Lake Michigan Ferries

[Low Light Mike]

Let me start this new page, with some Great Lakes stuff.

"The Badger"......sounds like a ferry which should travel to Wisconsin, and it does.

www.ssbadger.com/

The home page of the website has a link to watch a 3 minute video (beware, the jingle song might get stuck in your head).

The look of the ship reminds me of the CP's Princess of Vancouver.

It is a big ship, with more fun.....

[Fenklebaum]

...

Black hull, white superstructre, *a proper funnel*, not one of those 'stylized' monstrosities being plopped on the Super-C's... Steam powered, and in spotless condition... Oh my word.

I recall a debate quite a while ago where I argued over what constituted an attractive ship. Flugel has just presented a perfect example of one. And for that, I praise him.

Fenk, kneeling towards the east

[Low Light Mike]

I feel the love........

Yeah, Badger looks like a fine ship. I like the look, too.

[Northern Exploration]

I hadn't heard of this ship before. She does have a nice shippy look. The 4 hour cruise sounds interesting. However sailing straight across Lake Michigan would not have much scenery.

[Koastal Karl]

Interesting. I also never heard of this ship before.

[Low Light Mike]

Here's something from their website:

VEHICLES: Due to security restrictions vehicles are not accessible during the cruise. Please remove any personal items needed before you leave your vehicle. Vehicles will be loaded and unloaded for you by LMC personnel. Security is provided on the car deck during the cruise.

- no access during trip, was something that I was expecting.
- but the comment that vehicles are loaded/unloaded by ferry personnel caught me by surprise. She's a stern-only loader, and so I guess that somehow explains why loading/unloading is too complicated for a driver. I suppose there's no room to turnaround on the deck, and no turntable....so it's back on or off.

[Low Light Mike]

Here's another item that caught my eye. Re the acupressure bands....I guess this is like a wrist-band? Do they have those things on the QPR for Hecate Strait, too? Can someone explain the science re those devices?

Thanks !


MOTION SICKNESS: The Badger's large size and weight minimizes motion discomfort; however, if motion sickness is a concern, please consider a non-prescription remedy taken prior to boarding. A limited number of acupressure and electronic sea bands are available from the Cruise Director's Office (deposit required). Over-the-counter medications are available in the Badger Boatique gift shop and in ticket offices.

[Koastal Karl]

You cant drive your own vehicle on??? That is crazy! They are so paranoid down there. How many people do they have loading vehicles???

[Retrovision]

Considering the lack of upkeep of nautical heritage around our continent, I consider this to be quite a gem, despite the what some might consider undesirable lines on her...

(From: www.nrhs.com/photos/ships/index.html)


(From: www.boatprint.com/pages/lakers.html)



Here's and interesting page about car ferries on Lake Michigan:
www.trains.com/ctr/default.aspx?c=a&id=41

Thanks for the find, Mr. Horn.

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

flugelhorn said:

Here's another item that caught my eye. Re the acupressure bands....I guess this is like a wrist-band? Do they have those things on the QPR for Hecate Strait, too? Can someone explain the science re those devices?

Thanks !

I don't know about the "science" (using term lightly, due to skepticism about many "studies" done for "medical devices/formulations" - Dr Bob's White Lightning Potion, guaranteed to cure all that ails you ;D) behind the acupressure bands, but the idea is they put pressure on certain nerves in your wrist which in turn quells the feeling of motion sickness.

My wife suffers from severe motion sickness when on a boat or on long trips in the car, and she has an electronic version of this band. Not to sell the product, but
www.safehomeproducts.com/shp2/hh/reliefband.asp.
Actually gives you a description of how it supposed to work. It seems to work for her...otherwise I'd never get her on a boat! ;D

[Barnacle]

karl said:

You cant drive your own vehicle on??? That is crazy! They are so paranoid down there. How many people do they have loading vehicles???

What makes you think it's paranoia? As someone who has to have people backing on and off ferries on the multi-destination San Juan Island run, four out of five people really aren't very good at backing their cars, despite what they might think. Most people look over their left shoulder (it's much easier if you look over the right shoulder down the centerline of the car). Some people even open their doors to see how they're doing (and forget to watch their door on obstructions, not realizing they've made their cars wider).

