 TheNorman prior to her sinking | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United States | |
| Name | Norman |
| Operator | Menominee Steamship Co. |
| Builder | Globe Iron Works |
| Launched | 30 August 1890 |
| Completed | 1890 |
| Fate | Wrecked inLake Huron May 30, 1895 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 2304 tons |
| Length | 296 feet |
| Beam | 40 feet |
| Depth | 21 feet |
| Decks | 2 |
| Propulsion | Screw |
| Notes | Official Number: US130505[1] |
NORMAN (shipwreck) | |
   | |
| Location | Lake Huron, 10.35 miles east-southeast of Presque Isle Museum |
| Coordinates | 45°18′42″N83°16′44″W / 45.31167°N 83.27889°W /45.31167; -83.27889 |
| Architectural style | shipwreck site |
| NRHP reference No. | 16000819[2] |
| Added to NRHP | November 22, 2016 |
TheNorman was a bulk freighter; its wreck inLake Huron (also designated20UH018) was listed on theNational Register of Historic Places in 2016.[2]
TheNorman had an overall length of 296.5 feet, a 40.4 foot beam, 21 foot hold depth, and a gross tonnage of 2,304 tons. It had a raised forecastle and pilothouse, an aft cabin that housed the propulsion machinery, and an open deck in between that held eight hatches. TheNorman was powered by a triple expansion steam engine built by Globe Iron Works that produced 1200 horsepower, along with two 14 foot by 12½ foot Scotch boilers.[3]
TheNorman was built in 1890 by the Globe Iron Works inCleveland, Ohio.[4] She was one of the first propeller-driven steel lakers that hauled iron and coal on theGreat Lakes.[5] She was built for the Chapin Iron Mining Company, and ran between the company's docks inEscanaba, Michigan andCleveland, Ohio.[3]
On May 30, 1895,[4] theNorman was loaded with coal and headed to Escanaba. Dense fog reduced visibility, and the Canadian steamerJack collided with theNorman,[6] with theJack hitting theNorman amidships and nearly slicing her in two. TheNorman quickly sank, taking three crewmen with her.[5] The remainder of the crew were picked up by theJack and the nearby steam bargeSicken.[3]
Salvage efforts in 1896 failed.[1]
The wreck was not located until 1986. She lies in 210 feet (64 m) of water, and much of the below deck area is accessible to divers.[5] It sits angled on the lake bottom with its starboard side pointing up towards the surface. There is large opening from the collision amidships. A davit, capstan, deck cleats, and the two bow anchors are all extant on the bow section. The foremast and mainmast are in place, rising roughly 60 feet. The aft section is separated from the remainder of the ship. The steam engine and the boilers are exposed.[3] The wreck sits near the wreck of the wooden freighterFlorida.[7]
