Great Lakes Book Shelf

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Canadian author and historian Skip Gillham returns with this look at the Fjell Line, one of the saltwater fleets whose vessels were frequent visitors during the early years of the St. Lawrence Seaway and even before that waterway opened. This volume documents the company’s service to the Great Lakes that started in the 1930s and ended when the fleet decided to curtail its lakes and Seaway service in 1972. There are some very interesting and rare photos herein, providing a fascinating look at this once-familiar fleet.

Fjell Line: Great Lakes Pioneers, Skip Gillham, 2008 (72 pages, many black and white photos, $24 from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0)

The Turkey Trail – the meandering course along the North Channel of Lake Huron that connects Georgian Bay with the St. Marys River – has seen its share of vessel traffic over the years, including the passenger vessels of the Owen Sound Transportation Co. such as the Norgoma, Norisle and Normac. This book tells the story of this out-of-the-way route and the ships that sailed it. Now if we could only book passage on the Manitoulin or the Caribou!  As the photos show, these were beautiful ships.

The Last Boats on the Turkey Trail, Skip Gillham & G.I. (Buck) Longhurst, 2008 (110 pages, many black and white photos, $25 from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0)

Marine photographer Rene Beauchamp releases his 25th annual edition of his book "Seaway Ships".  The 46-page spiral bound book includes a statistical summary of all of the salties having visited the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway this past season, 18 color photos, Seaway statistics going back to 1959 and much more.  This is a limited edition book.

To order or for further information, contact Rene Beauchamp at oceanaute@videotron.ca .
Rene Beauchamp, 9041 Bellerive, Montreal, QC, Canada, H1L 3S5 ($20.75 US, $19.45 CN, or $28.00 CN for overseas, all prices including postage, 46 pages, spiral bound, illustrated)

The author was just 19 when he joined the crew of the Lee A. Tregurtha in the summer of 1994 as a deckhand the crew promptly nicknamed “Gilligan.” This is a self-published memoir of that experience, recounting what it felt like to call the old steamship home. Not only is it a story of a young man coming of age on a Great Lakes steamer, it’s the story of the men and women he sailed with and the friendships he forged that will likely last a lifetime. The names have been changed, and Barone sugarcoats nothing, relating the tales of pleasant as well as unpleasant shipmates (and yes, some of the language is a bit salty). What comes through loud and clear is the author’s passion for lake boats and for what has since become his chosen profession. If you want to know what life is like on the boats, this is the book to read.

Steamboating, Ryan Barone, 2007. 215 pages, Publish America.  Copies available at barnesandnoble.com for $19.95.
Visit http://www.publishedauthors.net/ryanbarone/index.html for more information.

Author and historian Skip Gillham strikes again, with this volume dedicated to the vessels of Canada’s venerable Upper Lakes Shipping Co. The book traces the history and ships of the fleet from the 1930s though today, with many black and white photos. The history of each ship is gone into in detail, and the text also chronicles many of the fleet’s captains and chief engineers.

The Ships of Upper Lakes Shipping Skip Gillham, 2007. 186 pages, softcover, many black and white photos. Available for $30 from Skip Gillham at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (US locations remit in US funds.)

Using pictures culled mostly from the archives of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the Manitowoc Company, Inc., this volume presents a detailed registry of vessels built over the span of more than 100 years in Manitowoc, WI. The photos often show, from keel laying to launch, the construction phases of many lakers, spanning the mid-1800s until the last vessel, Edward L. Ryerson, was christened in 1960. Most of the more recent pictures, all in black and white, show interior details, including engine rooms, pilothouses and guest quarters. The text is mostly confined to vessel statistics, however the cover includes a vivid color photo of the Ryerson that, along with the interior photos of this Queen of the Lakes, practically guarantee this book a built-in audience.

Freighters of Manitowoc: The Story of Great Lakes Freight Carrying Vessels Built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Tom Wenstadt, 2007; AuthorHouse, 342 pages, soft cover, many black and white photos. $17.97; www.authorhouse.com

For half a century, the Mackinac Bridge has connected Michigan’s peninsulas. But before that, only ferries crossed the straits. This is the story of the fleet of white-hulled workhorses that linked the upper and lower peninsulas from the early 1920s until 1957, when the bridge opened.  A typical Arcadia book with two photos and captions per page, this is nonetheless a very detailed and obviously well researched account by Bagley, a lifelong ferry fan. If you remember those days (yes, hours-long backups were routine), this book makes a fascinating walk down memory lane that’s perfectly timed for the bridge’s 50^th anniversary.

Michigan State Ferries. Les Bagley, 2007; Arcadia Press, 128 pages, more than 200 black and white photos, with captions. $19.99; available in stores or at www.arcadiapublishing.com

Storm Codes presents the sights and sounds of Great Lakes shipping in the late 1960s through seven-year-old Katy’s story of hope and determination. As a fierce ice storm rips through northern Minnesota, Katy and her mother wait restlessly for her father's ship to return to their harbor in Duluth. This children’s book combines historically-based illustrations with nautical terms and descriptions. Katy even creates her own secret code to help bring her father home safely. The author’s grandfather was once captain of the steamer Edward B. Greene; this vessel is depicted on the cover. “(This) is my small tribute to Great Lakes sailors and their families, and it’s especially close to my heart because of my grandpa’s love of sailing,” Maurer said.

