Shipwreck Report: Two Myrtles (Formerly CLOVER)

Identification & Site Information

  • Original Name: CLOVER
  • Renamed: TWO MYRTLES (1934)
  • Type: Steam Screw Steamer
  • Built: 1899, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 80.2 feet (24.4 meters)
    • Beam: 22.8 feet (6.9 meters)
    • Depth: 7.1 feet (2.2 meters)
    • Gross Tonnage: 96 tons
  • Location: DeTour Village, Lake Huron, near Watson Dock Complex
  • Coordinates: Latitude 45°59.955’N, Longitude 83°53.936’W
  • Depth: 5–15 feet (1.5–4.6 meters)

Vessel Type Description

The Two Myrtles, originally known as the CLOVER, was a steam screw Steamer used for various purposes during its operational life. Built to serve as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, it played a vital role in maintaining navigational aids across the Great Lakes.

History

  • Early Service (1899-1934):
    • Launched in 1899 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the vessel began its career as a lighthouse tender for the U.S. Lighthouse Service.
    • In 1913, its name was officially changed to CLOVER as part of its service identity.
  • Ownership Change and Renaming (1934-1940s):
    • In 1934, the vessel was sold to Leo Goetz of DeTour, Michigan, and renamed TWO MYRTLES.
    • It continued to operate in the region, though its specific duties during this period are unclear.
  • Abandonment (1940s):
    • Ownership changed again in the early 1940s, and by the mid-1940s, the TWO MYRTLES was Abandoned near the Watson Dock complex in DeTour Village.

Current Condition

  • Wreck Details:
    • The wreck lies submerged near the north side of the Watson Dock complex.
    • It is broken, measuring approximately 15×70 feet, and rests on its port side at a heading of 190 degrees.
  • Hazard Classification:
    • Marked as a hazard to surface navigation on nautical charts due to its shallow depth.
  • Machinery Status:
    • Salvaged in the 1940s and now displayed at the DeTour Village Museum.

Diving and Exploration

  • Depth: 5–15 feet (1.5–4.6 meters), making it accessible for snorkelers but challenging due to poor Visibility.
  • Condition: Broken and deteriorated; limited structural integrity.
  • Visibility: Frequently poor, limiting its appeal to divers and kayakers.

Historical Significance

The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) represents a unique piece of Great Lakes maritime history, transitioning from a lighthouse tender to private ownership and later abandonment. Its dual names reflect its service history and personal ties to the DeTour community.

Points of Interest

  • DeTour Village Museum:
    • The engine and boiler salvaged from the wreck are displayed at the museum, providing insights into the vessel’s machinery and its role in maritime operations.
  • Watson Dock Complex:
    • The wreck’s proximity to the dock complex offers a historical connection to the region’s industrial and maritime past.
  • External Links

Conclusion

The Two Myrtles (CLOVER) serves as a small but notable part of Great Lakes maritime history. While the wreck itself holds limited interest for recreational exploration, its legacy as a lighthouse tender and its ties to the DeTour community remain significant. Artifacts displayed at the DeTour Village Museum ensure that the vessel’s story is preserved for future generations.

Keywords

#TwoMyrtles #Clover #SteamScrewSteamer #GreatLakesShipwrecks #LighthouseTender #DeTourVillage #WatsonDock #GreatLakesMaritimeHistory #DeTourVillageMuseum