I'd gamble it's more of a speed consideration. If WSF policy didn't prohibit us from moving cars for people, we'd probably do it upon request and no doubt get in and out of port quicker.

[EGfleet]

If anyone is interested, my publisher, Arcadia, has just put out a book about this ferry...

tinyurl.com/2m7x98

[Low Light Mike]

Thanks for all the further info, comrades.

I checked out the railway magazine article that T-Terminal posted the link for......thanks!

I haven't ordered the Arcadia book, as I'm presently in book backlog......I need to make time to read what I've already purchased !

I'd love to sail the Badger.....it would be an interesting experience. That type of local lake traffic is similar in a way to our Coastal travel here in BC/Washington/Alaska....where travel across a body of water is a necessity of life, and also a pleasant diversion. Although the Lake Michigan route's necessity is in time savings and in avoiding the big City of Chicago. Kind of like what Bremerton has with it's ferries, re the faster alternative to driving around....

[Neil]

...and then there's the 'Chi-Cheemaun', to Manitoulin Island. Slightly bigger, and definitely more modern than the 'Badger'.
www.ontarioferries.com/chi/english/schedule_fares.html

[D'Elete BC in NJ]

Either one would make for an interesting trip, and a little closer to home for some of us!

I read the article on the train ferries, too. In one of those interesting quirks of fate, today I found out a little about a similar operation between Philadelphia and Camden, NJ.

A ferry service has been in operation between Camden and Philadelphia since 1809, in one form or another. Established by Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1839, the Camden & Philadelphia Steam Boat Ferry Company, bought three boats from a Jacob Ridgway, the Hornet, the William Wray and the Philadelphia, and added two boats, the State Rights and the John Fitch from Camden & Amboy Railroad in order to provide a rail-car ferry service. Though the route was very short...approximately 3/4 mile each direction...the service stayed in operation until 1926 when the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was completed. Competition from trucks and buses over the new bridge made the service unprofitable, and it was shutdown shortly afterward.

I haven't been able to dig up much more than this, but I will keep looking. If anyone else can fill in any blanks, I would appreciate it.

[Low Light Mike]

Here's a news article re one of the SS Badger's ports:

www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=37068
=====================

Posted: 8-4-2007
Dedicated:‘Car Ferries of Ludington’ sculpture celebrates ‘our cherished heritage’

KEVIN BRACISZESKI - DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

A crowd gathered at Ludington’s Waterfront Park Friday evening, not only to wave hello to the returning carferry S.S. Badger, but to also applaud efforts that added a new sculpture to the park — a sculpture celebrating Ludington’s long history as a carferry port.

“This is our cherished heritage we celebrate today,” said Dr. Bill Anderson, director of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries and a man who grew up in Mason County and knows well the history of Ludington’s carferries.

The bronze sculpture — “The Car Ferries of Ludington” — stands 10 feet high, is 11 feet wide and weighs about 1,000 pounds. It was created by Tuck Langland as an artistic representation of Ludington’s 110-year history of steel-hulled ferries.

Anderson spoke about that history and read from a Feb. 15, 1897 newspaper account of the first sailing of a steel-hulled carferry from Ludington harbor.

Anderson also spoke of the community’s affinity with Ludington’s carferries, saying many know the Badger’s sailing schedule and come to the harbor to watch it leave or return.

He recalled a time when Ludington was port to seven carferries, and also spoke about the economic importance the Badger still has for the community — providing employment for 250 people and a $16.5-million economic impact.

“The Car Ferries of Ludington” cost $160,000 and Don Clingan, vice president of marketing for Lake Michigan Carferry, the donations for the sculpture came from 113 families. Clingan served as master of ceremonies for Friday’s event and he thanked those families and the community for the support.

“We’ve been waiting for this event for two years,” Clingan said Friday.

The sculpture shows a ferry riding on waves blowing smoke with a circle around the boat, smoke and waves.

Langland said he didn’t want to just make a model boat, so he came up with the idea for the ring and stylized waves and smoke. He said the ring can represent Ludington’s sunsets and the Badger’s round trip journeys across Lake Michigan.

