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.
WILFRED SYKES arrives at Fincantieri
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that another ship arrived for winter layup. The WILFRED SYKES came up Lake Michigan from Burns Harbor, Indiana over the weekend, then meandered around out in the lake until she arrived at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding dock in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., this…Read more
The Chicago Shipbuilding Company launches the CRESCENT CITY
March 8, 2025On this day February 2, 1897, the Chicago Shipbuilding Company launched the steel steamer CRESCENT CITY for Mr. A. B. Wolvin, president and manager of the Zenith Transit Co. Mrs. Wolvin, wife of the president, christened the 406 foot steamer. The CRESCENT CITY did her owners proud her first…Read more
The UMBRIA is launched
March 8, 2025On this day February 6, 1904, the steel cargo steamer UMBRIA was launched at the American Ship Building Co. yard in Cleveland. Built for Henry A. Hawgood she cost about $280,000 and measured 420 feet in length, 50 feet in beam and 28 feet in depth. The UMBRIA…Read more
The steamer ETRURIA is launched
March 8, 2025On this day February 8, 1902, the steel steamer ETRURIA was launched by West Bay City Shipbuilding Co. for H. A. Hawgood. Her master was Captain Thomas C. Ellis and her chief engineer was H. B. Buchanan. She measured 434 feet over all, 50 feet in beam and 28…Read more
The MESABI MINER was launched at Lorain
March 8, 2025On this day February 14, 1977, the MESABI MINER was launched at Lorain, Ohio, by the American Ship Building Co. for the Pickands Mather & Co., a subsidiary of Moore McCormack and is part of the Interlake Fleet. Photo at top of page: MESABI MINER at Central Ore Dock,…Read more
The HERBERT C. JACKSON is launched
March 8, 2025On this day February 19, 1959, the 689 foot ore carrier HERBERT C. JACKSON was launched at the Great Lakes Engineering Works River Rouge yard. This was the beginning of replacing older vessels on the Lakes. Her launch into the Detroit River caused a “skinned nose” as this February…Read more
The JOSEPH L. BLOCK departs Fincantieri
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V JOSEPH L. BLOCK departed Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Wednesday afternoon March 20th, 2024. The BLOCK went out ice free Sturgeon Bay, up the bay of Green Bay and out into Lake Michigan. The vessel headed for the Straits of Mackinac and…Read more
BURNS HARBOR departs Sturgeon Bay
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V BURNS HARBOR left the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding dock in Sturgeon Bay, Thursday morning March 21, 2024. The vessel went out ice free and up Green Bay toward Lake Michigan. It is destined for Superior, Wis., to pick up its first…Read more
The WILFRED SYKES leaves Sturgeon Bay for Marquette, Mich.
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the S/S WILFRED SYKES left Sturgeon Bay Friday afternoon March 22, 2024. The vessel headed out Sturgeon Bay, then out the unfrozen bay of Green Bay to Lake Michigan. Her destination is Marquette, Mich., for the first load of taconite for the…Read more
The WALTER J. McCARTHY, JR. leaves Fincantieri for Superior, Wis.
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V WALTER J. McCARTHY, JR. left the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding dock in Sturgeon Bay Thursday morning March 21, 2024. The vessel went out ice free Sturgeon Bay and up Green Bay toward Lake Michigan. It is destined for Superior, Wis., to…Read more
The AMERICAN MARINER heads to Silver Bay
March 8, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V AMERICAN MARINER departed Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Wednesday morning March 27, 2024. She proceeded out ice free Sturgeon Bay toward the bay of Green Bay, up Green Bay, through Rock Island Passage and into Lake Michigan. She is heading to Silver…Read more
AMERICAN SPIRIT in for new propeller blades
March 7, 2025Tom Wenstadt, our Door County correspondent, reports that the M/V AMERICAN SPIRIT arrived at the Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding yard mid-morning Tuesday, April 2nd. The vessel came down the Bay of Green Bay, into Sturgeon Bay, pivoted, then backed the six miles to her dock. Assistance from two Great Lakes tugs…Read more
