Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage

Vol.11 No. 2 A publication of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association June 2001

The Wreck of the Luxury Yacht Rosinco: An Early Twentieth Century Time Capsule by Dr. Richard Boyd, Jefferson Gray, Russell Green and Dr. John Jensen

brown oak” (The Motor Boat 1916). pumped into the sink, and the range, Georgiana III and renamed her Three built-in sofa beds, a Pullman fitted with a hot water tank, sat on Whitemarsh. Notably, Commodore bed, quartered oak furniture, an top a metal coal box. Ice could be Baum’s Whitemarsh was Chicago’s eight-person dining table and two delivered directly to the vessel’s built first diesel engine yacht (Van Mell sideboards could accommodate sever- in ice-box via a watertight scuttle in 1975). Baum’s heralded Whitemarsh al guests. Cabinet and sideboard the upper deck (The Motor Boat subsequently became Rosinco when doors were glazed with leaded glass. 1916). Finally, for convenience and Colonel Robert Hosmer Morse The owner’s grand stateroom fea- safety, the yacht was equipped with a acquired the vessel in 1925. An avid tured a built-in three-quarters bed 16-foot Luders motor launch and a mariner, Morse joined the Chicago with drawers under, a Pullman bed, 14-foot tender. Yacht Club in 1922 and three years later spent $30,000 refitting the two dressing tables with drawers and Diesel Yachting Arrives On newly acquired Rosinco. Several years mirrors and a cheval mirror in the Lake Michigan bathroom door. The owner’s tub and later Morse became the club’s fleet In 1918, Commodore W.L. Baum washbowl, piped for hot and cold of the Chicago Yacht Club purchased continued on page 6 fresh or salt water, were located the above the waterline in order to drain easily overboard. All rooms, including one for children, were well ventilated and lighted by both natural and elec- trical light. Mahogany trim, carpet, plate glass and tile were used liberally throughout the vessel. Refinement was not limited to the living quarters. Paneled in mahogany, the roomy deckhouse contained a large davenport, card table and mov- able chairs. Green carpeting, uphol- stery, and Pullman shades accented the white mahogany finish, while two 15-inch ports and seven large plate glass windows provided ample light- ing and panoramic views. The state of the art galley also featured novel amenities. The area was enclosed with steel bulkheads to prevent the spread of a potential fire, and equipped with metal dish racks and lockers. Fresh or seawater could be

Georgiana III (The Motor Boat 1916) 2 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage June 2001

Projects

The Dyreson Sawmill Project included a canoe trip over this site useful report. In the spring of 1995 WUAA took an which is located in the Yahara River Interested individuals should con- active position in the Dyreson Fish near the town of McFarland. At the tact Tom Villand who will be coordi- Weir Project. Members mapped this meeting we decided to take on this nating the activities. project in cooperation with the SHSW stone feature which appeared to be of [email protected]; 608-221-1996. prehistoric origin. In the process of and begin as soon as feasible. We mapping we had noticed a wood expect to be involved in three aspects Summer Field Project structure protruding out of the water of the project: The State Historical Society of not far downstream. This structure Historical research Wisconsin is currently working with appeared as if it may be a man-made In water mapping WUAA to find a summer field project dam. in Door County. The SHSW has iden- Reporting. Preliminary investigation suggests tified a Sturgeon Bay wreck as a pos- There is a limit to how many peo- that this wood feature may indeed be sible candidate and will continue to ple that can be involved, but volun- man-made dam and possibly be asso- explore other options. Those interest- teers are certainly needed for each ciated with a sawmill built in the area ed in participating in a summer proj- aspect. The historical research portion in the 1860’s. ect in Door County should contact will involve looking at the original WUAA Secretary Russel Leitz 920- WUAA’S May semiannual meeting land survey, plat maps, newspaper 231-9082, [email protected]. accounts and interviewing local resi- The Program in Maritime Studies at dents along with archeologists that East Carolina University is also tenta- Sawmill site on Yahara River were involved in another nearby site. tively scheduled to carry out fieldwork The preliminary in-water mapping will in Door County this September, and take place Saturday June 30th. This WUAA members may have an oppor- will not involve scuba diving … one tunity to work on that site as well. would be hard pressed to find water Details will be forthcoming. over waist deep. Measuring and sketching skills would be helpful. Finally, the reporting aspect will involve drawing maps and consolidat- ing our work into an interesting and