Storm Codes. Tracy Nelson Maurer and illustrated by Christina Rodriguez, 2007 ($8.95 paperbound or $17.95 hardcover, 40 pages, available at bookstores or online at www.stormcodes.com)

Leader on the Lakes is the story of this venerable company and the role it has played in lakes shipping during its century-long voyage to becoming the largest domestic provider of waterborne, dry bulk, self-unloader transportation on the Great Lakes. This handsome, commemorative history book contains many photos (including shipyard, christening and on-board shots), newspaper excerpts and other tidbits detailing the highlights of ASC’s 100-year history, from its founding in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1907 to its centennial year. Grab these while they last.

American Steamship Company: Leader On The Lakes. 2007 (112 pages, softcover , $25 plus shipping and tax where applicable, payment by credit card or via PayPal, at www.americansteamship.com)

by Gerry Ouderkirk & Skip Gillham

Hindman Transportation
by Skip Gillham

In The Ships of Kingston, the authors not only present a detailed account of vessels built at that Lake Ontario port, but that also served it over the years. The history of shipbuilding in the area includes a surprising number of warships, as well as more familiar lakers such as the D.C. Everest, largest ever built at the yard. The book also explores the many vessels converted there for other uses, and those which called at Kingston often, with many black and white photos of each.

Hindman Transportation tells the story of the family-owned Canadian-flag fleet that was a familiar sight on the Lakes and Seaway from the 1940s until 1977, in later years operating such vessels as the George Hindman, Howard Hindman, Ruth Hindman, Helen Evans and Parker Evans. Here, the photos (including a section of on-board shots) and text tell the story, not only of the vessels, but the Hindman family itself.

Both books are a fine addition to the previous Canadian fleet histories that Gillham has been producing over the past several years.

The Ships of Kingston. Gerry Ouderkirk and Skip Gillham, 2007 (114 pages, softcover; Hindman Transportation. Skip Gillham, 2007 (104 pages, softcover).  Both books available for $25 each (U.S. funds for U.S. addresses) from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0

Author Neel Zoss explores an often-ignored chapter in Great Lakes shipping history, the unique-to-the-lakes whaleback, invented by Capt. Alexander McDougall and manufactured at his American Steel Barge Co. more than 100 years ago. With this volume, a typical Arcadia book laid out with two black-and-white photos to a page, Zoss hopes to increase public awareness of the whalebacks’ contribution to the shipping industry, and also promote visitation to the Meteor , the last of the breed, now a museum at Superior, Wis. To this end, the book includes a special section of photos of the boat taken by crewmembers while she was in service. Captions throughout are detailed and seem solidly-researched. Many of the photos are very rare, which adds to the value for serious collectors.

McDougall’s Great Lakes Whalebacks. Neel R. Zoss, 2007, available at area bookstores, online bookstores or from Arcadia Publishing, www.arcadiapublishing.com. ($19.99, 128 pages, softcover, 250 black and white photos)

This is the real-life story behind one of the most popular tales of the Great Lakes – the 1912 sinking of the Rouse Simmons, using the tragic story of the schooner as a window into the robust but oft-forgotten communities that thrived along Lake Michigan from the Civil War to World War I. Memorialized in songs, poems, fiction, and even a musical, the famous ship that went down in a Thanksgiving storm while delivering Christmas trees to Chicago has long been shrouded in myth. As a result, the larger story of the captain, crew, and affected communities has often been overlooked. Fred Neuschel delves into this everyday life of camaraderie, drudgery, ambition, and adventure to create a true story that is even more fascinating than the celebrated legends.

Lives and Legends of the Christmas Tree Ships. Fred Neuschel, 2007 ($24.95, clothbound, 270 pages, available at bookstores or online at www.press.umich.edu)

This is Canadian historian Alan Mann’s second such book; like the first, this volume contains some terrific boat pictures. With chapters such as “Wood and Steel: The Pioneers,” “Rivets and Steel: Metal Goliaths, “War Route: Gray With Guns” and “U.S. Steel: Uncle Sam’s Ships,” Mann does a good job touching on the huge variety of commerce seen on the St. Clair River from the 1800s to the present day. With Port Huron marking its 150th anniversary, the timing couldn’t be better.

“St. Clair Shipping: Marine Highway” Alan Mann, 2006, Looking Back Press (Vanwell Publishing, 1 Northrup Crescent, PO Box 2131, St. Catharines, ON  L2R 7S2), 128 pages, around 250 black & white photos, $22.95

 “Tugboats” takes an in-depth look into the practices of Great Lakes ice-breaking, ship-assistance and towing. At the turn of the last century, the towing industry changed with the consolidation of fleets and the design of the low-profile powerful steam ship-docking tug. This “G-Tug” design has become known all around the world and these same 80-year old tugs are still the primary workhorse in most harbors on the lakes today.

Many other designs, unique to the fresh waters of the Great Lakes, are also profiled, including the WYTM class and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tugs. Additionally, U.S. Army auctions have brought many government-class tugs such as LTs, STs, and DPCs to the lakes in the hands of private and commercial operators. In the rivers that feed the busy port of Chicago and all throughout New York State on the Erie Canal, a rare species of tug can be found, the famous canallers, which are also featured in this volume. Tugs are Von Riedel’s passion, and it shows in this profusely illustrated volume.

