On 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 was a duplicate of the TIONESTA and OCTORARA.  Most of you will remember her as the MILWAUKEE CLIPPER or the CLIPPER.

            The JUNIATA had a long sailing career.  She sailed ten years for the Erie & Western Transportation Co. (Anchor Line), then from 1915-1939 for the Great Lakes Transit Co.  She was rebuilt in 1940 and renamed the MILWAUKEE CLIPPER for the Wisconsin & Michigan Steamship Co. and then renamed CLIPPER in 1978.  She now lives in Muskegon as a museum ship. 

            Her history is long and exciting but today I would like to share with you some of the Erie & Western’s 1906 sailing schedule which proudly promoted their new JUNIATA.  These schedules are a step back in history and allow us to view what life was like that year through photos, prices and write ups on where to visit.  Enjoy your trip back in time.

Suzette Lopez

Photos: JUNIATA and the 1906 Erie & Western Transit Co. Schedule.  Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.