Wisconsin’s provides support to mem- Treasurer Gresham, 715-787-4444 Underwater bers’ research and publi- Tom Villand Janet Defnet cation projects. Annual Madison, 608-221-1996 Mukwonago, 414-363- Heritage is pub- membership dues are $15. lished quarterly by the Newsletter Editor 9874 For membership informa- Danny Aerts Wisconsin Underwater Send correspondence to: tion, contact the secretary Middleton, 608-821-0048 Archeology Association, a or write to the address WUAA nonprofit association of below. Activities Coordinator PO Box 6081 individuals and organiza- Cathy Klecker Madison, WI 53716 President Marshall, 608-655-3769 tions interested in study- Jeff Gray email: [email protected] ing and preserving the Madison, 608-271-1382 Website Manager website: underwater cultural Colin Zylka www.mailbag.com/users/ Vice-President Waukesha, 262-524-0145 wuaa/ resources and historical Andy Jalbert sites of Wisconsin. Madison, 608-257-4840 In addition to publishing Directors this newsletter, the Richard Boyd Secretary Association also holds Delafield, 414-464-2092 Russel Leitz semiannual meetings and Oshkosh, 920-231-9082 Robert Korth June 2001 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage 3

Association News

WUAA Fall Meeting A volunteer is needed for final The Fall meeting of the Association designing and printing of new will be held in Duluth, MN The week- WUAA membership/informa- end of the Gales of November show tional brochures. (Nov.10, 2001). Items of action will include election of officers. Details Yahara River Canoe will be in the next newsletter. Tour Toward An Understanding of A a good time was had by all Steam Bob Birmingham discussing a historic site on the Yahara River canoe trip. on the Yahara River. A workshop will be conducted by C. Fifteen people enjoyed the fine Patrick Labadie at the Canal Park weather and saw many nesting geese, things out at www.mailbag.com/ Museum in Duluth on Sunday, ducks and swans along the river. users/wuaa/. If you have ideas, sug- November 11, 2001. Details will be in State Archeologist Robert gestions or information to include on the next newsletter. Contact Cathy Birmingham pointed out some histor- the site, contact Colin at czylka@ Fach at 608-271-8172 or email ical sites of interest along the Yahara execpc.com. WUAA at [email protected] to let River, including pilings in the water Our Four Lakes thought to be from a dam for an old us know you are interested. second edition lumber mill. We hiked up the water WUAA Spring Meeting tower hill in McFarland as he dis- New and improved. The second edi- The Spring Meeting of the coursed on the effigy mounds of the tion of the WUAA book on the Four Association was held on Saturday area. He had a book on the subject Lakes in the Madison area is now May 12, 2001 at the Green Lantern in published last year. "Indian Mounds available. Association members may McFarland. It was brought to order by of Wisconsin" by Robert A. purchase it at the discounted price of Russell Green, substituting for Birmingham and Leslie E. Eisenberg, $12.00. Contact Tom Villand at 608- President Jeff Gray. Nine members can be purchased at the Wisconsin 221-1996, or email us at wuaa@mail- and two guests were present. Historical Society Museum Shop, or at bag.com. There is an additional $3.00 charge for mailing. It is also available Tom Villand reported that we now the University of Wisconsin Press through Madison area dive shops at have $2000 in the treasury. Two Web site: www.wisc.edu/wisconsin- the regular price of $14.95. thousand five hundred was used press ($45.00 hardcover, $18.95 soft- towards the printing of the updated cover). Four Lakes book. Russel Leitz volunteered to organize a ship documentation project. Web Site Cathy Fach and Russel Green volun- The new manager for the association teered to reevaluate our WUAA web site is Colin Zylka. Please check T-shirt before new ones are printed.