He said he’s proud to have his work included with the other works of art at Waterfront Park.

Also speaking at Friday’s event was Alberta Muzzin, who ended her job as chamber of commerce director at noon Friday. A retirement party was held for Muzzin only a few feet from the sculpture dedication ceremony. Many people from her party attended the dedication and Muzzin said she has now attended ceremonies for all the sculptures at the park.

Bob Manglitz, LMC president, also spoke Friday, and gave Ron Wood of the Mason County Historical Society a donation of $2,500 toward the creation of a maritime museum in Ludington’s old U.S. Coast Guard station.

Many people stayed past the speeches to wave to the Badger as it returned Friday night. As a special salute, a man on the Badger played bagpipes for the crowd.



===================

[Retrovision]

Thanks for that.

After a little searching I found this site with interesting photography of this and other car ferries over the years from the area...
www.railroadmichigan.com/carferry.html

I find the lines of the Badger in the superstructure to be similar to Spaulding designs and I've always appreciated these kinds of design similarities.

Here's an old one of the area that even had (has?) superstructure lines similar to our classic CPR steamer Princess Charlotte
www.railroadmichigan.com/ferrypm32c2.jpg

[Low Light Mike]

Thanks for those picture links, Mr. Retro.

The first few pictures of the Arthur Atkinson and the dock at Kewaunee, WI reminds me of the CP Princess of Vancouver in her original configuration, and her docks at Vancouver and Nanaimo harbours. Same era, I suppose.

Mr. Retro, when we invent the time-machine, I'll have to take you back to the 1970's to ride the Princess of Vancouver on her Nan-Van run.....

[Low Light Mike]

The Michigan newspaper "St. Ignace News" has been publishing a series of columns on the history of the Mackinac (yes, that's pronounced "Mack-in-aw") straits ferries and their demise once the big big bridge was built.

The news articles are originally subscriber-only, but are then archived for general web viewing after 4 weeks are past....

I get these mentioned to me each week, in my google alerts that I have emailed to me, re ferry-related newspaper articles.

The weekly newspaper columns are serialized excerpts..and here's how the paper describes one of the weekly instalments:

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge, the St. Ignace News has been publishing Les Bagley's manuscript on the history of Michigan State Ferries, which carried cars across the Straits of Mackinac for 34 years before the bridge opened to traffic in 1957. In the last installment, he related how the bridge opened, ending the service, and making the fleet of five ferries surplus. But with traffic now humming across on the bridge, the ferries remained at the Straits in storage.

And here's some notes on the author of the series:

About the Author

Les Bagley was reared in Northern Ohio, but spent many childhood summers at his aunt's cottage near Harbor Springs. His parents would visit several times each season and take him on excursions to area attractions, often involving a ride across the Straits of Mackinac to the Upper Peninsula on a Michigan state ferry. One of his earliest and fondest memories was crossing on the brand new Vacationland, and even as a pre-schooler, he became a ferryboat fan.

Through high school, and after graduation from college with degree in communications, he followed the Vacationland through subsequent owners on Lake Erie, the St. Lawrence River, and in British Columbia, meeting her crews and collecting photographs and memorabilia wherever the ferry went. He also spent a quartercentury in radio broadcasting, culminating as an on-air personality and ad salesman for a major station in Baltimore, Maryland. When the station was sold, he left to establish an advertising agency and a local sightseeing and charter bus company.

With a growing family, he sold both businesses in 1984 to pursue his love of ferryboats. He briefly handled marketing for a Lake Michigan ferry operator, but soon moved to the State of Washington as marketing manager for the nation's largest ferry fleet.

In 1988, he used his photograph collection to produce a video of the Vacationland's history. It subsequently was shown at her crew reunions in British Columbia, Michigan, and Quebec. All three crews suggested he write her history in book form, and over the next 15 years, that goal evolved into this history of the Michigan State Ferry fleet.

Today, Mr. Bagley lives near Seattle, Washington, on Puget Sound, a modern American ferryboat Mecca. He is employed by a local public transit agency, affording him plenty of opportunities to watch and ride the boats he still loves.

