Launch of Steamer R.C. Reid from Brittain's Boatyards in 1889

Photograph

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Photo ID at http://sdhistoricalsociety.net/collections/histmystery/obs101106.htm

Name/Title

Launch of Steamer R.C. Reid from Brittain's Boatyards in 1889

Entry/Object ID

2021.57.24

Description

Steamship hull being dramatically launched into the river with plenty of waving flags, onlookers on the shore and even some viewers in rowboats. Photo is printed on Kodak Velox Paper and has "20" and "D.D." written on the back. The front has yellowing transparent tape on the the corners and top edge.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Print, photograph

Subject Person or Organization

R.C. Reid (ship) 1889, Robinson, Miller 1859-1940

Collection

1840 Shipbuilding, Nautical

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2021.57

Source or Donor

Peterson, Erik

Acquisition Method

Donation

Lexicon

Search Terms

Shipbuilding Steamship Freighter Great Lakes shipping

Dimensions

Height

3-1/2 in

Width

6 in

Location

Box

005 A+B Nautical History

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Brittain, Ralph Case 1842-1905

General Notes

Note

FREIGHTERS The moving of freight—produce, commercial goods, and passengers—was an essential need to the early settlers of Saugatuck and Douglas. The existing rivers and Lake Michigan provided the necessary waterways for transportation; and the materials for building strong ships was already here in abundance—sturdy oaks, maple, and pine trees. What they really needed was shipbuilders to design and build seaworthy ships. Fortunately shipbuilders heard the call and came from all over. They came from England, Canada, Maine, Ohio, and other states. The first freighters built were sailing schooners designed to carry lumber and occasionally passengers. As technology improved, ships became bigger and steam-powered. ... Two local industries that required the need of freighters were the Singapore lumber mills and area fruit growers. Singapore’s lumber mills shipped lumber to various Great Lakes ports. Fruit growers shipped apples and peaches from here to Chicago and often carried passengers on the same run from Saugatuck and Douglas. When lake shipping was king, Saugatuck demonstrated that it could run with the best. As railroads and trucking developed in the early 1900’s, Saugatuck moved on to its next chapter. Oct. 11, 2006 "Remembering When" by Rob Carey http://sdhistoricalsociety.net/collections/histmystery/obs101106.htm

Create Date

September 3, 2021

Update Date

January 14, 2024