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Photos of ships in winter lay-up (plus a few "special events" at Bay Shipbuilding over the years) in Sturgeon Bay, WI starting with the 1999-2000 season all the way through the 2008-2009 season PLUS a 2006 & 2008 "surprise"! (click on the "2006 Special" or "2008 Special" links below to see the specail events) NOTE: Some of the 2000-2001 photos were taken by my friend Scott Best. We went to Sturgeon Bay on Feb. 19, 2001 and decided that both of us would use my camera because it had a longer zoom lens. Now, if we had only had a nice blue sky... (Best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer) (click your browser's "Back" button to return here) Click on one of the following links to go to that year's gallery: 1999-2000 - 2000-2001 - 2001-2002 - 2002-2003 - 2003-2004 - 2004-2005 - 2005-2006 - 2006 Special - 2006-2007 - 2007-2008 - 2008 Special - 2008-2009 - 2009 John Sherwin Update 1999 - 2000: Partial view of lay-up fleet Wilfred Sykes ready to go Close-up of the Sykes' deckhouse "50 yrs. of Smooth Sailing" logo Calcite II Myron C. Taylor Arthur M. Anderson St. Clair, Edward L. Ryerson and American Mariner Wide view of the Burns Harbor and Stewart J. Cort (This was my first-ever trip to Sturgeon Bay. I wish I had known of the areas across the bay from which to take photos; I missed some great opportunities on this trip to get some photos that will never again be possible!) 2000 - 2001: Lay-up fleet Arthur M. Anderson Wilfred Sykes and Arthur M. Anderson Wilfred Sykes Herbert C. Jackson Buffalo American Mariner Sam Laud Paul R. Tregurtha Presque Isle (barge only), Burns Harbor and Paul R. Tregurtha Joseph L. Block in the graving dock Edward L. Ryerson 2001 - 2002: Lay-up fleet American Mariner (stern) American Mariner (bow) John J. Boland Charles M. Beeghly and Joseph L. Block Wilfred Sykes Lee A. Tregurtha, Kaye E. Barker and Wilfred Sykes Lee A. Tregurtha, Kaye E. Barker and Charles M. Beeghly Sam Laud Pathfinder Mesabi Miner and James R. Barker Mesabi Miner and James R. Barker bows James R. Barker and Mesabi Miner Edgar B. Speer in the graving dock (stern) Edgar B. Speer (bow) Edgar B. Speer, James R. Barker and Mesabi Miner Edward L. Ryerson (stern) Edward L. Ryerson (side) 2002 - 2003: Lay-up fleet (1) Lay-up fleet (2) Joseph L. Block (stern) Joseph L. Block (bow) Wilfred Sykes Wilfred Sykes and Joseph L. Block Pathfinder (barge only) Herbert C. Jackson (bow-side) Herbert C. Jackson (stern-side) Lee A. Tregurtha and Herbert C. Jackson bows St. Clair, John J. Boland and Charles M. Beeghly St. Clair (stern) John J. Boland Charles M. Beeghly Charles M. Beeghly, John J. Boland and St. Clair Columbia Star Mesabi Miner, Paul R. Tregurtha and Columbia Star Dorothy Ann (tug that pushes Pathfinder) in the graving dock Sam Laud and Dorothy Ann in the graving dock Sam Laud in the graving dock (stern) Sam Laud in the graving dock (bow) Go Back To Top Of Page 2003 - 2004 - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Photos taken on Feb. 13, 2004: Joseph L. Block (stern) & Wilfred Sykes (bow) Wilfred Sykes (bow) Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder (bow) St. Clair, Philip R. Clarke and Herbert C. Jackson (sterns L to R) St. Clair (stern) Philip R. Clarke (stern) Herbert C. Jackson (stern) Sam Laud (stern) Mesabi Miner (stern in graving dock) Fred A. Busse at its base (bow - Tour Boat) Fred A. Busse (stern) USCG Mobile Bay at its base Selvick Tugs at their base James R. Barker & Edward L. Ryerson (sterns at old Peterson Bros. Builders dock) James R. Barker & Edward L. Ryerson (sterns - another view) Wilfred Sykes (stern) & Joseph L. Block (bow) Charles M. Beeghly & Lee A. Tregurtha (sterns) Charles M. Beeghly & Lee A. Tregurtha (bows) Numerous bows Arthur M. Anderson, Sam Laud, Herbert C. Jackson, Philip R. Clarke and St. Clair (bows) Wide view of the same group of ships (bows) Arthur M. Anderson (bow) George A. Stinson & Oglebay Norton (bows) Oglebay Norton (bow) George A. Stinson (bow) Mesabi Miner (bow in graving dock) Mesabi Miner, George A. Stinson & Oglebay