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 GREAT MILWAUKEE SUBMARINE CAPER
December 31, 2025By James Heinz This story is the type of story that everyone loves: Stupid criminal stories. With a submarine. On July 22, 1940, a note was left on the front porch of 2612 East Shorewood Boulevard in Shorewood, Wis. The note was intended for former resident Rowland Davie, who was…Read more
The E. M. FORD settles in Milwaukee on Christmas Day
December 26, 2025On December 24, 1979, the weather in Milwaukee was not what people wanted, even for travel around town. The E. M. FORD arrived on December 21st and was docked at Terminal 1 in Milwaukee’s outer harbor with a cargo of about 7,000 tons of dry cement. Most of the…Read more
Long Ships Passing – Road Salt
December 21, 2025By Chris Winters The crew of the MARK W. BARKER unload a cargo of road salt at Burns Harbor, Indiana, December 2022. The MARK W. BARKER was the first Great Lakes bulk carrier to be built on the Great Lakes in more than 35 years. Built in 2022 at Fincantieri…Read more
A PRIVATE LIGHTHOUSE IN A MILWAUKEE SUBURB
December 19, 2025By James Heinz Over the years the U.S. Coast Guard has decommissioned many of its lighthouses. Many of these structures have been turned over to nonprofit organizations or individuals, such as the one written about here: https://wmhs.org/the-manitowoc-lighthouse-is-now-open-for-tours/ Some of them have a functioning light and are still active aids to…Read more
The JUNIATA was launched
December 17, 2025On this day December 17, 1904, the steel ferry JUNIATA was launched at Cleveland, Ohio. Built by the American Ship Building Co. for the Erie & Western Transportation Co. she measured 346 feet in length and 45 feet in beam. She was built for passenger and freight service and…Read more
The EMBA was scuttled
December 17, 2025On this day December 15, 1932, the barge EMBA was taken out into Lake Michigan about five miles from Milwaukee and scuttled. Schooner A. C. TUXBURY docked The EMBA started her career as a three-masted schooner named A. C. TUXBURY. She was built in 1890 for the lumber…Read more
The RAPIDS was crushed by ice
December 13, 2025On this day December 12, 1917, the stern wheeler RAPIDS was crushed by ice at Paducah, Kentucky. Her on board crew of two survived. The Great Lakes has claimed many vessels by crushing them in ice, but it does occur to the south, just not nearly as often. Photo…Read more
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
