Lake Michigan Passenger Steamers


Book Description

This is the definitive account of the rise, fall, and extinction of steam passenger transportation on Lake Michigan from its origin in the late 1840s to the demise of the last steamers in 1970.




Lost Passenger Steamships of Lake Michigan


Book Description

From the arrival of the first steamship to Lake Michigan in 1821 through the turbulent booms and busts of more than 130 years, passenger steamers of this bygone era provided an essential link for immigrants, excursionists, businesspeople and leisure travelers. On offer were dining, dancing, day trips and luxurious shipboard settings, but mishaps like storms, fires and shipwrecks were a persistent danger to passengers and crew alike. Through fascinating tales and splendid images, Lost Passenger Steamships of Lake Michigan presents the romantic and sometimes dangerous story of a vanished industry that once connected communities all long Lake Michigan's shores.




Floating Palaces of the Great Lakes


Book Description

A lively history of the most majestic ships to ever ply the Great Lakes







Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan


Book Description

"Shipwrecks of Lake Michigan" is a comprehensive collection of information about legendary wrecks on Lake Michigan--1800 to present. Author Benjamin J. Shelak.




The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes


Book Description

And yet, despite his countless successes, Ward's captivating life was filled with ruthless competition, labor conflict, familial dispute, and scandal.




Lake Michigan Car Ferry Badger, The


Book Description

The iconic Lake Michigan car ferry Badger has been providing reliable service between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, since its maiden voyage on March 21, 1953. Originally built as an ice-breaking ferry hauling railroad freight cars, the Badger now transports passengers, automobiles, recreational vehicles, motor coaches, and commercial vehicles including standard-size tractor/trailers and specialized oversized load trailers. The Badger is the last surviving operational example of a large network of railroad ferries crossing Lake Michigan that had once provided a time-saving shortcut for freight shippers, bypassing the long, circuitous route around the bottom of the lake through Chicago's railyards. Today, the Badger performs a different role, saving time, fuel, and mileage for regional tourists and cross-country travelers, and has been designated the continuance route of US Highway 10. Currently under the ownership of Interlake Maritime Services, the historic 410-foot-long ferry begins its seventh decade of service, continuing to bring joy and adventure to new generations of riders as it contributes to the economic vitality of the cities of Ludington and Manitowoc and surrounding regions.







Lake Erie Islands


Book Description

For those of us who know the area, the Lake Erie Islands are a beautiful and special place that can more than compete with any other islands as a place to live or visit. But much of their history has been difficult to find for a long time. There are many wonderful stories and pictures about the history of Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, North Bass Island, Pelee Island and Kelleys Island, as well as many of the smaller islands, that we have compiled into this volume. The first of six sections in the book includes all of Lydia Ryall's 1913 Sketches and Stories of the Lake Erie Islands - Perry Centennial Edition 1813-1913.The other sections contain a wealth of additional information and pictures, some of which has never been published before. Many footnotes are provided to point out errors in the original material, and to provide interesting additional information. A publication of the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, the book contains 266 pictures and is fully indexed. Keeping the book interesting to read while also allowing it to be a good reference work has been of high priority. Many of the original pictures have been digitally cleaned up and enhanced, and the material has been carefully selected to be enjoyable to browse or read carefully. We believe that this is the most complete history of the Lake Erie Islands that has ever been published. Please visit the author's web site at http://www.middlebass.org