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City of Bangor Logbook

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MS-876

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Logbook, circa 1926, of the steamer City of Bangor (built 1896). Converted to an automobile carrier in 1925, the steamer went aground off Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula in November, 1926. Several automobiles were lost; however, the crew and the remainder of the cargo were rescued, although it took until February to free the autos from the ice. Logbook records location and weather conditions, as well as progress made at various intervals during the day. Also includes remarks about weather, delays, and cargo.

Dates

  • Circa 1926

Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

The City of Bangor (built 1896) was a steamer on the Great Lakes during the early 20th century. Originally designed to carry ore, in 1925 she was converted into an automobile carrier. In November, 1926, with a relatively light load of 248 new Chrysler automobiles, compared with the heavier load of ore, she was riding high through rough winds and seas approaching Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula on Lake Superior. Her small engine was useless against the storm, and she grounded near the shore, right off the northern tip of the Keweenaw. The crew was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard; however, the cargo of over 200 cars was encased in ice, still aboard the ship. It took until February to chop all the ice free and open the back roads. Finally the cars were unloaded and driven to Calumet, and were later sold on the market.

Extent

0.02 Cubic Feet (1 microfilm roll)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Logbook, circa 1926, of the steamer City of Bangor (built 1896). Converted to an automobile carrier in 1925, the steamer went aground off Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula in November, 1926. Several automobiles were lost; however, the crew and the remainder of the cargo were rescued, although it took until February to free the autos from the ice. Logbook records location and weather conditions, as well as progress made at various intervals during the day. Also includes remarks about weather, delays, and cargo.

General Physical Description note

0.02 cubic feet1 microfilm roll

Processing History

Elizabeth Russell,9/20/2011

Title
City of Bangor Logbook
Author
Finding aid prepared by Elizabeth Russell
Date
9/20/2011
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English

Repository Details

Part of the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
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Houghton 49931 U.S.A. US