Canoeing down the Yahara River 4 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage June 2001

From Compass to Castor: The Material Culture of the Great Lakes Schooner Columbian in 1871 by Dr. Jay C. Martin

he great thing about historical vores, perhaps not earth shattering Gear Inventory of Schooner archeology is that many times news to most historical archeologists. Columbian, November 25, 1871 Tthe clues that one finds in the However the presence of a castor for 1 spirit compass archives are as tantalizing as the arti- spices reminds one that lakefarers fla- 3 marine compasses facts found on the lake or river bot- vored their food (fresh food was com- 1 papeut [patent] log and line tom. One such case is the inventory of mon on Great Lakes vessels because 2 trolling lines and hooks gear from the schooner Columbian. of their relatively short trips) to taste, 2 fog horns The inventory was found in the just as they do now. Contemporary 1 lead line and lead Columbian Account Book at the Great saltwater mariners used spices to 29 pound paint Lakes Historical Society in Vermillion, cover the taste of aged stores, but 8 paint brushes Ohio. To the best of my knowledge, lakefarers had the luxury of fresh 1 hatchet this rare inventory has never been food. The short trips, good food, and 3 marline spikes used to as part of any historical or excellent pay were a few of the rea- 1 serving board and mallet archeological study beyond my disser- sons that some mariners preferred the 1 iron bar, 4 normans tation "Sailing the Freshwater Seas: A Great Lakes. 7 capstan bars Social History of Life Aboard the Some items illustrate the creature 2 wench cranks Commercial Sailing Vessels of the comforts afforded the crew and a few 4 chain hooks United States and Canada on the of their habits as well. For example, 2 patent pumps Great Lakes, 1815-1930" (Bowling the boat carried two spittoons, appar- 1 patent capstan Green State University, 1995). ently one aft for the officers and the 1 twenty-four foot boat The two-masted schooner cook, and the other forward for the 1 patent wheel Columbian (official number 4387) crew in the forecastle. One can there- 1 provision box was built at Fort Howard, Wisconsin, fore deduce that the use of chewing 1 hawser box by W.H. Wolf in 1864. She measured tobacco was prevalent on the 5 oars 138.0 x 26.0 x 13.0 feet and 356 Columbian. 2 windlass brakes gross/338 net tons. At the time this I have reproduced the inventory 1 fish hook inventory was compiled, she was still faithfully and have included my inter- 1 devils claw operating under sail. Like many Great pretations in brackets [ ] to avoid 3 hatch bars Lakes schooners, her rig was later confusion. However, those interested 1 cold chisel reduced and she spent the end of her in doing serious research should con- 1 drawing knife career towed behind a steamer. On tact the Great Lakes Historical Society 1 plane September 11, 1913, the barge for a copy of the original inventory. 2 caulking irons & caulking mallet Columbian was lost off Dunkirk, New 3 balls serving twine York. 3 palms The Columbian inventory is a great 8 sail needles resource for those doing material cul- 1/2 bale oakum ture research on Great Lakes vessels 9 pound ratlin line during the heyday of commercial sail. 3 heaving lines The inventory includes gear used to 6 reef plats operate and maintain the vessel - 1 pair signal halliards from sails and rigging to oakum and 1 suit of colors and colors bag pumps - as well as many other inter- 1 set of weather clothes esting items. 1 ball of spun yarn 2 ring stoppers Dietary requirements may be inter- 2 shank painters preted through the galley inventory. A 1 main sheet meat saw and carving knives confirm 2 main sheet blocks that the boat was crewed by carni- June 2001 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage 5