Norton (L to R bows) Wide view of lay-up fleet at Bay Shipbuilding Edward L. Ryerson & James R. Barker (bows) Edward L. Ryerson & James R. Barker (bow close-up) James R. Barker & Edward L. Ryerson (bows - another angle) James R. Barker & Edward L. Ryerson (bow close-up) Photos from March 10, 2004 - Note: The 1000-footer, George A. Stinson, has undergone a name-change. The new name is American Spirit: American Spirit now moved to the outside position on "Footer's Row" "Footer's Row" - (L to R) Oglebay Norton, Mesabi Miner and American Spirit Wide View of "Footer's Row" with Herbert C. Jackson in the graving dock at far left Close-up view of the bows of the ships on "Footer's Row" Wide view of the lay-up fleet at Bay Ship Stern view of the Herbert C. Jackson in the graving dock at Bay Ship Go Back To Top Of Page 2004 - 2005: - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Photos taken on Feb. 3, 2005: The Edward L. Ryerson is rafted to the outside of the Mesabi Miner at the old Peterson Bros. Dock Close-up of the Edward L. Ryerson A view of the Mesabi Miner and Edward L. Ryerson from the Michigan Street Bridge Wilfred Sykes at Bay Shipbuilding (all of the rest of the photos will be of ships at Bay Shipbuilding) Barge Pathfinder with the tug Dorothy Ann out of the notch and alongside Adam E. Cornelius (Left to Right): Herbert C. Jackson, Charles M. Beeghly and Adam E. Cornelius Cason J. Callaway The 1000-footer Edwin H. Gott was being moved into the Graving Dock on this morning Stern view of the Edwin H. Gott being towed into the Graving Dock Stern view close-up of the Edwin H. Gott Philip R. Clarke The Lee A. Tregurtha is rafted to her fleetmate, the Paul R. Tregurtha (the following photos will all be from across the bay) Another view of the Tregurthas Bows of fleetmates Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. and Indiana Harbor in "Footers Row" Footers Row with 2 "footers" (Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. and Indiana Harbor) and a "non-footer" Kaye E. Barker Close-up of fleetmates Philip R. Clarke (left) and Cason J. Callaway on a hazy day Bow close-up of the Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway Another view of the (left to right) Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., Indiana Harbor and Kaye E. Barker Close-up of the Kaye E. Barker Selvick tugs work getting the Edwin H. Gott into the Graving Dock The 107-year-old tug John M. Selvick helps out with the Edwin H. Gott Selvick tug Jimmy L works in the ice off the bow of the Edwin H. Gott Another view of the Edwin H. Gott and the tugs fighthing the ice A final look at "Footers Row" with (left to right) the Edwin H. Gott (with the tugs in the ice), Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., Indiana Harbor and Kaye E. Barker Wide view of the Sturgeon Bay Lay-up Fleet Door County Tour Boat (ex-Chicago Fire Boat) Fred A. Busse in lay-up at Door County Maritime Museum I went back to Sturgeon Bay on Feb. 26 to get some (better) photos of the 16 ships in lay-up (the Joseph L. Block is finally in winter lay-up after a long season). The Edwin H. Gott is still in the Graving Dock sporting a new coat of paint. I think you will like these photos better than the earlier ones from Feb. 3, as the weather was much better on this trip; it is amazing what a difference a nice blue sky makes :O). Enjoy... The Joseph L. Block was the last ship to arrive for winter lay-up The Joseph L. Block is moored next to fleetmate Wilfred Sykes Close-up of the Wilfred Sykes The barge Pathfinder and tug Dorothy Ann (out of the notch) Stern of the Herbert C. Jackson The stern of the Charles M. Beeghly Bow view of the Adam E. Cornelius A view through the fence (from left to right) Herbert C. Jackson, Charles M. Beeghly and Adam E. Cornelius The Edwin H. Gott (still in the Graving Dock) shows off hits new paint job Another view of the Edwin H. Gott (From left to right) Indiana Harbor, Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., and Edwin H. Gott View of the Edwin H. Gott from across the bay (From left to right) Edwin H. Gott, Walter