STEAMBOAT TALES AND PIX

This Photo Has Been Supplied By Paul Wiening

Shown above is the excursion vessel Columbia which was designed by the noted marine architect Frank E. Kirby. It was constructed in 1902 for the Detroit, Belle Isle and Windsor Ferry Co. to transport passengers on day trips, primarily from Detroit, Michigan to an amusement park at Bob Lo, a Canadian Island located near the mouth of the Detroit River, about 18 miles south of the city. Although taken out of service in 1991, the Columbia and its sister vessel, the Ste. Claire have so far escaped the scrapper's torch.

As a matter of fact, a group of steamboat enthusiasts is making a concerted effort to bring the Columbia up to U.S.Coast Guard specifications and put the ancient steamer back in service. You can read all about their efforts on the Steamer Columbia Homepage.

This print is from a collection of the late Mrs. Scott Hersey of Birmingham, Michigan. It first appeared in the HISTORY OF THE LAKE HURON SHORES published in 1883. The caption reads, "Mitchell & Boutell's Tugs Leaving Rifle River At Sunset."