“Tugboats of the Great Lakes” Franz VonRiedel, 2007. 160 pages, softcover, 365 color and black and white photos. $34.95 plus $3 s-h ($5 to Canada) from the author, P.O. Box 16687, Duluth, MN 55816; ZenithTugboat@aol.com.

An updated version of the original book of the same title, here’s the latest in a series from prolific historian Skip Gillham. Although it provides a brief sketch of the company’s history, this one primarily addresses the history and vessels of Canada Steamship Lines after World War II. The book tells the story of 142 vessels, listed alphabetically from Acadian to Winnipeg (II), often with several black and white photos of each. As with his other works, Gillham’s latest is an exhaustively-researched and compellingly presented effort.

“Postwar Ships of Canada Steamship Lines” Skip Gillham, 2007. 236 pages, softcover, more than 200 black and white photos. Available for $30 from the author at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0

Marine photographer Rene Beauchamp releases his 24th annual edition of his book "Seaway Ships".  The 46-page spiral bound book includes a statistical summary of all of the salties having visited the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway this past season, 19 color photos, Seaway statistics going back to 1959 and much more.  This is a limited edition book with only 150 copies being printed.

To order or for further information, contact Rene Beauchamp at oceanaute@videotron.ca .
Rene Beauchamp, 9041 Bellerive, Montreal, QC, Canada, H1L 3S5 ($19.75 US, $19.95 CN, or $27.00 CN for overseas, deduct $1.50 if ordered before Jan. 22, 2007; all prices including postage, 46 pages, spiral bound, illustrated)

Canadian marine historian Skip Gillham has teamed up with Buck Longhurst for this history of Purvis Marine Limited of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., that doubles as a tribute to the Purvis family and their long involvement in maritime interests. Several old photos of the Purvis family are included, and every vessel, from tugs to barges to the 730-foot lakers scrapped recently by the firm are included in picture and with a thumbnail history of each. The authors have done a thorough job in telling the story of yet another Canadian-flag company that’s made its mark on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

“Purvis Marine Limited,” Skip Gillham/ G.I. “Buck” Longhurst, 2006. (114 pages, softcover, illustrated with 143 black and white photos). Available from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0. Cost is $24, shipping and handling included (U.S. funds for U.S. orders).

Author and historian Skip Gillham has added to his already impressive list of Canadian fleet histories with this volume, dedicated to the Keystone Fleet, which was active on the St. Lawrence Seaway until just after the present system of locks was built, rendering the vessels obsolete. Photos of the Keyshey, Keystate, Keybar and many others help tell the story of this company, formed in 1909 to carry Pennsylvania coal for the Montreal Light, Heat and Power  Co. As always, Skip’s done himself proud, giving the complete account of this once-familiar but now largely forgotten steamship company.

“Ships of the Keystone Fleet,” Skip Gillham, 2006. (50 pages, softcover, illustrated with many black and white photos). Available from the author, at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0. Cost is $18, shipping and handling included (U.S. funds for U.S. orders)

Ric Mixter’s latest DVD examines the careers of four U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers – Escanaba (WPG-77), Hollyhock (WAGL 220), Sundew (WLB 404) and Mackinaw (WAGB 83). Anyone familiar with Mixter’s earlier productions knows his work is first class, and “Cutter Rescues” continues the tradition. Historic images of all four vessels are fascinating; particularly gripping is live footage of the Mackinaw’s involvement in the rescue of the crew of the whaleback Henry Cort, sunk at Muskegon in 1934.

“Cutter Rescues” (DVD) Ric Mixter, 2006, Available for $19.95 (add $4 s-h) from Airworthy Productions, 3060 E. Wintergreen, Saginaw, MI 48603

It’s amazing to see how many old friends we have lost to overseas scrappers since the first laker left on the end of a towline around the same time the St. Lawrence Seaway opened for business in 1959. Skip Gillham’s latest documents them all, and when you stop to do the math – 245 pages with 2 photos to a page – you get an idea of the number of vessels involved. Each entry is accompanied by a black and white photo that shows the vessel leaving the lakes at the end of a towline or, more rarely, under its own power. Although sad, this book answers the question “whatever happened to…” for many long-gone lakers.

“Final Voyages: Lakers Scrapped Far From Home” Skip Gillham  $30 (U.S., includes S-H); available from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, Ont. L0R 2C0

This book is a wonderful documentation of the final two years of life aboard the recently retired icebreaker, her operations and the men and woman who made her work. Planisek interviewed most of Mackinaw’s crew, from her last commander to the least enlisted man, and spent many hours traveling aboard the mighty icebreaker. The volume tells the story of her crew, their duties, their relationships with other crew members and the people of the city of Cheboygan.
  
The book is richly illustrated with color photos, diagrams and explanations that are not found anywhere else, and is an excellent companion to Mike Fornes’ recent book that tells the history of the Mackinaw.
  
All profits from the book go toward historic preservation of the vessel.Order directly from GLLKA by calling 231-436-5580, or via the Web at: info@gllka.com  or by mail to the address below.

"Icebreaker Mackinaw" Susan L. Planisek, 2006. Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, P.O. Box 219, Mackinaw City, MI 49701; (152 pages, $18.95 | Shipping $4 | MI residents $1.13 tax.)