J. McCarthy, Jr., Indiana Harbor and Kaye E. Barker Same ships ... different view Close-up of the bows of the Indiana Harbor and Walter J. McCarthy, Jr. Close-up of the Kaye E. Barker (lLeft to right) Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway The Lee A. Tregurtha is "rafted" to the outside of fleetmate Paul R. Tregurtha Stern view of the Tregurthas Bow view of the Joseph L. Block from across the bay View of the winter lay-up fleet at Bay Shipbuilding Another view of the Bay Shipbuilding lay-up fleet The Mesabi Miner (and Edward L. Ryerson) are berthed at the old Peterson Bros. Shipbuilders Dock Close-up of the Edward L. Ryerson from across the bay Close-up of the stern of the Mesabi Miner Close-up of the bow of the Edward L. Ryerson Edward L. Ryerson and Mesabi Miner Go Back To Top Of Page 2005 - 2006: - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Photos taken on Jan. 18, 2006: Buffalo (left) and American Republic (right) Stern Close-up of the American Republic (this ship is made to move as easily astern as it does going forward; hence the rear-facing windows in the deckhouse) Stern view of the American Republic A slightly different stern view of the American Republic Stern view of the Buffalo Stern view of the Adam E. Cornelius Close-up of the stern of the Adam E. Cornelius Bow view of the Lee A. Tregurtha Wide view of the (L to R) new LaFarge tug/barge "Innovation" (and tug "Samuel de Champlain"), Lee A. Tregurtha, and Adam E. Cornelius Close-up of the Innovation's tug (out of the notch) and the Lee A. Tregurtha Wide bow view of the David Z. Norton Another view of the David Z. Norton One more view of the David Z. Norton (L to R) Stewart J. Cort (in the graving dock), St. Clair, and David Z. Norton Bow view of the St. Clair Close-up of the newly painted bow of the Stewart J. Cort Stewart J. Cort (note that it is painted back to about "midship") (The rest of the photos are from outside the fence at Bay Shipbuilding) American Republic Bow view of the Buffalo Bow view of the Adam E. Cornelius Stern view of the Lee A. Tregurtha Bow view of the new LaFarge barge "Innovation" with tug "Samuel de Champlain" in background Close-up of the bow of the Innovation Stern view of the Stewart J. Cort in the graving dock (note the new paint beginning about midship) (These photos taken from in front of the Door County Maritime Museum) Wide view of the Selvick Tug fleet, USCG Mobile Bay and the long-term laid-up Edward L. Ryerson Cameron O (tug) Sharon M. Selvick (tug) Susan L and William C. Selvick (tugs) Mary Page Hannah (tug) Side view of the deckhouse & stack of the Mary Page Hannah Stern view of the Mary Page Hannah USCG Mobile Bay and Edward L. Ryerson Stern view close-up of the Edward L. Ryerson Bow view of the tour boat Fred A. Busse Wide view of the "fleet" near Door County Maritime Museum I went back to Sturgeon Bay on Jan. 23 to get some more photos. Five more ships had entered winter lay-up at Bay Shipbuilding since I was there just 5 days ago. There are more close-ups of the new LaFarge tug and barge from across the bay of sturgeon Bay. Enjoy... Bow view of the Wilfred Sykes, which arrived at Bay Ship within the past 5 days (from across the bay) Close-up of the new LaFarge tug Smauel de Champlain Stern view of the Samuel de Champlain and the barge Innovation Stern close-up of the tug and the notch in the new barge Same view from a different angle Arthur M. Anderson (outside) and John G. Munson (inside) also arrived in the past 5 days (L to R) Bow of the Lee A. Tregurtha, stern of the Adam E. Cornelius, and bows of the John G. Munson and Arthur M. Anderson (L to R) Stewart J. Cort, Paul R. Tregurtha, St. Clair and David Z. Norton Stewart J. Cort and Paul R. Tregurtha Close up of the bow of the newly painted (back to its original color?) Stewart J. Cort Full bow view of the Stewart J. Cort in the graving dock Stern view of the Wilfred Sykes (from outside the fence at Bay Ship) The Herbert C. Jackson also arrived in the past 5 days and is moored between the Adam E. Cornelius (not shown) and fleetmate Lee A. Tregurtha Stern view of the