Philadelphia

The Philadelphia was a 236' long iron-hulled steamer from the Anchor Line. Built in 1868, it was a good-looking ship with wooden upper decks, a single mast and smokestack, and a small circular pilothouse. She was carrying a load of coal and general cargo which included stoves, bottles of ketchup, olive oil, hand lotion, strawberry and apple butter preserves. The iron-hulled steamers Philadelphia and Albany collided at 2 am on Tuesday, November 7, 1893 off Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse, Huron County, Mi. The Philly struck the Albany hard in the side, but quickly loaded her crew on board and took the Albany under tow. Heading for Harbor Beach, the Albany began sinking and was cut loose. Within a half-hour, the Philly herself began sinking and the crews abandoned ship in two lifeboats. Only one lifeboat reached shore. 24 men where in the missing lifeboat.