He has offered an abbreviated version of his book to readers of The St. Ignace News in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge, which replaced the ferryboats operated by the state. An unabridged copy of the manuscript is available at the St. Ignace Public Library.

The ferry Vacationland was in last week's column.....so it will be available for our unsubscribed viewing in a few weeks....I'll post the link as soon as it's available.

So what I'll do is use this thread to post the links to the archived, viewable stories. I'll post the introduction paragraph for each item too (similar to what I did above), so that you can see a preview here on this thread. I don't want to post the entire article, in respect of the writer's and newspaper's copyright. But these links will make it easy for you to enjoy these articles at your own pace.


Besides the Sunshine Coast Queen catching your interest, you might just find other interesting things about the history of that ferry service.

Someone on this forum posted a picture of Suzy-Q in her Mackinac days lately....so here's more of that story. This is the straits at the top of Lake Michigan, and the ferries (and bridge now) were the link between towns on the State of Michigan's northern & southern peninsulas.

Enjoy the history.... and maybe there's some parallels to the ferry service to Prince Edward Island??

ps: the weekly columns have lots of pictures !

[Low Light Mike]

Here are the first 5 instalments in the series:
=================

www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0111/Columns/052.html

Autos Across Mackinac: First Came The Railroads, Then The Autos
PART 1: The Coming of Railroads
By Les Bagley

2007 marks the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge. But it also marks the anniversary of the end of 40 years of auto ferry service across the Straits of Mackinac. Author Les Bagley, long a ferryboat fan, has chronicled the history of auto transportation across the straits, in a new book, Autos Across Mackinac. The first ferries across the straits were native canoes. Later, Mackinaw Boats and other vessels were used, but it wasn't until the Erie Canal opened the Midwest to increased settlement that the resources of the Upper Peninsula needed to be carried south to a growing America. In Part One of his work, Mr. Bagley reviews how commercial ferry service at the straits came about.

-------------------------

www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0118/Columns/067.html

Autos Across Mackinac:
State Would Be First Ferry Operator in Nation
By Les Bagley

Last week in Part One, he outlined the history of the Mackinac Transportation Company, the first formal ferry service to carry automobiles between Michigan's peninsulas. But the MTC was slow to realize the benefits auto service could realize, and provided less than adequate service to motorists.

------------------------
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0125/Columns/043.html

Autos Across Mackinac:
Ferry Act Makes Service Part of Highway Dept.
By Les Bagley

In Part 2, he outlined how motorists clamored for a better service than they got from the railroad ferries. In Part 3, he details how Michigan State Ferries came about.

--------------------------
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0201/Columns/049.html

Autos Across Mackinac: 1881 Ariel Quickly Upgraded, Sent North to the Straits

In a book yet to be published, Autos Across Mackinac, author Les Bagley recounts the history of that interesting chapter of Michigan's history. In Part 3, he related how the State of Michigan came to own the nations first State Ferry Service. This week he tells about the first ship the service used.
By Les Bagley
PART 4: THE ARIEL

---------------------------
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0208/Columns/062.html

Autos Across Mackinac:
Colonel Card, Colonel Pond Added to Service at the Straits
PART 5 THE FERRY TAKES OFF By Les Bagley

In Part Four, he told how the state came to acquire the first ferry, the Ariel, which was really not up to the task.

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[Low Light Mike]

And here are instalments 6-10 in the series:

------------------------
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0215/Columns/039.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Sainte Ignace and Mackinaw City Join Service at Straits
PART 6 THE FIRST FULL SEASON
By Les Bagley

Part 5, the first ferry Ariel, was quickly replaced in 1924 by a modified vessel, the Sainte Ignace. In Part 6, another boat, the Mackinaw City, joins the fleet.