This CD comes nicely packaged in a booklet that features more than 18 maritime illustrations. Great Lakes troubadour Lee Murdock does his usual outstanding job, this time getting listeners in the mood for the Yuletide season with 11 songs ranging from “A Maritime Christmas” to “Christmas Goes to Sea.”  Also included are Lee’s renditions of “Silent Night” and “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” as well as the original “When Big Mack Comes to This Harbor,” which sets down in song the traditional trip by the retired USCG cutter Mackinaw made to Chicago with Christmas trees for the needy. Let Lee be this first to wish you Merry Christmas this year.

“Christmas Goes to Sea” CD, Lee Murdock, 2005; $20. Order on-line at www.leemurdock.com

The timing couldn’t be better for this history of the about-to-be-retired U.S. Goast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw, and Mike Fornes, a reporter for the Cheboygan Daily Tribune, is just the man to write it. He follows the career of the Mighty Mac from building at Toledo, through service in World War II and beyond, touching on its captains, crews, the multitudes of vessels it helped over the years, and even the horrified reaction of many when it’s once-white hull was painted red. If there has been anything about the Mackinaw left out of this book, it would be hard to tell what. Written in a casual fashion, with lots of interesting recollections from crewmen and plenty of pictures showing the Mac inside and out, there’s also plenty of space devoted to the Mackinaw’s many missions beyond icebreaking, including search and rescue. The book wraps up with plans to preserve the Mackinaw at her long-time home port of Cheboygan, Mich., as a museum. Concluding pages introduce the new Mackinaw, with more photos and a description of her abilities. This is a fitting tribute to a vessel that truly deserves legendary status.

“USCG Mackinaw: An Illustrated History of a Great Lakes Queen” by Mike Fornes, 2006; Mike Fornes, Box 305, Mackinaw City, MI 49701 ($35 (tax, s-h included), 162 pages, many black and white & color photos, paperback)

Just in time for the 30the anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald comes another book on the subject, this one by an author better known for his biographies of musicians and moviemakers than for his books about Great Lakes shipwrecks. In fact, this is his first, although he has written scripts for shipwreck documentaries. However that didn’t stop Michael Shumacher from producing one the most definitive books on the subject to date.

“MightyFitz” – inexplicably without a single photo or map – provides already familiar details about the Fitz’s last hours, the terrible storm, the damage the vessel’s captain reported to the master of the Arthur M. Anderson, and the horrible moment when the Anderson’s captain realized the Fitzgerald was gone. It covers the search and rescue effort, and reports on the surveys and dives to the wreck and the investigations that followed. It examines the various theories as to why the vessel broke up, covers the controversial raising of the ship’s bell and recounts the dispute that developed between rival shipwreck historians/divers Tom Farnquist and Fred Shannon. His interviews with the family members of those who were lost are especially compelling.

Ultimately, Schumacher offers little new information. But his book makes for a complete and gripping read, even for those who are already familiar with the Fitzgerald’s story.

“Mighty Fitz: The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Michael Schumacher, 2005; Bloomsbury Publishing ($24.95, 243 pages, hardcover)

Marine photographer Rene Beauchamp releases his 23rd annual edition of his book "Seaway Ships".  The 46-page spiral bound book includes a statistical summary of all of the salties having visited the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway this past season, 19 color photos, Seaway statistics going back to 1959 and much more.  This is a limited edition book with only 175 copies being printed.

For further information or to order, contact Rene Beauchamp at oceanaute@videotron.ca .
Rene Beauchamp, 9041 Bellerive, Montreal, QC, Canada, H1L 3S5 ($19.25 US, $19.95 CN, or $27.00 CN for overseas, all prices including postage, 46 pages, spiral bound, illustrated)

Canadian authors/historians Longhurst and Gillham have compiled not only a valuable historical document about a small fleet of ships – four colorful vessels, two of them named Yankcanuck and the steamers Mancox and Manzzutti – but also chronicle of the life of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario’s Capt. Frank “Skipper” Manzzutti , a pioneering Great Lakes sailor and ship owner/operator. Profusely illustrated with black and white photos, most of them never published, the book also lets readers in on a little-known secret. There was to have been another motor vessel built for the fleet at Collingwood following the Yancanuck of 1963 that would have been named Captain Manzzutti, but the company never followed through with the plans. “Skipper”Manzzutti died at the Soo in 2000, still hard at work in his 80s. This volume is a fitting tribute.

“Yankcanuck Steamships Limited” Buck Longhurst & Skip Gillham, 2005, Send order to Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, Ont., Canada, L0R 2C0. ($20, 60 pages, softbound, illustrated)

Franz VonRiedel of the Duluth area, who is well known as a passionate tugboat / workboat aficionado, has put together a book that celebrates through black and white photos many vessels that might be considered Great Lakes workhorses, those that labor behind the scenes and seldom make the headlines. Besides the big lakers that usually get all the attention, this volume includes sections that pay homage to fish tugs, bumboats, grocery launches, barges, vessels being scrapped – and yes, tugs aplenty.
 

“Commercial Ships on the Great Lakes: A Photo Gallery” Franz A. VonRiedel, 2005, Iconografix Inc., 1830A Hanley Road, P.O. Box 446, Hudson, WI 54016 ($29.95, 158 pages, softbound, illustrated, info@iconografixinc.com)

The sidewheeler  Francis Smith was one of the most luxurious steamboats to sail on the upper Great Lakes during her time. This is her story, set against a backdrop of history and retrieving from obscurity some of the major personalities and incidents in the history of Canada’s Georgian Bay. Cameron has done his research well, and it shows in the details offered here. The book is a fascinating glimpse of a way of life long vanished from the lakes.

