YUMA after collision into Cherry Street Bridge – March 6th 1908
Yuma after collision into Cherry Street Bridge – March 6th 1908
The above images shows the propeller Yuma, after it collided with the Cherry Street Bridge in Toledo on March 6, 1908. We believe this image is taken near the bridge on the downtown side of the Maumee River looking south-southeast.
A note in the 1909 Annual Report of the Steamboat-Inspection Service in the Reports of the Department of Commerce and Labor said:
“March 6 – About 12:30 p.m., during a movement of the ice gorge, the steamer Yuma, 2,194 gross tonnage, which was moored at the docks in the Maumee River at Toledo, Ohio, broke her fastenings, causing her to collide with the Cherry Street Bridge, throwing one span of the bridge about 100 feet out of line. About 2 hours later, a further movement of the gorge caused the steamer to shift still farther and the span fell into the river. Harbormaster John A. Page was carried down with the bridge, but was rescued soon after. He is reported as having been seriously injured. A spectator was struck by one of the hawsers when it parted, and he died later in the hospital. Another sustained a broken leg. It has since been ascertained that the damage to the steamer Yuma was $4,883. Estimated damage to bridge, $30,000.”
The Yuma was built in 1893 by Cleveland Ship Building Co. It was 322 2/3′ long and 42 1/8′ wide. In 1918 the vessel was cut in half and taken to the coast and rebuilt to the same dimensions. Yuma finally sank in a collision with the tug Fern in Chesapeake Bay on November 17, 1949.
Now
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My wife and I want you to know we appreciate your online webpage.
I often look for information about our wonderful Great Lakes and our home town, Toledo, Ohio. We were both born in Toledo, (Louise in 1935) and (myself, 1934). Louise grew up on the East side of Toledo graduating from Waite High School in 1953. Myself, Sylvania Burnham High School 1953. We both grew up with a strong love of the Maumee River, and Lake Erie, as well as lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior.
My Uncle Paul piloted a power boat from a wholesale marine supply company dock on the west side of the Maumee, motoring through foggy nights to Great Lakes Frighters tied up on the East side of the river likely near where your museum now is located. I frequently accompanied him during those exciting deliveries. My Uncle Guy, owned a poultry slaughter house on Sinclair Street where I worked during my teenage years. His poultry was delivered to my Uncle Paul’s marine delivery company to be delivered to the freighters regularly for many years. Both uncles and their wives attended the yearly Christmas Shipmasters Ball in Toledo. Quite a fun affair during all those years.
Later in life, I worked at the Buckeye Appliance and Sporting wholesale company located across the street (superior) from the Bostwick and Braun wholesale company.
I have much more I could contribute further on in time all of which would describe our love of Toledo and the Great Lakes region.
Carmon Marshall, now living in Xenia Ohio just east of Dayton.
Dear Mr. Marshall,
Thank you so much for your kind words about our project. It sounds like you have some good stories, we would love to hear them. Have you ever considered writing something for Inland Seas? These are just the kind of memories that we like to read about!
Don’t forget to continue checking back to see our exhibit grow every two weeks.
Cheers,
Carrie Sowden – Archaeological Director, NMGL
Enjoying exhibit from Cleveland. I love local history and old photos, and due to Covid19, it’s a nice way to get out of the house and “travel” to Toledo. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the kind words. We are so glad that you are enjoying this exhibit – our first online exhibit!
We hope you will continue to visit every couple weeks as we add to the exhibit.
Cheers,
Carrie Sowden – Archaeological Director, NMGL