-----------------------
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0222/Columns/034.html

Autos Across Mackinac: 1925 Sees Ferries Showing Increased Work, Substantial Profit
PART 7 THE SECOND FULL SEASON:
By Les Bagley

On November 1, 2007, Michigan celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge. But that is also the anniversary of the end of Michigan State Ferries. In a new book, Autos Across Mackinac, author Les Bagley recounts the 34- year history of that colorful chapter in Michigan history. Last week he told of the rush experienced by the ferries in their first full year of 1924. In Part 7, the rush continues in 1925.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0301/Columns/048.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Ferries Pressed With as Many as 80,000 Cars Expected in 1926
PART 8 - ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER CRUSH (PART ONE)
By Les Bagley

Les Bagley recounts the history of America's first stateowned and operated auto ferry service. Last week he told about the increases in tourist traffic in 1925. n Part Eight, traffic volumes increase even more.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0308/Columns/056.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Rate of 25¢ per Adult Passenger Added to Vehicle Fees
PART 9 - ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER CRUSH (PART II)
By Les Bagley

Last week he told of the crush in traffic growth in 1926. It gets even heavier in 1927.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0315/Columns/054.html

Autos Across Mackinac: The Straits of Mackinac Added to Ferry Service
PART 10 - CHANGES IN COMMAND
By Les Bagley

Last week he related that a new ferry was ordered for the service in 1927. But the changes were just beginning.

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[Low Light Mike]

...and here are instalments 11-15 in the series:
==========================

www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0322/Columns/057.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Ferry Capacity Increased To Meet Demands
PART 11: A CHANGE IN THE WIND
By Les Bagley

As recounted last week, 1928 was a banner year for ferry traffic, with even more volume anticipated in 1929.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0329/Columns/059.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Debate Over Where To Locate New Dock Continues
PART 12 - THE BUST AFTER THE BOOM
By Les Bagley

Huge increases in ferry traffic through the 1920s kept the Michigan State Highway Department scrambling to keep up with cross-straits demands. A third boat was added in 1928, and there was talk of moving the ferry dock from downtown St. Ignace to someplace closer to Mackinaw City. But in 1929, things quickly changed.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0405/Columns/057.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Depression Impact Continues To Be Felt in 1931
PART 13 - COUNTS DOWN, CARS UP
By Les Bagley

For the first time since the service began in 1923, 1930 saw traffic levels decline, owing to the Depression. In 1931, things would hopefully look up.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0412/Columns/057.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Ferries Face a Year of 'Bottoming Out'
PART 14 - BOTTOMING OUT?
By Les Bagley

By the 1930s, the Great Depression was gripping the county. In this week's installment, by 1932, politicians were willing to try just about anything to loosen the Depression's grip, including make-work projects across Michigan.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0419/Columns/049.html

Autos Across Mackinac: National Banking Holiday Declared, FNB Closed
PART 15 - PEOPLE, PAYMENTS & POLITICS
By Les Bagley

[Low Light Mike]

.......and here's #16-20. (there are 52 in total, so take your time reading, but I think you'll be interested, if you like ferry history)
---------------------------------

(note: this is article #16, but the text says 15.....I think it's a boo boo)
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0426/Columns/028.html

Autos Across Mackinac: The Beginning of an Economic Turn-around
PART 16: THE ECONOMY STARTS TO TURN AROUND
By Les Bagley

Last week, the hardships of the Great Depression gave rise to a Democratic sweep of Michigan political offices in the 1932 elections. By July 1933, the new office holders had instituted new policies across the region.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0503/Columns/051.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Traffic on the Rise Again Across Straits
Part 17: CLIMBING AGAIN
By Les Bagley

With the worst of the Great Depression apparently over, traffic on the straits ferries again began to build in 1934. The numbers continued to mount in 1935.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0510/Columns/042.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Increase in Traffic Strains Ferry Capacity
Part 18: FALSE STARTS AND PROMISES
By Les Bagley

Last week he related how efforts to have the federal government finance a bridge in 1935 failed. Promoters had not given up hope as they entered 1936.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0517/Columns/050.html

Autos Across Mackinac: State Expands Ferry Service in New Direction
Part 19: AUTO FERRIES IN TRAINING
By Les Bagley

With hope still alive to find federal financing to bridge the Straits in 1936, auto traffic grew too fast to wait. So the Michigan State Highway Department took a different track.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0524/Columns/034.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Resilient Ann Arbor No. 4 Survived Many Tragedies
Part 20: THE VOODOO BOAT
By Les Bagley

Last week he recalled how, in 1937, to supplement the "Great White Fleet," the state purchased a used Lake Michigan carferry, the Ann Arbor No. 4, that sailed out of Frankfort (Elberta) starting December 13, 1906. Perhaps the 13th was an unlucky date to begin service.