2 main boom tops lifts 2 augers 1 looking glass 2 boat davits falls and blocks 1 ax 8 oil cans 1 set boat grips 1 saw 2 water pails main throat halliard — new 1 water barrel 1 cooking stove main peak halliard and blocks 3 tarpolins cooking utensils 1 fore sheet and blocks 1 fidds bag 3 dozen plates 2 fore lifts, fore peak halliard & 13 yards canvas 2 dozen cups and saucers blocks 10 pails 1 set knives and forks fore throat halliard and blocks 1 draw bucket 3 state room carpets fore staysail halliard and blocks 4 pump bars 1 bed stead jib halliard & blocks & downhall 1/2 barrel salt 2 wash bowls flying Jib halliard and blocks 1 pump hook 14 quilts fore topsail halliard block & downhall 2 signal lamps and screen 2 carving knives and forks fore gaff topsail gear 1 anchor light 1 meat saw fore staysail sheet and blocks 1 globe light 1 castor fore staysail gye [sic] 1 watch tackle squaresail gear — new 1 nail box squaresail lift — new 1 forecastle stove squaresail braces — new 1 main sail squaresail oout [sic] hallers — new main gafftopsail raffy sheet — new 1 raffy — new raffy halliard — new 1 squaresail — new raffy clewline — new 1 fore staysail & jib main gafftopsail — new 1 flying jib 1 foreboom gye [sic] — new 1 jibtopsail — new 1 mainboom gye [sic] — new 1 set back rope 2 crotch ropes — new 1 fly — new 2 boom tacklefalls 1 anchor shoe 1 fish tackle and blocks 1 boat painter — new 1 berton block fore and main peak downhall 2 large purchase blocks 1 monkey wrench 1 snatch block 1 spike maul 1 squaresail boom — new 1 extension table, 9 chairs jib sheets 1 cabin stove flying jib sheet — new 1 cabin lamp jib topsail sheets 1 binnacle lamp 1 eight inch line 1 kitchen lamp 1 six inch line — new 2 spittoons 1 seven inch line 1 clock 1 five inch line 1 table spread 12 iron belaying pins 2 table clothes 2 rigging screws 4 cabin mattresses 4 dozen belaying pins 6 forecastle mattresses 1 grindstone 10 blankets 6 shovels 6 quilts 8 brooms 6 pillows 1 brace 4 sheets 2 bits 1 beauran [bureau] 6 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage June 2001

The Wreck of the Luxury Yacht Rosinco continued from page 1 commander (Kenosha 1928) Already a luxurious and powerful pleasure boat, Morse’s improvements reflected his financial position and pride in his company’s marine engines. In 1927 the yacht received a new Fairbanks-Morse Model 35 elec- tro-diesel engine with six, 10-inch diameter cylinders, each having a 12.5-inch stroke. Introduced that year, the Model 35 engine remained in pro- duction until 1946. The engines were produced chiefly as marine power plants, and came in three sizes: the 8.5 x 10.5 (cylinder diameter and stroke respectively); 10 x 12.5; and the 14 x 17 inch version (Wendel 1993). Truly a symbol of American prosperity, the Rosinco’s various improvements raised her value to about $150,000 - a considerable sum Years of Engine Technology, The Whitemarsh (Van Mell 1975) during the “Roaring Twenties.” Only a Lancaster, PA, 1993. year later, however, Lake Michigan would claim Morse’s magnificent yacht and keep her remarkably well pre- served for over fifty years. Next issue: Colonel Robert Morse and the Fairbanks-Morse Company, the Rosinco’s final voyage, and a look at the wreck today. References Kenosha Evening News, 19 September 1928. Lloyd’s Register of American Yachts, New York, 1917. Georgiana III – A Sea-going Motor Yacht, The Motor Boat, vol. 23, no. 24, 1916. A 95-Foot Steel Diesel Yacht, Motor Boating, December 1916. Spofford, W.E., The Progress of Yachting, Lake Michigan Yachting News, December 1924. Tyler, David, American Clyde, Newark, DE, 1958. Van Mell, Richard and Wendy, The First Hundred Years: A History of the Chicago Yacht Club, 1875- 1975. The Club, Chicago, 1975. Wendel, C.H., Fairbanks-Morse: 100 June 2001 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage 7

