GEORGE III SAVES AMERICAN SHIPBUILDING Chapter Twelve
(Steinbrenner Story Chapter 12)
By James Heinz
George III also had new ships built for Kinsman, including the PAUL THAYER and the WILLIAM R. ROESCH, which were built for a contract with Jones and Laughlin Steel. And where did George build these ships? In the same shipyard that his great grandfather Nutty Philip Jacob Minch I had founded and passed to his son Peter Minch.
A Heartbreaking End to the LADY ELGIN
On September 8, 1860, the LADY ELGIN became a heartbreaking history.
Built as a wooden steam paddle in 1851 at Buffalo by Bidwell & Banta for Patchin & Appleby of Buffalo, she was named after the wife of the then Governor General of British America, Lord Elgin. She was a fast and favorite excursion boat measuring 252 feet in length and 33.7 feet in beam.
Annual Summer Picnic Excursion Begins with Disaster
By Suzette Lopez
On July 24, 1915, employees of the Western Electric Company of Chicago were all filled with anticipation for the great day ahead. Many arrived early to make the most of the annual summer picnic excursion across Lake Michigan to Michigan City, Indiana. Some 7,300 tickets were sold for the event. Five passenger ships were chartered – the THEODORE ROOSEVELT, the PETOSKEY, the RACINE, the ROCHESTER and the EASTLAND.
Chicago’s Breakwater Stops Burning Steamer
By Suzette Lopez
On this day September 1, 1914, the Graham & Morton steamer CITY OF CHICAGO crashed into the breakwater south of the Chicago harbor with her decks on fire. Capt. Oscar Bjork managed to wedge her in the timbers of the structure and all 94 passengers and crew of 56 were able to escape. The women and children on board were carried down ladders set against the steamer’s side as the ship was burning from bow to stern. With all off, the CITY OF CHICAGO burned to the water’s edge. Her cargo of fruit was a complete loss. The fire was reported to have started near the engine room.
Long Ships Passing – Santa’s on top of it
By Chris Winters
Deckhands bring a little Christmas cheer to the forward masthead of the WILFRED SYKES, Grand Haven, Michigan, November 2015.
Long Ships Passing – An Attentive Captain
By Chris Winters
Captain Eric Treece “in the window” aboard the WILFRED SYKES inbound on the Saginaw River, September 2002.
Long Ships Passing – ROGER BLOUGH Fire Drill
By Chris Winters
The crew of Great Lakes Fleet’s M/V ROGER BLOUGH participate in a monthly firefighting drill downbound on Lake Erie with a load of taconite pellets destined for Conneaut, Ohio, September 2015.
Long Ships Passing – ROGER BLOUGH Deckhand
By Chris Winters
A deckhand returns to fresh air and sunlight after mucking out a ballast tank aboard the M/V ROGER BLOUGH, downbound on Lake Huron, October 2013.
Long Ships Passing – Swinging Aboard
By Chris Winters
A deckhand aboard the PAUL R. TREGURTHA is landed by bosun’s chair on approach to the Poe Lock, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, March 2013.
Long Ships Passing – Checking Draft Marks
By Chris Winters
Vince Hagman, the M/V MARK W. BARKER‘s first mate & relief captain checks draft marks before departing with the vessel’s first cargo, Port Inland, Michigan, July 2022.