Did You Know? As an author, I am required to do a great deal of research. My latest novel, due to be published on November 22nd , wasn’t any different. This research resulted in some very interesting facts, which I will be sharing with you. To pre Order Dead Eye Will go to Smashwords and use coupon ZV87C for 15% discount. ------- Did you know that the first steamship to travel Lake Erie, the Detroit River, and Lake Huron was the Walk-in-the-Water? The Walk-in-the-Water was built in 1818 in Black Rock, New York. Some basic facts about the ship: Tonnage Number of Berths Men employed Passengers 338 lbs. Unknown Unknown 18 It was the first steamship to sail Lake Erie. Not as beautiful as later ships, it did impress the local citizenry. To the Indians of northern Ohio the ship was a real curiosity. Not knowing or understanding the power of steam, the Indians were in awe of the vessel. Her smoke stack, a new technology, stood between the masts amidships. Two large paddle boxes, housing the paddle wheels, were exactly amidships, protruding clumsily from her deck though to Wills eyes they were fascinating. The length of the ship was about one hundred fifty feet with a thirty-foot beam, and had an eight-foot depth. Her gross tonnage was reported to be around three hundred thirty-eight tons. Her bow was as high as her stern. On the evening of October 31, 1821 at 4 p.m., the ‘Walk-in-the-Water’ left Black Rock bound for Detroit. I have seen claims that the ship had over 300 passengers, but the number 18 seems more appropriate. The weather, though rainy, did not appear threatening. Only a short time later the boat ran into a severe squall or gale, which lasted the entire night. The lake became rough to a terrifying degree. It seemed that every wave threatened to destroy both ship and passengers. Captain Rodgers considered his options. To proceed up the lake was impossible, while attempting to return to Black Rock in the darkness invited certain destruction. He decided to have the ship anchored, which for a time held fast. During the night the ship rolled in the storm, her joints and timbers creaking. Then she began to leak and her engine was devoted to the pumps. However, the water increased greatly and the wind also increased. As the night wore on with the violent wind showing no weakening, it was discovered that the anchors were dragging. At daylight the captain ordered the cables cut and let the ship drift toward shore. Many of the passengers were struck by the captain’s prudence, coolness, and intelligence. It probably had a calming affect upon all. The ship was now at the mercy of the waves. It wasn’t until 5 a.m. when she was finally beached a short distance above the lighthouse. Everyone safely debarked the now irreparable ship. The engine and other parts of the Walk-in-the-Water were salvaged and used in the new ship, Superior.
Posted on: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 19:55:36 +0000
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