On February2, 2001, the United elow 185 feet of Lake Michigan and its 50 buildings occupied 43 States Department of the Interior water, 12 miles east of acres (Tyler 1958). determined that the wreck of the BKenosha, Wisconsin, the wreck From its inception, Harlan and Rosinco is eligible for inclusion on the of the steel yacht Rosinco, the first Hollingsworth was a national leader National Register of Historic Places diesel yacht on Lake Michigan, rests in iron ship construction and later (NRHP). The 95-foot luxury yacht upright and imbedded in the lakebed. continued this notoriety with their Rosinco, along with the 132-foot, The vessel is intact and in a remark- production of steel vessels. The com- three-masted schooner Fleetwing (see able state of preservation. Regarded pany’s reputation is particularly note- the article in the March 2001 issue of as extravagant, indeed revered as one worthy considering Wilmington’s dis- Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage), of the most palatial motor yachts to tinction as the “cradle” of iron ship- was determined eligible for listing in ply Lake Michigan during the first building (Tyler 1958). Indeed, compe- the NRHP by the Wisconsin Historic quarter of the twentieth-century, the tition in the region was intense. Preservation Review Board on April Rosinco remains an object of interest, Noting similarities with the unsur- 20, 2001. The finding automatically speculation and controversy for both passed iron ship production along places the shipwrecks on Wisconsin’s archeologists and recreational divers. Scotland’s Clyde River in the latter State Register of Historic Places. The A significant cultural resource, the nineteenth-century, maritime histori- National Park Service is processing wreck of the Rosinco is a tangible an David Tyler once referred to the the nominations for the Fleetwing monument to several milestones in Delaware River as the "American and Rosinco, and the sites will be ship construction, including early die- Clyde." officially listed in the NRHP later this sel technology and the use of steel as year. These wrecks are owned and In 1886, Harlan and Hollingsworth a primary building material for yachts. built their first steel yacht. One of managed by the State of Wisconsin. Built by the renowned Delaware ship- The Abandoned Shipwreck Act four steam yachts constructed by the building firm of Harlan and company in the late 1880s, the 285- asserted title to abandoned ship- Hollingsworth and last owned by wrecks embedded in a State's sub- foot Alva was built for William K. prominent industrialist Colonel Robert Vanderbilt (Tyler 1958). Twenty years merged lands or located on a State's H. Morse, the Rosinco possesses both submerged lands and determined eli- later, William G. Coxe, then president national and local historical signifi- of Harlan and Hollingsworth, built gible for inclusion in the National cance. Register of Historic Places. Upon the Georgiana III for his personal use. asserting title, the U.S. Government At the time of the yacht’s loss, Built for Coxe and designed chiefly transferred its title to the majority of Robert H. Morse was Vice-President by the firm’s naval architect A.M. those shipwrecks to the respective of the Fairbanks-Morse Company in Main, Georgiana III’s overall length states to manage. Beloit, Wisconsin. In this context, the was 95 feet 2 inches. Incorporating Rosinco represents a unique period in the “desirable and practical features history, when elaborate pleasure of the commercial vessel, the destroy- boats became important symbols of er, and the old steam yacht,” the ves- prosperity and industrial success for sel marked a decided transition from affluent businessmen throughout the traditional motor yacht construction Great Lakes. This two-part essay will (The Motor Boat 1916). In December address the history, construction and 1916, The Motor Boat magazine archeological significance of the reviewed the vessel and enthusiasti- splendid motor yacht Rosinco. cally announced that “Georgiana III is History and Construction: a real boat.” Lloyd’s Register of An East Coast Beginning American Yachts reported the remain- der of the vessel’s principal dimen- Built in 1916 by well-known sions as: length waterline, 93 feet; Wilmington, Delaware shipbuilders beam, 15 feet 3 inches; draft, 5 feet 6 Harlan and Hollingsworth, the inches; gross tonnage, 82 tons; net Rosinco was put to sea as Georgiana tonnage, 44 tons (Lloyd’s 1917). III. The vessel would, in fact, change Credited with collaborating on the hands twice before becoming the vessel’s design, Coxe expressly Rosinco. One of the first iron ship- desired maximum strength and safe- building firms on the Delaware River, ty, with a minimum of ballast, to Harlan and Hollingsworth was found- achieve “necessary speed, stability, ed in 1836, and by 1889 the bur- Aft portion of Georgiana III’s deck cabin comfort, etc” (Motor Boating, 1916). geoning company employed 1,500 (The Motor Boat 1916) workers, paid $1,000,000 in wages, continued on page 8 8 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage June 2001

