Cargo: Lumber
- Casualties: None; vessel uncrewed at time
- Remains: Completely broken—no extant Hull
- Significance: Case study in storm impact on small freight vessels and harbor vulnerabilities