“The Francis Smith: Palace Steamer of the Upper Great Lakes, 1867–1896” Scott L. Cameron, 2005, Natural Heritage Books, www.naturalheritagebooks.com. ($22.95-U.S., 288 pages, softbound, illustrated)

Veteran photographer Ed Wargin has produced a spectacular collection of scenes of 51 Michigan lighthouses taken from unique angles and emphasizing intriguing groupings of colors. The volume ranges from aerial shots to the warm pink colors of dawn to the purples of dusk. This book would have to be considered as a work-of-art among the many lighthouse tomes published in recent years. The images display an understanding of composition and scope that can be instructive to the amateur photographer. This is a truly special set of images.

“Legends of Light: A Michigan Lighthouse Portfolio” Ed Wargin, 2005, Ann Arbor Media Group LLC, 2500 South State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ($39.95, hardcover, illustrated)

Canadian author and marine historian Skip Gillham continues his series of fleet/vessel histories with this volume dedicated to “The Ships of the Misener Fleet”. At time of its demise in 1994, Misener operated some of the handsomest steamers in Great Lakes and Seaway service, among them the Scott Misener and John A. France, as well as the newer Senneville and Silver Isle. The book recounts the founding, growth and eventual decline of the company, then goes on to document, in great detail and with a number of very rare black and white photos, each vessel that ever sailed under the Misener flag. It becomes abundantly clear the huge number of ships involved with Misener over the years, especially before the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway doomed the small canallers to the boneyard. “Ships of the Misener Fleet” is essential for the libraries of any serious Great Lakes vessel buff.

“The Ships of the Misener Fleet” Skip Gillham; 2005; available from the author, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON, L0R 2C0 ($30 U.S. funds, which includes S-H); 176 pages, softbound.

City of the Rapids: Sault Ste. Marie's Heritage
by Bernie Arbic

Bottom of the Lock
(DVD & CD_ROM)
T&T Productions

Two books and a DVD help commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the Soo Locks in 2005.

“Upbound Downbound: The Story of the Soo Locks” was written by Sault Ste. Marie historian and retired Lake Superior State University professor Bernie Arbic and Nancy Steinhaus, president of the Chippewa County Historical Society. The book, illustrated with many fascinating black and white photos, covers the building of the locks, operating and maintaining them, and the process of dredging the St. Marys River channels.  While it contains plenty of necessary detail, the volume is still accessible to the casual reader.

“City of the Rapids” Sault Ste. Marie’s Heritage” is by Arbic alone. Starting with “After the Last Glacier” and ending 13 chapters later with “Odds and Ends,” this extremely well researched and readable work leaves no avenue unexplored when it comes to its subject matter. There’s even a list of former Sault Ste. Marie mayors. Besides the history of the town, text and photos cover such events as the building of the Soo Locks and the power canal that bisects the city. There’s also enough here about the locks and lakers to keep history buffs and boat fans happy.

The two Sault Ste. Marie books can be obtained from the Chippewa County Historical Society, P.O. Box 342, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783 (Michigan residents add 6 percent tax and $3 s-h). For information on buying a copy of “Bottom of the Lock,” visit www.tandtproductions.net.  – Roger LeLievre

“Upbound Downbound: The Story of the Soo Locks” Bernie Arbic & Nancy Steinhaus; 2005; (80 pages, illustrated, softbound, $10.95)

“City of the Rapids” Sault Ste. Marie’s Heritage” Bernie Arbic; 2003 (348 pages, illustrated, softbound, $15.95)

“Bottom of the Lock” (DVD & CD-ROM) T&T Productions; 2005 (running time: under 1/2 hour; DVD $11, CD-ROM $10)

Ivan H. Walton was a folklorist who drove from town to town around the Great Lakes in the 1930s collecting the songs and stories of aging sailors. His collection – which began as a search for songs but broadened into a collection of weather signs, shipboard beliefs, greenhorn tales, and stories of the intense rivalry between sailors and the steamboat men who replaced them – is unique in the annals of Great Lakes folklore. Edited by Joe Grimm, “Songquest” is a fascinating selection from the daily journals Walton wrote during his travels. His writings provide a clear picture of the colorful individuals he met and interviewed. Walton also documented the methods – including bulky early recording devices – he used and also included his personal thoughts about his nomadic life and the events going on around him during the 1930s, including the Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election and the end of Prohibition. These journal entries bring to life an era on the Great Lakes long gone into the history books.

“Songquest: The Journals of Great Lakes Folklorist Ivan H. Walton” Edited by Joe Grimm; 2005, Wayne State University Press (256 pages, black & white illustrations, softbound, $27.95) Available from www.wsupress.wayne.edu

This book addresses the May 7, 1965 sinking of the steamer Cedarville after a collision with the Norwegian freighter Topdalsfjord in the fogbound Mackinac Straits. According to the author, a maritime attorney and former naval officer, the vessel’s owner, U.S. Steel, and the captain, conspired to prevent the crew from escaping to safely as their vessel sank beneath them. Ten sailors died in the tragedy, most of them laboring in the engine room as Capt. Martin Joppich tried in vain to beach his vessel. “Conspiracy” author delves in depth into events before, during and after the tragedy, including the legal battle that ensued.

