All along Wisconsin’s 820 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, storms could mean the difference between profit and financial ruin, survival and terrifying death. This lifesaving medal reminds us of the risks that sailors and Wisconsin’s maritime communities have routinely faced since the early 19th century. It documents the personal bravery, dedication, and ingenuity of those who rescued their fellows from disaster. This lifesaving medal was awarded to one of the volunteers involved in saving the sailors aboard the barque, a three-masted ship, Tanner in 1875.

The Wreck of the Tanner

Bound for Buffalo with a full cargo of wheat, the Tanner left Chicago on the afternoon of September 9, 1875. A powerful storm off of Milwaukee stripped away most of the ship’s sails and left her unable to maneuver. The Tanner dropped anchor in Milwaukee’s outer harbor. As a gale from the northeast followed the squall, a tug boat went to her aid. Three times the tug attempted to tow her to safety between the long piers forming the entrance to Milwaukee’s inner harbor. Three times the tug failed and the crew aboard the Tanner were forced to drop anchor and wait.

The storm only grew worse in the night, pushing the Tanner southeast toward the remaining piers from the harbor’s original entrance. The boat struck the piers around 4AM, breaking the keel and sinking the boat to her deck in 20 feet of water. Another rescue attempt in the morning failed. But some watermen on shore were looking on and devised an elaborate plan to rescue the crew. The six rescuers managed to position a scow as a breakwater that allowed the sailors to jump to safety in relatively calm waters. All six rescuers, all volunteers, were awarded lifesaving medals for their bravery from the U.S. Lifesaving Service.

The wreck and rescue of the Tanner was credited with bringing a professional lifesaving service to Milwaukee. This wasn’t strictly true as plans were already underway but the wreck did emphasize the need for fully equipped lifesaving stations along Wisconsin’s lakeshore.

Written by David Driscoll. Special thanks to Tamara Thomsen, underwater archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation Program.