Our Blog
Wisconsin Marine Historical Society is a self-supported nonprofit organization committed to collecting, preserving, archiving, and sharing materials that illuminate the rich heritage of the Great Lakes maritime industry. Check out our blog to dive deep into the fascinating narratives and events that have shaped the Great Lakes maritime legacy. Search our blog index to find your favorite stories.
The LINDA E. never returned home
December 11, 2025On this day December 11, 1998, the fish tug LINDA E. never returned home. The weather that December was mild. Her three man crew had stated she was on her way in. They told the Smith Bros. foreman they were about twelve miles out with about 1,000 pounds of chub. …Read more
On this day the MARQUETTE & BESSEMER NO. 2 was lost with all hands
December 7, 2025On this day, December 7, 1909, the MARQUETTE & BESSEMER NO. 2 was lost with all hands on Lake Erie. Another victim of a storm with freezing temperatures, snow, and wind gusts of 70 mph. Photo at top of page: MARQUETTE & BESSEMER NO. 2 at Conneaut, Ohio The…Read more
AN ARTIFACT FROM THE EASTLAND
December 5, 2025By James Heinz The greatest loss of life on a Great Lakes shipwreck occurred when the excursion steamer EASTLAND capsized while tied to a dock in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. 844 people lost their lives on a ship that never left the dock. EASTLAND disaster…Read more
On this day the OGEMAW burned
December 3, 2025On this day December 3, 1922, the wooden steamer OGEMAW was on its way up the St. Clair River near Tashmoo Park when fire broke out near the engine room. As it was 2 in the morning, several of the crew were still asleep. The fire whistle was blown. All…Read more
On this day the FLORA burned in the Chicago River
December 2, 2025On this day December 2, 1912, the only side wheel steamer ever built in Milwaukee, the FLORA, burned in Chicago’s North Branch River. The FLORA was built in 1875 by Wolf & Davidson, ran between Milwaukee and Manistee, Mich., for the Engelmann Line and was named for Mike…Read more
The CITY OF BANGOR and 240 new Chryslers get stranded
November 30, 2025On this day November 30, 1926, the CITY OF BANGOR stranded on Keweenaw Point in Lake Superior during a severe storm, with a load of 240 brand new Chrysler cars. A ship loaded with cars rode high in the water, not like one full of iron ore or grain. …Read more
On this day the DANIEL J. MORRELL snapped in two
November 29, 2025On this day November 29, 1966, the DANIEL J. MORRELL snapped in two and sank on Lake Huron. Only one of the 29 crewmen, Dennis Hale, survived. The MORRELL was en route from Cleveland to Taconite Harbor, Minnesota, with only ballast in its hold. Photo at top of page: DANIEL…Read more
Burnt Dinner, Burnt Boat, Not a Good Day
November 28, 2025Many of you have had a Thanksgiving Day experience that has remained fresh in your memory. I am sure that was the case for the 17 crew members of the CHARLES STEWART PARNELL. Not only was the dinner burnt, so was their ship – during dinner! The CHARLES STEWART PARNELL…Read more
Breeches Buoy Saves Passengers of ARGO
November 24, 2025On this day November 24, 1905, passengers and some crew of the Graham & Morton passenger steamer ARGO were hauled to safety thanks to the life-saving crew and the breeches buoy. ARGO dated 1905 The adventure began at 8 p.m. on the 23rd when the ARGO sailed…Read more
On this day the PHOENIX burned
November 21, 2025On this day November 21, 1847, tragically a long journey which started in Rotterdam in September ended in one of the most lakes horrible disasters off the coast of Sheboygan. The propeller PHOENIX burned. Photo at top of page: PHOENIX poster by Wm J Koelpin There were more…Read more
The PACIFIC became a total wreck
November 19, 2025On this day, November 19, 1887, the PACIFIC became a total wreck. At 7:30 p.m. on November 16th, she cast off after loading lumber at her owner’s dock, Cook & Wilson, near Muskallonge, Lake Superior. With a crew of 14, she was bound for Michigan City with a lady…Read more
Lake Michigan claims the CARL D. BRADLEY
November 18, 2025On this day November 18, 1958, Lake Michigan claimed the steamer CARL D. BRADLEY as well as 33 of her crew of 35. Rogers City, Michigan, was especially devastated. It was home to 23 of the lost crew. The newspapers showed grieving families, churches full of caskets, the two…Read more
