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A. F. Harvey, one of the carriers that Lake Captain E. K. Make commanded
(courtesy of GreatLakesShips.com and Jim Hoffman) |
The 1950s and 60s were an interesting time in our local history. Many of the men who spent their careers making steel, piloting ships on the Great Lakes and working on the railroads were retiring. And since their careers dated back to the beginning of the century, they had personally witnessed the incredible changes that had occurred in their respective vocations during their lifetimes. It was the end of an era – and fortunately the
Lorain Journal made it a priority to profile these old-timers whenever possible, and let them tell some of their stories.
Here is one of those stories, from the April 6, 1966 Journal. Lake Captain E. K. Male tells some stories and reminisces about some of his ships, including the Freighter Harvey and the Benjamin Fairless.
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Benjamin F. Fairless
(courtesy of GreatLakesShips.com and Roger LeLievre) |
The continuation of the story brings in
John Tromp, who was wheelsman on the Cason J. Calloway. Tromp and Male knew the same men and enjoying reminiscing about the good old days.
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Cason J. Calloway in 2020
(courtesy of GreatLakesShips.com and Roger LeLievre) |
Wonderful stories, Dan. I only wish the articles were longer!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Buster! There's not a whole lot there – wish they had done a full page!
DeleteMy dad piloted Great Lakes freighters in the 1930s. Then he piloted an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific during WWII. In my youth I helped outfit a freighter’s engine room for Kinsman Marine Transit. Oh, and my Grandpa Ferraro was Chief of Security at American Shipyards. Shiver me timbers!!
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a career he had! If you ever want to do a "Guest Blogger" post and tell his story, ideally with some photos, let me know. I'm sure it would be of great interest to all. Same thing with your own reminisces!
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