EXCURSION & INSHORE STEAMSHIPS by Tramscape, publishers of the Paddle Steamer Resources Database
There is a thriving preservation movement involved with
traditional screw steam ferries, with a number of vessels preserved for continued
operation and others with societies dedicated to their revovation and reintroduction.
Screw
Steamships registed in the USA's National Parks Service (Maritime Heritage Program)
Operational Screw Steamers
Virginia
V : Steamer
Virgin V Foundation has, since 1980 owned and since 2002 operated the
former Puget Sound steamer (last of the Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet) out of Seattle
S.S. Badger : Coal-burning,
410 ft long car ferry built in 1953 crosses between Ludington (MI) and Manitowoc
(WI) from mid-May to mid-October. Withdrawn at the end of 1990 it was quickly
bought by a private entrepreneur and returned to service.
Steamship Historical Society
of America
Great Lakes
Steamers
The "Bob-Lo"
Boats : site devoted to the vessels serving the
recreation park on the Detroit River : St Claire and Columbia remain
in static preservation awaiting restoration.
- SS St Claire : Restoring one
of the famous "Bob-Lo" Boats to Steam
in Lorain, Ohio. Vessel is open to the public
- SS
Columbia - (1902-1991) awaiting restoration
on the Hudson River, New York state under new ownership havingmoved in 2006
from the Detroit area.
- SS
Canadiana : Great Lakes steamer on Buffalo-Crystal
lakes run (1910-55). Hulk scrapped in 2004 despite preservation plans : Engines
and wheelhouse preserved
------- Photos of Canadiana's hulk before her scrapping
available on this link
These
three vessels are all on the Michigan State shores of lake Michigan
SS
Milwaukee Clipper -
being restored at Muskegon, Michigan : see also page of the National
Parks Service : Maritime Heritage Program
SS
City of Milwaukee - Triple expansion screw passenger
and railcar ferry, now open at Manistee, Michigan
SS
Keewatin - The last "classic" Great
Lakes steamer (1907-65) at Saugatuk/Douglas, Michigan since 1967. Museum open to the public
For more information, see : The
Car Ferries of the Great Lakes - historical website
This
preservation attempt has now failed and the ship has been dismantled in situ:
Screw steamer half-sunk at
Ensenada in northern Mexico with an
organisation in place dedicated to raising her and returning her to her home
in California
Raising
the Catalina Association :
SS
Catalina Steamship Fund
SS Catalina
Preservation Association