partially painted Stewart J. Cort (note that the bright red paint from Wednesday's photos was just a primer - the new coat of paint (toward the bow) is a much darker brownish-red) Close-up of the different colors on the Stewart J. Cort (stern part is yet to be primed and painted) Looking at the stern from about mid-ship with its shuttle boom extended Rear of the forward deckhouse from about mid-ship This isn't quite a "Lay-up" scenario, but close: On June 6, Oglebay Norton sold a good part of its fleet to American Steamship Co. The ships were to report to a shipyard where the stack colors would be changed from Oglebay Norton colors to American Steamship colors AND have new names painted on at the same time. Oglebay Norton's American Century (ex-Columbia Star) was at Bay Shipbuilding on June 8 when I made a quick trip over there. Central Marine Logistics/Mittal Steel's Edward L. Ryerson has been moved into the graving dock and APPEARS to be getting ready to go back into operation, and Interlake's Lee A. Tregurtha has been there since this past winter getting new engines and a new coat of paint. Stern view of the newly re-named American Century (ex-Columbia Star) - note the black-red-white AmShip colors on the stack Bow view of the Edward L. Ryerson in the graving dock Stern of the Ryerson and bow of the American Century Stern view of the Lee A. Tregurhta with her stack sitting on the ground alongside Close-up of her stack being re-painted Another stern view of the Lee A. Tregurtha New condos at the old Peterson Bros. Shipbuild Co. dock Bow view of the Lee A. Tregurtha from across the bay Close-up of her newly painted bow Wide view of Bay Shipbuilding with the American Century to the left and the Lee A. Tregurtha to the right Starboard-side view of the American Century's stern Stern view of the American Century A different view of the newly painted bow of the Lee A. Tregurtha Bow view of the Ryerson and stern view of the American Century from across the bay Close-up of the Ryerson in the graving dock Ryerson and American Century from across the bay One more view of the Lee A. Tregurtha from across the bay 2006 - 2007: - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Photos taken on Jan. 2, 2007: Buffalo - Bow view at Bay Shipbuilding John J. Boland - Backed in stern-first Cuyahoga - Stern-first in the graving dock after being re-painted (This ship will not actually winter here) Cuyahoga - Another stern view in the graving dock Buffalo - Stern view from across the bay of Sturgeon Bay John J. Boland - Bow view from across the bay Reserve - Bow view from across the bay (it is not known at this time if this ship will spend the entire winter here) Three bows - The bows of the (L to R) Cuyahoga, American Valor and Reserve from across the bay Three Ships - (L to R) Cuyahoga, American Valor (ex-Armco) and Reserve Two Bows - The bows of ex-fleetmates American Valor (L) and Reserve (R) American Valor - Bow view of the ship (Left) with ex-fleetmate Reserve alongside Cuyahoga - Bow view in the graving dock from across the bay Cuyahoga - Another bow view of the newly re-painted ship I went back to Sturgeon Bay on Feb. 10 to get some more photos. The full complement of 15 ships and one tug & barge combo are now in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Edward L. Ryerson - Stern-first at Bay Shipbuilding H. Lee White - Bow-first alongside the Ryerson Buffalo - Next over from the H. Lee White Arthur M. Anderson & John J. Boland - Next ships beyond the Buffalo John J. Boland - Stern view at Bay Shipbuilding Charles M. Beeghly - Next to the John J. Boland McKee Sons (barge) - Next in line from the Beeghly Wolverine - Next to the McKee Sons Wilfred Sykes - On the opposite side of the Michigan Street Bridge near Garland Park Wilfred Sykes & Joseph L. Block - The Block is moored alongside the Sykes Joseph L. Block - A view from across the bay (Sykes also visible) Edward L. Ryerson - Close-up from across the bay Herbert C. Jackson - At Bay Shipbuilding's "Steel Face Dock" Herbert C. Jackson - Close-up of the bow Invincible - The tug that pushes the