The Wreck of the Luxury Yacht Rosinco continued from page 1

even followed yachting casually; the steam yacht is becoming obsolete.” Built in 1916, the diesel powered Georgiana III employed this technolo- gy a full eight years before Spofford’s revelation. The chief advantage of the diesel engine was fuel economy, for it was capable of burning low-grade fuel at a comparatively low rate of consumption per horsepower per hour. Moreover, diesel allowed for more efficient operation with a con- siderably smaller crew. Powered by a 240 hp Southwark- Harris Diesel sporting four, 9-inch Fairbanks-Morse Model 35 diesel marine engine (Wendel 1953) diameter cylinders with a 13-inch stroke, Georgiana III’s engine could Indeed, his desire for a substantially upper, quarter and forecastle decks, be fully reversed in only five seconds. built vessel helped usher in a new era which were plated with steel string- Moreover, the engine could be for American power boating. ers. Indeed, this solid construction brought to full power, from a cold Several features of the vessel’s made for an exceptionally seaworthy start, in just ten seconds - a consider- hull made it unique from those that craft, yet the Rosinco was built to able improvement over the time preceded it. Steel was chosen for the answer a higher purpose as well, for required to bring a contemporary primary building material. This it was indicative of the type of vessel steam engine to full power (Spofford allowed the vessel to be both lighter built by American yachtsmen who 1924). Compressed air started the and stronger than older wood and wanted their boats to serve as naval engine, a process that could be car- iron yachts. The frames, spaced on auxiliaries. Built the year before ried out fifty times on a single charge 20-inch centers, were fashioned from America entered World War I, the of the air bottles. Steaming at 15 bulb angle steel and supported a hull yacht could have been quickly retro- mph, Georgiana III consumed eight that was built flush and smooth, with fitted for coastal patrol service. In this gallons of fuel an hour and had a straps fitted at the edges and butts. capacity, the Rosinco represents an cruising range of 2,000 miles; excel- Joints below the waterline were over- unusual but important linkage lent fuel economy, even by current lapped for additional strength (Motor between the expanding wealth of the standards. The vessel’s fuel tanks Boating, 1916). Ten-pound steel was American leisure class, and the held 1,070 gallons of diesel oil used in areas that might encounter expanding military role of the United (Spofford 1924). Colonel Morse exceptional stress, particularly the States in world affairs. Much like would later replace this Southwark- garboard streak, where the hull met their British cousins’ miraculous res- Harris engine with one from his own the keel. Lighter, seven-pound steel cue of the men at Dunkirk during company, a Fairbanks-Morse Model was used elsewhere. Unusual fea- World War II, America’s yachtsman 35. stood ready to cruise in harms way, tures for the time were the hull’s Well appointed above and below and in a yacht like the Rosinco they seven watertight compartments, with decks, the casual observer would a steel bulkhead dividing each. Four had created suitable vessels in which to do it. have been equally impressed with the of the six bulkheads were fitted with vessel’s refined accommodations. The watertight doors similar to those used Strongly constructed for possible main salon, with watertight doors at on contemporary torpedo boats wartime use, the Georgiana III was both ends, was paneled in quartered (Motor Boating, 1916). At least a also noteworthy for its diesel power oak. Over head were brown oak deck portion of the vessel was double bot- plant. Writing for the Lake Michigan beams and cream white ceiling pan- tomed and designed to carry fresh Yachting News in 1924, W. E. els. Furniture upholstery and wall water, for both consumption and to Spofford revealed the implications of panels consisted of English tapestry, provide ballast. the American yachtsman’s preference and The Motor Boat magazine noted Further examples of the vessel’s for diesel power over steam when he that the carpet possessed “…a design stout construction were found in the opined, “There is one significant fact and color harmonizing with the which is obvious to all who have June 2001 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage 9