Although an interesting read, some factual errors make thoughtful readers wonder what else herein is incorrect. Throughout, the author refers what is simply known as Calcite to sailors as Port Calcite, as if Port was part of its formal name (it is not). He several times calls the old George M. Steinbrenner a motor vessel, when in fact it was a steamer. He writes that the ill-fated Edward Y. Townsend belonged to Interlake Steamship Co. when it did not. And he refers to Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw as having a red hull in 1965, when in fact the distinctive new paint job was not applied until nearly 30 years later.

“The Cedarville Conspiracy: Indicting U.S. Steel” L. Stephen Cox; 2005, University of Michigan Press (256 pages, softbound, $16.95)  Available from www.wsupress.wayne.edu

Prolific Canadian marine historian Skip Gillham has released his second volume dedicated to documenting the staunch World War II Liberty ships that were so essential to the war effort. This one concentrates on those built at Canadian shipyards and that sailed the lakes and Seaway after the conflict ended.

Profusely illustrated, many of these photos show these veteran steamers nearing the end of their days as they transited the Seaway. Referred to as the “Park” and “Fort” classes because of their names (such as Norwood Park and Fort Panmure) the vessels saw service under many flags after the war, including the Canadian, with a few winding up, after rebuilding, as Branch Line tankers such as Elmbranch and Sprucebranch.

Staple-bound and not a fancy production, the booklet still contains a wealth of information essential the serious ship enthusiast, telling the histories and final dispositions of these proud craft.

“Canadian Liberties on the Lakes,” Skip Gillham, 2005, Send order to Skip Gillham, 3750 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (47 pages, illustrated, $16 U.S. funds, checks made out to the author)

Canadian marine historian, writer and vessel enthusiast Skip Gillham continues his ongoing series of books documenting Canada’s maritime history. This time he focuses on the ships built and Midland, Ont.,

The volume, co-written by Vern Sweeting, who spent much of his career working at the shipyard, contains many rare photos of vessels under construction or being launched. All in all, there are nearly 150 pictures of vessels, most of which are gone from the scene. The last hull built at Midland Shipbuilding Co., T.R. McLagan, was launched in 1953 and sold for scrap in 2003. In addition to addressing the construction of such vessels as Lemoyne, Gleneagles or James Norris, the book also includes the many tugs and vessels built for wartime service at Midland. The volume closes with a chapter on ships not built at Midland, but named in honor of the city, such as Midland Prince and Imperial Midland.

This is another one of those books that belong in every serious enthusiast’s library.

“The Ships of Midland” Skip Gillham & Vern Sweeting, 2004. To order, send a check for $22 to Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0. Please mark your check U.S. funds. (106 pages, softcover, illustrated)

Great Lakes balladeer Lee Murdock’s latest CD is a well-chosen mix of originals, compelling traditional tunes and strong versions of songs by other composers.

In the first category, “Casting Your Cares to the Deep” and “On Gravelly Bay” are outstanding, as are the instrumental charmers “The Song in the Shifting Sands” and “Fair Winds at Twilight.” The title track, “Between Two Worlds,” relates how two Great Lakes passenger liners were converted to aircraft carriers during World War II. Fans have been asking Murdock for years to record the traditional song “Eddystone Light,” and he has obliged, including the clever “Sailor’s Alphabet” for good measure. Monica Marshall’s poignant “Old Port,” about the loss of the fish tug Linda E. and the demise of Lake Michigan’s commercial fishing industry, is also a good choice.  Perhaps if this disc has a more reflective feel than previous efforts, it may be in part because of songs such as Woody Guthrie’s tragic“1913 Massacre,” based on a true story that took place in the Copper Country and involved a fire that took the lives of immigrant miners, women and children.  Meanwhile,  Murdock’s musicianship on the guitar(s) is as skilled as ever and his voice sings out loud and clear. Coming hard on the heels of his “Lake Rhymes” book and accompanying CD, this is proof Lee’s time away from the water has been well spent.

“Between Two Worlds” Lee Murdock (CD), 2004. $15.00. To order, visit www.leemurdock.com (15 songs, 64 minutes)

Visitors to Duluth (and boatwatchers on the Internet) are no doubt familiar with Ken Newham’s “Duluth Shipping News” publication and website, focusing on the goings-on at the Twin Ports. Newhams has released this DVD featuring more than 300 pictures and four videos, taken during 2003 and arranged month-by-month. Not only are there excellent pictures of vessels arriving, departing and loading, there are many unusual images taken aboard these lakers and salties as well. Newhams has what would be an ideal job for most of us, and he clearly enjoys sharing it.

“Duluth Shipping News” (DVD), 2004, Ken Newhams. Available for $23.45 (including tax and shipping) from Duluth Shipping News, 525 Lake Ave. South, Duluth, MN 55802.

When author Jay Michael Brandow found a yellowing photograph of children standing on the deck of a Great Lakes freighter in the wall of an old home he was restoring in Bay City, his curiosity was aroused.  It took more than a year to identify the youngsters in the photo and almost another to track down one of the little girls pictured. As it turned out, Sis Johnson was 84 when he finally caught up with her. The woman’s grandfather, father and uncle were captains on the Great Lakes during the days of wooden ships, and her uncle was Capt. Walter Neal, sole survivor of the Myron, shipwrecked off Whitefish Point in 1919. Sis’ recollections take the reader back to the family home when word of the shipwreck arrived, but the safety of Uncle Water was in question.  It’s a first-hand account from someone who was there… the sense of immediacy and of family making this self-published work a fascinating read.

