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Peterson businesses

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Photos, press releases, brochures and newspaper clippings about R.J. Peterson and family businesses. “River Queen Boat Works Breaks Ground for New Plant” press release dated 15 May 1970 Five River Queen publicity photos Four b/w polaroid photos of River Queens River Queen Charter brochure, Mallorytown, Ontario Canada Photocopied drawing of River Queen titled “Sugar Lump III” “60-footer launched in Douglas” 7 Oct 1971 Commercial Record clipping “Helen II soon to become City of Douglas” 28 Apr 1977 Commercial Record clipping Press releases: “The Cargo Deck” Ship’s Store aboard the Keewatin opens, 1973. Operated by Diane Peterson “On the Waterfront” opening its 1984 season at Tower Harbor Dock. Business operated by Matt Peterson and friend Dave Hoffman of S.M.U., Texas. Brochure and blurb about “The Bait Box, Terry’s Snack Bar & Sports Center” 219 Union St., next to Keewatin Photo of the "Original River Queen" (the custom stern-wheeler boat built by Pete Peterson that inspired the River Queen all-steel houseboat) and the S.S. Show Boat on the river by the Government House with a line of other vessels. Photo stamped on reverse "Prosch-Jensen's" Invitation to Tower Marine Boat Show 1977 Photocopy of aerial photo of Tower Marine Charter rental information sheet for yacht Patrician from Peterson Steamship Company Brochure folder for Tower Harbour Condos including Mariner’s Cove
Peterson businesses picture number 1
Sales folder, sales sheets and brochure; Tower Harbour A CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITY ON LAKE KALAMAZOO Press Release - Future development at Tower Harbor Village Located on the southwest corner of the lawn, near the bow of the S.S. KEEWATIN, can be seen a large steam boiler and water tank. These are part of what is soon to be a reconstruction of the steam operated sawmill which was moved from its previous location in Lacoda near South • Haven• A two story frame farmhouse, with round topped windows, is also due to be moved on site to a location across from the BAIT BOX. This build- ing, also dating back to the late 1800's, will be used to house a toy museum. The major emphasis will be on toy trains. Development in the future will also include a fire house displaying a Lafrance engine, a display of numerous early steam and diesel engines, a display of an old sailing vessel, and numerous similar items. An array of specialty shops is also planned. Anyone having old buildings of historic value, or other items that they would like to see preserved for others to enjoy, should contact themanagement at 857-2151 or 857-4088. PATRICIAN 1984 RATE SCHEDULE AND CHARTER INFORMATION Peterson businesses picture number 5 1977 boat show brochrue The original River Queen, a custom-made sternwheel paddleboat Commercial Record 28 Apr 1977; Helen Il soon to become City of Douglas PRESS RELEASE The Bait Box, 219 Union Street; The BAIT BOX is located in Tower Harbor near the bow of the S.S. KEEWATIN. It is the oldest of the two original buildings on site when development of Tower Harbor was started. Since its origin in the: late 1800's, the building has served as a freight office for the red dock, a residence, and in later years, a bait and tackle shop. The building has undergone extensive rebuilding in the last four years with careful attention to retain its original New England appearance. The BAIT BOX offers a wide variety of services, catering to the needs of fishermen, boaters and tourists. It offers a complete line of fishing equipment for inland lake, river and Lake Michigan fishing and offers the widest selection of live bait in the area. Fishing licences, guns and hunting supplies, picnic supplies, row- boat rentals and a boat ramp are among the needs that can be satisfied. Fishing charters are also available. The BAIT BOX is proud to be the oldest building located in the 60-Footer Launched in Douglas; The first of the new 60-foot River Queens sits in her hoist Tuesday preparatory to launching at Tower Marina. The hoist and the launching slip had to be widened to accommodate the big, aluminum-hulled boat. A flying bridge will be added after the boat is in the water. Complete with smoked glass windows and a teak rail, she will sell for around $100, 000. Sugar Lump III, River Queen Houseboat Rentals River Queen publicity photo River Queen publicity photo; RIVER QUEEN BOAT WORKS STARTS FIBERGLASS OPERATION River Queen makes first fiberglass shower-stall for use in its line of cruising houseboats. R. J. Peterson-president, 2nd from right, helps remove mold from the first unit produced. River Queen publicity photo; RIVER QUEEN BOAT WORKS PLANT TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN DOUGLAS, MICHIGAN River Queen publicity photo; Don Koehler was recently appointed President of River Queen Boat Works, Gary Indiana. River Queen, a Division of U.S. Industries, Inc. manufactures a luxury line of houseboats ranging from 38 to 60 feet. “River Queen Boat Works Breaks Ground for New Plant” press release dated 15 May 1970; RIVER QUEEN BOAT WORKS BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW PLANT River Queen Boat Works, a division of U. S . Industries, Inc., with plants in Gary, