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NPS Form 10-900-a (Rev. 8-86) Wisconsin Word Processing Format (Approved 3/87) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet Schooner-barge PRETORIA Section 8 Page 9 Ashland.County, WI builders had long realized, was the best material for modern ships. Size alone said enough. At 338 feet long, the Pretoria might be the largest wooden vessel afloat, but she was a runt when compared with the 500 foot-long steel lakers now coming out of the yards. The Saginaw Courier-Herald reported on Davidson's latest wonder: The schooner Pretoria, the largest wooden boat ever built, was launched at Davidson's shipyard this afternoon, in the presence of a vast multitude. The Pretoria will carry 5,000 tons of iron ore, 175,000 bushels of wheat, or 300,000 bushels of oats . . . she is very strong and substantially constructed in every way, has steel keelson plates, steel chords, steel arches, and is also diagonally strapped with steel. The vessel is supplied with three masts, each having a topmast, and these are all equipped with sails. The Pretoria when launched was ready for sea, and even her sails were bent and running gear all rove off when she went into the water. A large pony boiler is supplied, which is situated forward, and this furnishes steam to all the steam appliances. The steam windlass is situated on the main deck, and the vessel is also supplied with the latest improved stockless anchors. The after cabin is built on the main deck, the same as a steamer, and this is entirely in hardwood, cabinet finish. The pilot house is located aft, and the vessel is steered by the latest improved hydraulic steerer. A large deck hoist and combination pump is situated amidships for use of moving at the dock or hoisting sails or cargo, as well as for pumping the ship. Another large steam pump and steam syphons are situated forward. The Pretoria has a rating of A1 star in the Inland Lloyds Insurance Register, and also has the highest class in all the insurance registers of New York City and London. The steamer that will tow the Pretoria is expected to arrive in Saginaw Bay Sunday night or Monday, when the new ship