“The Captain’s Chair” Jay Michael Brandow, 2004. $18.69. To order call 1-888-795-4274. (231 pages, softcover, illustrated)

Author Petersen has gathered a collection of nearly 300 photos taken by the late Erhardt N. Peters, who was a wheelsman for the Pere Marquette fleet, into a book that documents the “golden age” of car ferry service on the lakes.

“Erhardt N. Peters 'Spirit of the Lakes' ” David K. Petersen, 2004, Order from David K. Petersen, 1950 W. Conrad Rd., Ludington, Mi., 49431. (224 pages, softbound, $19.95.

Author Patrick Livingston worked his way through college in the late 1960s by shipping out on the lakes. He's written a colorful memoir of those days spent sailing on the passenger steamers South American and Columbia, the tanker Mercury, the bulk carriers Paul H. Carnahan, John Hulst, Bethlehem and others. This book, one of the best to come out on the topic since Mark Thompson’s “A Sailor's Logbook,” recounts a colorful chapter in Great Lakes history.
Wayne State University (306 pages, illustrated, softbound, $29.95) - Available from Marine Publishing Co.  www.knowyourships.com
 

Noted railroad car ferry historian Art Chavez has published the second book concerning the history of Lake Michigan car ferries. The historic steamship City of Midland 41 sailed the waters of Lake Michigan for nearly 50 years, transporting railroad cars, automobiles and passengers. Built in 1941 by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, she was the flagship of the Pere Marquette’s fleet and her sleek profile was a bold departure from traditional car ferry design. She became known as the “Queen of the Great Lakes Car Ferries.”

Chavez has put together a collection of rare archival photographs and drawings, most of them never previously published. The “41” is documented from her inception and launching through her career with Pere Marquette and C & O Railroads to her present status as a barge. The book also outlines the legacy of the car ferry from the 1880s to the present. Arcadia Publishing, 888-313-2665, sales@arcadiapublishing.com. (128 pages, $19.99)

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway historian and author Skip Gillham has turned his attention to the Liberty ships built for service during World War II. Though not beautify (FDR dubbed them “ugly ducklings”) they were functional and played a vital role in the Allied victory.

After the War, most were sold to private firms and many found their way into the inland seas after the Seaway opened in 1959. Gillham’s book is a comprehensive look at those vessels, from A to Z. In addition to the many black and white photos contained herein, the book also includes a thumbnail history of each vessel, including year built, former names and ultimate disposition (usually an overseas scrapyard).

A chapter also visits those Liberty ships that got into trouble on the Lakes, including the Protostatis and her ill-fated 1965 trip, which included two groundings and eventually led to the vessel being sold for scrap.

Skip Gillham, 2004, Order from Skip Gillham, 3750 King St., Vineland, Ont. L0R 2C0 (80 pages, illustrated, $21, postage incuded - Click on image to print order form)

Great Lakes balladeer Lee Murdock has, with his wife Joann, released a multi-media work designed to please a multitude of audiences.

“Lake Rhymes” is a songbook and study guide, with an 18-song companion CD containing some of Murdock’s most familiar tunes, including “Rolling Home,” “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” “Lost on the Lady Elgin” and “The Great Lakes Song.” Fans can delight in these new arrangements of familiar tunes, musicians can play along with the printed scores and teachers can use the volume in the classroom to create a fun lessons for their students while meeting learning objectives in history, geography, music and language arts.

In addition to the music, “Lake Rhymes” includes an introduction to folk songs in general, including how they are written and passed on; a section of Great Lakes facts and figures; a glossary of Great Lakes terms; a comprehensive map and timeline. Black and white photos and sketches (many by Loudon G. Wilson), brief explanations of the stories behind the songs, plus an eye-pleasing layout help make this volume even more valuable to educators in particular.
Depot Recordings Publications, P.O. Box 11, Kaneville, IL 60114 (146 pages, illustrated, with CD, $30)

Similar in concept to the local history books published by the stateside Arcadia Press, this volume addresses the Canadian shoreline of the St. Clair River, paying particular attention to the ships that were familiar sights in the area in years past.

Chapters address the upriver and downriver ports, from Point Edward/Sarnia through Stag Island, Mooretown, Courtwright, Sombra, Walpole Island and more. Other subdivisions look back at sailing vessels, overnight steamers, ferries and the St. Clair Flats.

These kinds of local interest books rely heavily on historic photos, and this one especially takes advantage of many rare views from the author’s own files. The captions go the extra mile with historic information, making this book a real gem for the shipping enthusiast.
Looking Back Press. P.O. Box 2131, St. Catharines, Ont., L2R 7S2 (128 pages, illustrated, $22.95, postage included)

 Skip Gillham, well-known Canadian historian and shipping writer, has released this look back at some of the mishaps and disasters involving ships that sailed the lakes in years past. This collection of 240 black and white photos, with information presented in caption format, is presented in chronological order with a thumbnail description of the vessel and the problems it encountered.

Tracing its history back to the Wyandot Indians, "Honoring Our Detroit River" is a comprehensive volume covering many aspects of the history of the Detroit River and it¹s tributaries.

