By Chris Winters

The ST. MARY’S CHALLENGER passes the Ghost Ship C.T.C. No. 1, moored in long-term lay-up status on Lake Calumet, South Chicago, October 2005.    

The C. T. C. NO. 1, which stands for Cement Transit Company, is an abandoned ghost ship docked in Chicago.  Built in 1942 as the FRANK PURNELL, she was renamed C. T. C. NO. 1 in 1983.  She operated as a cement barge for 27 years within the Lake Calumet area.  She has not moved since 2009.  Below is a list of her previous names.

FRANK PURNELL   US 243587

(b) STEELTON – US – 1966

(c) MEDUSA HULL 3 – US – 1979

(d) PIONEER – US – 1979

(e) C.T.C. No. 1 – US – 1983

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Chris Winters is a Trustee and Vice President of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, a well-known author and has been a photojournalist for over 25 years.  He and his cameras have enjoyed a privileged glimpse into the lives of merchant mariners aboard some of the Great Lakes best-known and best-loved vessels.