6 August 2005 Australasia, Sevastopol
(August 06, 2005)
Maritime Trails marker unveiled
Today the Jacksonport Historical Society unveiled the latest addition to Wisconsin’s Maritime Trails at Jacksonport’s annual Cherry Festival. Erected at Lakeside Park, the marker commemorates Reynolds’ Pier and the lumber industry’s importance in Jacksonport’s heritage. Two lumber hookers, the
Cecelia and
Perry Hannah, sank in separate storms alongside Reynolds' Pier and were surveyed last fall by the WHS Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Office and volunteers. The sign provides an interpretive guide for visitors to Reynolds’ Pier, whose shallow nature allows easy access for kayakers, boaters, snorkelers, and SCUBA divers. John Toth, sign designer from Triad Creative Group, joined Jon Van Harpen, Christa Loustalot, Tamara Thomsen, Keith Meverden for the ceremony.
Keith examines the remains of the
AustralasiaFollowing the unveiling, Christa, Tami, and Keith returned to the scow schooner Ocean Wave to collect additional measurements and photos to complete information from last month’s survey project. Following one dive on the Ocean Wave, the team then dived Door County’s newest wreck, believed to be James Davidson’s Australasia. Located two weeks prior by jet skiers off the Whitefish Dunes State Park beach, the site was originally surveyed by Jon Paul Van Harpen, who identified the wreck as that of the Australasia. Today WHS divers measured the vessel’s overall length, examined construction techniques, and photo documented the site. Although much of the wreck’s midsection is buried under shifting sand, the bow and stern are visible, and the wreck’s overall length is consistent with that of the Australasia. Most importantly, however, is that visible portions of the wreck are consistent with Davidson’s construction techniques. Like other Davidson vessels lost in Wisconsin waters, this wreck features iron cross-bracing fastened at each intersection with steel drift pins that run entirely through the ceiling planking, bracing, frames, and outer hull planking, with clinch rings on either end. An iron hogging truss and large dimensioned framing were also visible. The depth of wreckage was consistent with historical records, and evidence of charred wood was also discovered (the Australasia was run aground after catching fire near Whitefish Point to avoid sinking in deep water). All of these factors combined make it highly likely the wreckage is indeed that of the Davidson’s Australasia.
The basketweave of iron cross-bracing typical of Davidson's vessels
Drift pins with clinch rings
WHS photos by Tamara Thomsen
