Service History
The two masted wooden hull scow-schooner
Laurina was built in 1872 (possibly 1870) by Fredrickson in Chicago. She had spent much of her time in the lumber trade and also was used as a sand scow. In 1874 the Board Of Lake Underwriters valued her at $1,200 and rated her as B2. The official registry number was 15875.
1881: Rebuilt. Original dimensions: 71.1' X 17.7 'X 4.0'; 37.59 gross tons. New dimensions: 73.0' X 18.5' X 5.1'; 55.40 gross tons.
Last Document Of Enrollment Surrendered: Milwaukee: 8/01/1893: "Total Loss".
Final Voyage
"As a result of the storm in this harbor the scow
Laurina is resting on the rocks close alongside of the breakwater at the foot of Knapp Street. She was bound for Racine with a load of hardwood lumber and put into the harbor, Wednesday afternoon and cast her anchor. In the evening she seemed to be riding easily and was apparently safe. But early in the morning when the storm greatly increased, her anchor began dragging and she was driven ashore. About 3 a.m. she sent up signals of distress which were noticed on shore, when the signals were fired the scow was along side of the breakwater, though the crew was not aware of its close proximity. When the crew discovered how near they were to land they had no difficulty in getting off the boat." Milwaukee Sentiel 4/21/1893.
"The deckload and the greater portion of the lumber in the hold of the scow
Laurina has been removed. The lumber was transferred from the boat to cars. The Milwaukee Tug Boat Company will make an effort this week with one of its tugs to release the scow from her position and tow her into port." Milwaukee Sentinel 4/26/1893.
"An attempt was made by the revenue cutter Andy Johnson yesterday to release the schooner
Laurina from her position on the rocks at the breakwater in the bay, but proved fruitless. The schooner was pulled about a foot when her tow port was destroyed and further effort was abandoned. The schooner is badly damaged, and it is not likely that another attempt will be made to pull her off as the cost such work would exceed her value." Milwaukee Sentinel 5/05/1893.
Today
The remains of the wreck
Laurina have yet to be found.