On this day May 29, 1933, the steam stern wheeler MAYFLOWER, JR. arrived in Milwaukee thanks to William Lawrie.
The MAYFLOWER, JR. was built in 1913 at Oshkosh, Wis., by George D. Ryan for William Wilkins of Oshkosh. She measured 85.6 feet in length, 15 feet in width and 5.2 feet in depth. She was used for many years to carry excursion parties on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River out of Oshkosh. She was bought from William Wilkins estate by the Lawrie Transit Company and brought to Milwaukee to replace the NORTH SHORE which was going to Chicago to carry passengers during the Century of Progress.
The following was written years ago by longtime WMHS member Lois Lawrie Rehberg and describes her memories of the MAYFLOWER, JR.
The MAYFLOWER, JR. in Oshkosh in 1933
“The last boat that my dad bought for his passenger run was the MAYFLOWER, JR. A 90′ stern-wheeler, it had been used to carry excursion parties on Lake Winnebago and the Fox River out of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It was purchased from the William W. Wilkins estate of Oshkosh in 1933 to take the place of THE NORTH SHORE which was going to be used as a passenger boat in Chicago during the Century of Progress.
“Our entire family was aboard when the MAYFLOWER was brought from Lake Winnebago down the Fox River to Milwaukee. It was quite an experience going through the many locks — a trip I’ve always remembered.
The MAYFLOWER, JR. at Milwaukee’s lakefront surrounded by Boy Scout sailboats
“In the short time the MAYFLOWER operated as a passenger boat on Milwaukee Bay, it also served as a fish store for Forelli Fish – at the Kilbourn Avenue bridge. And, at times, it was used to treat groups, such as 200 orphans from St. Roses’, to excursions on the Bay.
The MAYFLOWER, JR. at her dock in Milwaukee by the Kinnickinnic Ave Bridge
“Once, in September, 1934, the MAYFLOWER was partially submerged at its South Shore dock. She was repaired and brought to her dock up the river but later, in 1935, she sank again at the river dock and was not brought up again.
“All of my dad’s boats were available for private charter. There were many groups that hired one of the boats for private parties. At times, they also requested the special fish my mother prepared. The “dormers” were chubs stuffed with onions that were wrapped in butcher paper and baked. They were kept hot on the boat’s engine until they were served. They were delicious!
“A round trip ride on the excursion, boats was 25¢. The private charter prices were 50¢ per person for up to 30 persons; 35¢ per person for 30 to 50 persons and 25¢ per person for over 50 persons. This was for a minimum of 2 hours. After 2 hours, it was 1/2 price.
“Each summer, during those years, there were festivals at Juneau Park. In June, 1935, the centennial of local government, The Milwaukee Summer Festival, was celebrated. Another year it was The Centurama. These events meant busy times for the excursion boats. Full boatloads of people were taken from South Shore to Juneau Park. If fireworks were scheduled, there was a special excursion from Juneau Park into the bay to watch the fireworks. Those were fun times for me.
“My brother, Bill, who was 4 1/2 years older than me, ran the concession stand on the NORTH SHORE. He sold candy bars, Cracker Jack and Black Bear Sodas. I was jealous of him, as he made a percentage of what he sold. I wanted to help him, but was told I was too young.”
The MAYFLOWER JR. was officially reported out of documentation in August 1940.
Suzette Lopez
Photo credit: Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society
This story was originally posted on May 29, 2024.