barge, McKee Sons (also shown) Wolverine - Bow view from across the bay Lee A. Tregurtha - Bow view from across the bay and next in line past the Wolverine (L to R) Reserve, American Valor and Lee A. Tregurtha - Bow view from across the bay (notice that the American Valor is now painted black) Edgar B. Speer - Bow view (and last in line) next to the graving dock Paul R. Tregurtha - Newly painted and being towed to its berth alongside the Jackson 5 bows - (L to R) Wolverine, McKee Sons, Charles M. Beeghly, John J. Boland and Arthur M. Anderson Herbert C. Jackson - Stern view with the Paul R. Tregurtha just edging into the photo Paul R. Tregurtha - Stern view being towed alongside the Jackson 2007 - 2008: - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Also, (BS) means photo taken from the Bay Shipbuilding side of Sturgeon Bay, (AB) means photo taken from across the bay. Herbert C. Jackson - Stern view (BS) Herbert C. Jackson & Adam E. Cornelius - Stern of the Jackson and bow of the Cornelius (BS) Adam E. Cornelius - Bow view in a busy yard (BS) Sam Laud - Bow view (BS) 3 sterns - (L to R) John J. Boland, American Republic and Philip R. Clarke (BS) John J. Boland - Close-up of the stern (BS) 2 sterns - Close-up of the American Republic and Philip R. Clarke (BS) Philip R. Clarke - Stern view with the bow of the Paul R. Tregurtha in background (BS) Arthur M. Anderson - Stern view in a busy yard (BS) James R. Barker - Stern view in the graving dock looking great with a new coat of paint (BS) Paul R. Tregurtha - Stern view of the largest ship on the Great Lakes (AB) Lay-up Fleet - First view of most of the ships (AB) 2 ships - Bow view of the Herbert C. Jackson and stern of the Adam E. Cornelius (AB) 3 ships - (L to R) Edgar B. Speer, Charles M. Beeghly and Kaye E. Barker (AB) Arthur M. Anderson - Bow view (AB) Paul R. Tregurtha - Full broadside view (AB) Lay-up Fleet - Second view of most of the ships (AB) James R. Barker - Bow view in the graving dock (AB) 2 - 1000-footers - (L to R) James R. Barker and Edgar B. Speer (AB) Edgar B. Speer - Bow view close-up (AB) 4 ships - (L to R) James R. Barker, Edgar B. Speer, Charles M. Beeghly and Kaye E. Barker (AB) Lay-up Fleet - Third view of most of the ships (AB) 4 ships - (L to R) James R. Barker, Edgar B. Speer, Charles M. Beeghly and Kaye E. Barker from a different location (AB) 2 ships - Close-up of the Charles M. Beeghly (L) and Kaye E. Barker with deckhouse of the Edgar B. Speer in background (AB) Paul R. Tregurtha - Bow/port-side view (AB) Lay-up Fleet - One final look at the ships Interlake Steamship Co. Resurrects the John Sherwin! Aug. 18 - 24, 2008 Yes! The John Sherwin appears to be getting ready to go back into service after being laid up since 1980! The 806-ft.-long ship was in Duluth for most of those years simply laid-up. Then, in 2006, the ship was towed first to Milwaukee, WI and finally to Chicago, IL where it was used as a grain storage vessel for the past two years. On Aug. 18, 2008, The Interlake Steamship Company announced on their website that they were getting ready to put the Sherwin back in service. On Aug. 23, 2008, the Sherwin departed Chicago under tow and arrived at Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay, WI on Aug. 24. The photos below are from the 24th, after the tow was completed and the ship docked at Bay Shipbuilding. SS John Sherwin to be Converted Aug. 27, 2008 Press Release from The Interlake Steamship Company website "Interlake Steamship is pleased to announce that we will be converting the John Sherwin. Work on the Sherwin will begin immediately at Bay Shipbuilding Company, Sturgeon Bay, WI, with an anticipated delivery in the spring of 2010. The scope of work will include reactivation of the vessel, diesel re-powering of the engine room (similar to the Charles M Beeghly re-powering), the installation of an unloading system, slopes and a forward boom. We are excited for the Sherwin to sail in the Interlake Fleet once again." Click Here for an Oct. 16, 2009 UPDATE on the status of the John Sherwin John Sherwin - Stern view backed in to the dock