Avon Lake in Lorain County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wreck Of The John Pridgeon, Jr.
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Photographed by Craig Doda, February 28, 2026
1. Wreck Of The John Pridgeon, Jr. Marker
Capsized September 18, 1909
Official Number: 75756
Coordinates: 41°35'19.0"N, 81°58'35.8"W | Depth 60 feet.
Approximately six miles N/NE of this location.
The John Pridgeon, Jr. capsized in rough and windy seas on September 18th, 1908. All crew were rescued by the nearby steamer, Maryland. Named after John Pridgeon Jr., a Detroit born Mariner and marine salesman. Pridgeon eventually became the mayor of Detroit from 1888-1889.
After, he became the vice president of the White Star Line, the same line that would eventually launch the ill-fated Titanic.
Excerpt from Pridgeon's Obituary Detroit Free Press Sunday, March 17th, 1929
John Pridgeon Dies in East
Former Mayor of Detroit Succumbs at Winter Home; Widow Survives
John Pridgeon, 76 years old, mayor of Detroit for two years, 1888 and 1889, and prominent in the city's political and civic life for a decade previous to his being mayor, died yesterday in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he made is winter home.
While funeral arrangements have not yet been completed, it has been announced that the funeral will take place in Detroit from the home of Harry Milward, 645 Chicago boulevard, a brother-in-law. The body is expected to arrive here this afternoon, accompanied by his widow.
John Pridgeon,
this page online
Continued on Page 3, Column 7.
Erected by Avon Lake Historical Society with lan Sweigart, Eagle Scout.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1929.
Location. 41° 30.825′ N, 82° 1.113′ W. Marker is in Avon Lake, Ohio, in Lorain County. It is at the intersection of Lake Road (U.S. 6) and Avon-Beldon Road (Ohio Route 83), on the right when traveling west on Lake Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32756 Lake Rd, Avon Lake OH 44012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Cleveland, on the Lake Erie Shore, and in the Western Reserve. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lake Erie (a few steps from this marker); Wreck Of The Craftsman (within shouting distance of this marker); Avon Lake High School World War II Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial Park (within shouting distance of this marker); For Democracy WWI Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial Park
Photographed by Craig Doda, February 28, 2026
2. Wreck Of The John Pridgeon, Jr. Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