Stories From The Archives

The following stories were uncovered The first freighter propelled by gaso- Door County Advocate, by Russel Leitz during his archival line power on Lake Michigan went March 6, 1896 research. into commission the latter part of last A rat was recently caught on board of week, having been built and rigged First Ships a vessel in a trap and was thrown up at Chicago by Sever Johnson, who from the trap into the water without Door County Advocate, has christened her Grace J. She is of being killed. A large gull that was fol- December 29, 1894 24 tons gross and will run in the lowing the wake of the ship to pick The first sailing vessel to navigate the coastwise trade between South up scraps of food thrown overboard lakes was a bark of 40 tons burden Chicago and east shore ports. by the steward approached several built on the shore of Lake Superior in Trapped In Lighthouse times endeavoring to pick the rat up. the year 1731 by La Rounde, a fur Once the bird got too close to the rat’s Door County Advocate, trader. The first propeller to navigate jaws and the rodent grabbed it by the December 27, 1929 the lakes was the Vandalla, built at neck. After a short fight the rat suc- Oswego in 1840-41. Her boiler and Racine, WI - Imprisoned a week in an ceeded in killing the bird. When the engine was set up at the extreme ice-sheathed lighthouse, four men gull was dead the rat scrambled upon stern; she was sloop-rigged, carrying finally fought their way out Monday the bird’s body and, hoisting one a large mainsail, staysail and one jib, night and, safely ashore, told a story wing as a sail and using the other as and but for the smoke stack and of winter’s newest caprice. a rudder, succeeded in steering for cabin had every appearance of a ves- The men, Frank Miller, Plummer the shore. Whether the rat reached sel. Layman, Walter Donovan and Edward shore or not is a question, since the Door County Advocate, Matson, were unharmed by their ship soon got out of sight of the skip- January 12, 1895 experience in the reef light, which per and its raft. The first steel sailing vessel ever built stands exposed to the worst of Lake on the lakes was launched last week Michigan storms. by the Chicago Shipbuilding company. Clouds of spray sweeping over The craft is owned by the Minnesota their outpost crystalized into ice Steamship company and has been December 15, and with each day the christened the Malta - like all the doors and windows were more tightly names of the vessels of that fleet, sealed. They decided to wait in hope begins with “m” and ends with “a”. of a thaw, but when their food supply She is 320 feet over all, 302 feet keel, ran low, a window was finally chopped 40 feet beam and 24 feet deep. open. Sliding down the side they made Door County Advocate, September 12, their escape. 1903 Rat Escape 10 Wisconsin’s Underwater Heritage June 2001

Coming Events June 30, 2001 Yahara River Sawmill Site Survey, Madison. Contact Tom Villand, 608-221-1996. September 2001 Underwater Surveys in Door County, conducted by East Carolina University. Contact Cathy Fach, 608-271-8172. Nov. 10, 2001 Gales of November, featured speaker Jean-Michel Cousteau. Contact Mary George, 218- 727-2497 or email [email protected]. Nov. 11, 2001 Toward An Understanding of Steam, WUAA Workshop conducted by C. Patrick Labadie. Duluth, MN, contact Cathy Fach, 608-271-8172. Nov. 11, 2001 WUAA Fall Meeting. Duluth, MN, contact Russ Green, 608-271-8172.

Wisconsin Underwater Archeological Association P.O. Box 6081 Madison, WI 53716

For those interested in the study and preservation of Wisconsin’s underwater history and cultural resources.