at Bay Shipbuilding late Sunday morning John Sherwin - Stern view close-up John Purves - The big tug is now a permanent museum ship at Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay, WI Fred A. Busse - The small tour boat heads out into the bay in front of the new bridge, which is only about 800-ft. from the Michigan Street Bridge 2 Luxury Yachts - About 40 - 50 million dollars worth of (probably) Palmer Johnson yachts in the bay as one waits for the Michigan Street Bridge to open for it Mystery tug - This tug was docked behind the Selvick Tug Base. If anyone can identify this tug, could you please e-mail me? Thanks! John Purves - Broadside view of the tug Door County Maritime Museum - A view of the museum building Museum - Broad view of the Museum, John Purves, and the Selvick Marine Towing Base in Sturgeon Bay John Sherwin - Scenic bow view of the old ship from across the bay John Sherwin - Port-side bow view of the ship John Sherwin - Wide view alongside Bay Shipbuilding's main building John Sherwin - Wide view of most of the Bay Shipbuilding complex John Sherwin - Starboard-side bow view of the ship Petrochem Trader - A newly-built tanker barge sits in the large graving dock at Bay Shipbuilding John Sherwin - Super-close-up of the ships bow from across the bay Bay Shipbuilding - Wide view of the entire complex from across the bay 2008 - 2009: - Note: (bow) or (stern) means the position from which the photo was taken, not simply the bow or stern of the ship. Also, (BS) means photo taken from the Bay Shipbuilding side of Sturgeon Bay, (AB) means photo taken from across the bay. I took multiple trips to Sturgeon Bay during 2009. Click on the links below to go to that group of photos: Trip #1 - Jan. 5 ... Trip #2 - Jan. 16 ... Trip #3 - Mar. 19 ... Trip #4 - Mar. 27 Trip #5 - Apr. 9 ... Trip #6 - June 14 ... Trip #7 - July 12 ... Trip #8 - Aug. 30 2008 - 2009: January 5, 2009 ... Trip #1 I took a trip over to Sturgeon Bay to photograph 10 vessels already in Winter Lay-Up at Bay Shipbuilding. There were 7 ships, 2 tug.barge units and one tug in the mix. The ships are: Wilfred Sykes, Sam Laud, John Sherwin, Buffalo, Mesabi Miner, American Century and Charles M. Beeghly which is there for an engine replacement, and is currenty in the large graving dock with its stack removed. The tug barges are: Rebecca Lynn/Barge A-410 and Dorothy Ann/Pathfinder. The tug is the Prentiss Brown (former Michaela McAllister), also in the large graving dock along with the Beeghly. Once again, I took photos from both side of the bay of Sturgeon Bay; so, there are bow and stern photos of most vessels. With this many photos, I decided to put them in a slideshow. NOTE: With the downturn in the economy, Interlake Steamship Company has halted work on the conversion to a self-unloader of the John Sherwin. Hopefully, this will be a short-term set-back for this venerable ship! Click Here to view the slide slide show. You may then click on the link at the bottom of that page to go to another slideshow from a second trip to Sturgeon Bay on January 16, or To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: January 16, 2009 ... Trip #2 I was back in Sturgeon Bay on January 16 to get more photos of the Lay-Up "fleet" at Bay Shipbuilding. Changes were made since I was last there: The sign at Bay Shipbuilding now reflects the change in ownership from "Manitowoc Marine Group" to the new owner, Italian shipbuilder "Fincantieri", which became final earlier this year. New arrivals (since Jan. 5) for winter lay-up include: Joseph L. Block, Paul R. Tregurtha, Cason J. Callaway and fleetmate, Arthur M. Anderson, which still had smoke coming from the stack when I got over there around 1 p.m. Unfortunately, the Paul R. Tregurtha was sandwiched between the American Century and the Mesabi Miner, while the Arthur M. Anderson was tucked in behind the Joseph L. Block; so, photos of those ships was definitely limited to partial photos. The Cason J. Callaway was docked stern-first in between the John Sherwin and the Buffalo, but a stern photo was (somewhat) available. The Joseph L. Block