Hartig and his contributors have put together a book rich in history and technical information. They cover many aspects of Detroit River history past, present and future, mainly from the ecological aspect but exploring other areas as well. The book, which includes many tables, photographs and maps, is broken down into various sections, each one written by a contributor or group of contributors who are noted authorities on the subject of that section. Of particular interest are the last sections of the book, which deal more with the planned future of the Detroit River and immediate area. It outlines plans for more focus on the Detroit riverfront for public use, similar to the Canadian side of the river in Windsor.
Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Mich. (234 pages, $29.95)

Subtitled "The Definitive Reference," this new work by prolific lighthouse writer Ray Jones is a must for the library of every lighthouse lover, beginner or veteran.

The coffee-table size volume, produced in association with Lighthouse Digest and the American Lighthouse Foundation, contains 150 spectacular color photographs and another 150 black and white photographs taken by well-known lighthouse photographers around the world, including many Great Lakes lights.
The Globe Pequot Press, PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437 (274 pages, $27.95)

As with most Arcadia books, this one relies heaviest on historic photos to tell its story, and there are some gems included, not only of the Badger but of the train and auto ferries that preceded her in the cross-lake trade. Also reproduced are old advertising brochures, tickets, christening programs and the like from Badger and her fleetmates, as well as greatly reduced but still legible Badger blueprints.

Chavez has done a first-rate job writing about a subject he obviously knows well.  This book is a must, not only for lake ship and ferry fans, but for train buffs as well, since the Badger was originally built for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

The Revised First Volume of
Ahoy & Farewell

Ninety-Five Years Young: The Story of the S.S. Keewatin, 1907 to the Present

U.S. Freighters of
the Great Lakes

The Real Shanty Days
By Wendell Wilke

Our "Downriver" River
by Rockne Smith

The Ships of Collingwood
By Skip Gillham

The Ships of Collingwood Skip Gillham, 2001. 228 pages, softcover, many black and white photos. Available for $30 from Skip Gillham at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0. (US locations, remit in US funds.)
 

Ships of the 
Great Lakes Cookbook
by Paula McKenna

To order Ships of the Great Lakes Cookbook: Discover Their Culinary Legends call (800) 947-4136. Order on-line at www.cookbookpublishing.com

Lighthouses of Lake Michigan, Past and Present
by Wayne S. Sapulski

A Year In Paradise: How We Lived Our Dream
Stephen Wright Watterson

The Ships of Canada's Marine Services
by Charles D. Maginley

Most Frequently-Asked Questions about the 
Welland Canal

Debt of Conscience
by Lorenzo Giangrande

Branch Lines & Socanav
Tankers of the Great Lakes
by Skip Gillham
(with Bruno Boissonneault)

Branch Lines & Soconav Tankers of the Great Lakes Skip Gillham (with Bruno Boissonneault), 2001. 44 pages, softcover, many black and white photos. Available for $16 from Skip Gillham at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (US locations remit in US funds.)

Great Laker Magazine

 Salties 2000 - 2001
by Norman Eakins

This new publication owes its origin to the "LAKERS & SALTIES" series and was "spun-off" this year as a separate publication to benefit those boatwatchers whose interest in salties may be greater than their interest in lakers (or vice versa!). This change has allowed for even more information to be contained without any commensurate increase in price. Purchasers of this book will be advised when the new "LAKERS 2000-2001" book becomes available.

Ida's Ride
By Trish Schiesser

Price $9.95+ $4.00 shipping and handling (Priority Mail) or can be shipped book rate (two to three weeks=$1.00). Click on cover to the left to order by e-mail.
Click here to order from Amazon

The Arteries
of Commerce
Christopher W. Fay 

Mail by the Pail
By Colin Bergel

Graveyards of the
Great Lakes
By Mark Thompson
 

Keepers & Cutters
By F. Stonehouse
 

Imperial Oil Tankers
of the Great Lakes
By Skip Gilliham

Imperial Oil Tankers of the Great Lakes Skip Gillham, 2000. 44 pages, softcover, many black and white photos. Available for $16 from Skip Gillham at 3750 King St., Vineland, ON L0R 2C0 (US locations remit in US funds.)

Keepers of Valor,
Lakes of Vengeance
Lakeboats, Lifesavers & Lighthouses

No matter if the reader is a shipwreck buff, lighthouse person, history enthusiast, or simply a recreational reader, everyone will enjoy the up-lifting sagas of the keepers of valor.

Tragedy in the Straights Cedarville Remembered
Video

 

Soo Locks Visitor’s Guide

 

Coal to Canada
A History of the Ontario Car Ferry Company

Tin Stackers
The History of the
Pittsburgh Steamship
Company
By Al Miller
ISBN 0-8143-2832-6

A Sailor's Logbook
By Mark L. Thompson
ISBN 0-8143-2827-X
ISBN 0-8143-2844-X

A book that details a firsthand account of the life aboard the ships of the Great Lakes. Thompson began his logbook after he reported for duty aboard the Calcite II at Fraser Shipyard in Superior, Wisconsin, for the 1996 shipping season.

A Sailors Logbook is the first such book to chronicle a sailor's life at the end of the twentieth century. Not just a detailing of weather, cargo, and crew relations, A Sailors Logbook is also an account of the daily lives of a diverse group of crewmembers as they share their sailing knowledge, ''sea stories,'' and the many memories that accompany the pictures.

Echo Soundings
Marine News

Ahoy & Farewell II

Moran's Shoreside Companion
for Great lakes Ships<