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[Low Light Mike]

Here's an interlude, with 2 stories about the annual walking event that goes across the Mackinac bridge:

- this year, some swimmers are swimming the strait, at the same time as the walk event happens.
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0830/Front_Page/001.html

www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0830/Front_Page/002.html

50th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk Will Be Monday

On Labor Day, Monday, September 3, Governor Jennifer Granholm will lead the 50th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.

Walkers can begin their journey anytime between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. The two eastern lanes of the bridge will be closed to traffic. As crowds diminish, a third lane will be opened to vehicles to accommodate the holiday traffic.

On average, walkers take 90 minutes to complete the trek.

90 minutes walking at a good pace is approx 9km distance...at least for me.

===================

And here's the report on the 2007 walk:
www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0906/Front_Page/001.html

Bridge Walk Crowd Surpasses Expectations at 57,000


At right: A large crowd assembles at 6 a.m. in St. Ignace on Labor Day, Monday, September 3, in anticipation of the 50th Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. By the end of the day, approximately 57,000 people had walked the span.

Last year, there were 47,200 walkers.

The high turnout was mostly likely related to the weather and the fact that this is the 50th anniversary of the bridge, he speculated. A volley of media attention, MBA advertising, and the efforts of the Mackinac Bridge 50th Anniversary Committee were the forces that generated the traffic, Mr. Sweeney said.

[Low Light Mike]

..and now back to the serial "As the dolphin turns" or "Love of ferry life", or "Another ferry world"... ;D
=======================

Instalments #21-25:

www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0531/Columns/034.html

Autos Across Mackinac: City of Cheboygan Readies for Transport
Part 21: CITY OF CHEBOYGAN
By Les Bagley

Each week this year, The St. Ignace News is presenting a portion of Les Bagley's previously unpublished history of Michigan State Ferries, "Autos Across Mackinac," as part of our recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Mackinac Bridge. Last week, Mr. Bagley related how, in 1937, the state purchased the Lake Michigan carferry Ann Arbor No. 4, and renamed her the City of Cheboygan. The story continues.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0607/Columns/053.html

Autos Across Mackinac:
Part 22: AUTO FERRIES IN TRAINING (Part II)
Pere Marquette Makes New Home in St. Ignace
By Les Bagley

Last week's installment related how traffic continued to build during 1937, despite the addition of the City of Cheboygan to the fleet. More holding lanes were needed for all the autos, unless even more ferry capacity could be found. A solution to both problems was set into motion at the end of 1937.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0614/Columns/040.html

Autos Across Mackinac: 1938 Season Sees New Boat, Safety Features
Part 23: THE CITY OF MUNISING
By Les Bagley

In last week's installment, the state purchased another Lake Michigan rail ferry for conversion in 1937, and began work to expand the Mackinaw City dock and convert the coal and utility pier in St. Ignace to an end-loading slip for the ferries. That work started in the early spring of 1938, before the ice in the Straits had melted.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0621/Columns/050.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Ferries Face Several Unfortunate Incidents
Part 24: CRASHES AND CLASHES
By Les Bagley

While state officials continued trying to finance a bridge in the days before WWII, ferry service kept growing, but not without unfortunate incidents.

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www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0628/Columns/057.html

Autos Across Mackinac: Growth in Ferry Traffic Continues in July 1939
Part 25: GROWTH IN 1939
By Les Bagley

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Mackinac Bridge, the St. Ignace News is serializing Les Bagley's manuscript of the history of Michigan State Ferries in 52 installments. Arcadia Publishing will publish a smaller book he wrote, featuring many historic ferry photos, in mid-July.

For the first time in several years, the ferry fleet was not expanded in 1939. Perhaps it should have been. This week's installment begins with the continued growth of ferry traffic that summer.