was the only new arrival completely out in the open. Also, the USCG Mobile Bay, idled much of this winter, showed signs of life with smoke coming from its stack. I am also including my first photo of the new Oregon Street Bridge, which is just 800-ft. from the old Michigan Street Bridge whose lift span is in the upright position for the duration of the winter to allow ship transits. Click Here to view the slide slide show. You may then click on the link at the bottom of that page to go to the previous slideshow from my last trip to Sturgeon Bay on January 5, or you may go to the slideshow from my trip over there on March 19, or To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: March 19, 2009 ... Trip #3 I was back in Sturgeon Bay on March 19 to get more photos of the Lay-Up "fleet" at Bay Shipbuilding. Changes that were made since the last time I was there include: The Joseph L. Block departed lay-up at Bay Shipbuilding yesterday heading for Escanaba, MI for a load of taconite pellets. The Cason J. Callaway, Buffalo, and Pathfinder (barge) have all received new coats of paint. The American Century is in the process of being re-painted in American Steamship colors (black hull with white superstructure), and is looking good. Click Here to view the slide slide show. You may then click on the link at the bottom of that page to go to another slideshow from my last trip to Sturgeon Bay on Jan. 16, or you may go to the slideshow from my trip over there on Mar. 27, or To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: March 27, 2009 ... Trip #4 I was back in Sturgeon Bay on March 27. Yesterday, the oldest operating ship on the Great Lakes, St. Mary's Challenger (built 1906), arrived at Bay Shipbuilding under tow from one of the oldest operating tugs on the Great Lakes, John M. Selvick (built 1898). I wish I had been ther to see those two classic vessels working together! The St. Mary's Challenger was towed here for its 5-year survey - all Great Lakes ships are required to undergo a top to bottom inspection every 5 years to get the necessary certification to continue sailing on the Lakes. Dry-docking is required, as the hull is fully inspected along with all other parts of the ship. Often, ships are re-painted at this time, as was the American Century, which has been completely re-painted in AmShip black hull with white superstructure, and has been removed from the graving dock and tied up alongside the dock. The slideshow contains multiple photos of the St. Mary's Challenger from different angles plus other vessel photos as well. Click Here to view the slide slide show. You may then click on the link at the bottom of that page to go to another slideshow from my last trip to Sturgeon Bay on March 19, or you may go to the slideshow from my trip over there on April 9, or To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: April 9, 2009 ... Trip #5 I was back in Sturgeon Bay (again) on April 9 to see what was happening, as some of the ships had departed. Along with the Joseph L. Block, which had left back on March 18, the Wilfred Sykes, Mesabi Miner and Paul R. Tregurtha have also departed their winter lay-up berths. The St. Mary's Challenger, after spending two weeks in the graving dock for its 5-yr. certification inspection, has been rafted to the American Century. That, in itself, is quite a scene - the 552-ft.-long, 103-yr. old ship and the 1000-ft.-long, 28-yr.-old ship next to each other makes quite a contrast! Also, the Arthur M. Anderson has been moved alongside its fleetmate, Philip R. Clarke, both of which are rumored to be spending at least the first part of the year on the inactive list due to the present economy. The Sam Laud has been moved alongside the (barge) Pathfinder, which now has its tug, Dorothy Ann, in the "notch". Finally, the Cason J. Callaway had its engines running and smoke rising from its smokestack, as it is scheduled to depart sometime soon. Click Here to view the slide slide show. You may then click on the link at the bottom of that page to go to another slideshow from my last trip to Sturgeon Bay on March 27, or To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: June 14, 2009 ... Trip #6 I was back in Sturgeon Bay (again) on June 14 to check out the action at Bay Shipbuilding. There were 11 vessels visible in the yard or at its docks, which included 7 ships, 2 new-build tanker barges (under construction), Great Lakes Maritime Academy training vessel, *State of Michigan, in for (presumably) its 5-year-survey, and a tug, Corpus Christi, (which will presumably be paired with one of the new tanker barges). Click Here to read the story and view the slide slide show. To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: July 12, 2009 ... Trip #7 With 11 vessels at Bay Shipbuilding at this time of year, it was time to go over for a look-see on a gorgeous, blue-sky Sunday afternoon. The shipyard is pretty full; which is scary, because usually at this time of year it would be all but empty. Click Here to read the story and view the slide slide show. To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". 2008 - 2009: Aug. 30, 2009 ... Trip #8 Another great blue-sky day enticed me to run over to Sturgeon Bay again. Another 1000-footer, American Integrity, has joined the line-up of laid-up vessels at Bay Shipbuilding; that makes three of those behemoths sitting idle. I also shot some photos of some Coast Guard vessels, the Selvick Tug base, Door County Maritime Museum vessel, John Purves, and a new-build tanker barge, "DBL 185" which is currently under construction at Bay Shipbuilding. There are also three other photos that are not included in the slideshow - one of the new condos where the old Peterson Bros. Shipbuilding Co. used to be and two photos of Sherwood Point Lighthouse (see below). Click Here to read the story and view the slide slide show. To return to this page from within the slide show - hit the UP-facing arrow (when viewing any individual photo) to go back to the thumbnails page and then click on "Return to Sturgeon Bay Lay-Ups" page". Condos* - Buildings and a marina now take up the area where once the old Peterson Bros. (Shipbuilding) Inc. (PBI) once stood. Sherwood Point Lighthouse - Wide view of the old lighthouse from the road outside the grounds, which are government Property (Keep Out). Sherwood Point Lighthouse - Close-up of the lighthouse buildings DBL 185 - Larger photo of the stern of the barge in the graving dock DBL 185 - Larger photo of the bow of the barge from across the bay Arthur M. Anderson - Departed its year-long lay-up at Bay Shipbuilding late in the morning of Sept. 24. Shown here off Menominee, MI (about 10 miles out - photo was shot at 18X Optical Zoom and then cropped to bring the image closer) Oct. 16, 2009 Update - Is This the End For the John Sherwin Sadly, the John Sherwin was towed from Bay Shipbuilding this afternoon. The tow is heading for the Interlake Steamship Dock in DeTour, MI, where the ship will return to "long-term lay-up" status. The embattled old steamship has certainly logged some miles in the past few years. After being laid-up in Duluth in 1981, the ship was towed to Milwaukee, WI in Sept. 2006 to pick up a load of grain for storage in the vessel. It was then towed to Chicago with the grain load and remained there until Aug. 2008 when it was towed up to Bay Shipbuilding for conversion to a self-unloader and replacement of its steam engine with a new diesel engine. Work began immediately; but, when the U.S. economy tanked in October, work was stopped and the ship was laid-up again. With the move today, could this be the end of this grand old ship? Or, will Interlake be content to leave it in lay-up until (perhaps) it may be called into use again one day? Only time will tell. Good luck old friend!! John Sherwin tow - The tug is not visible on a slightly hazy day off Menominee, MI around mid-afternoon John Sherwin tow - About 10-12 miles off Menominee North Pier Lighthouse (foreground) John Sherwin tow - A better look at the tow (tug visible) approaching Chambers Island a little later in the day John Sherwin tow - Close-up (from 4-5 miles away) of the old ship Go Back To Top Of Page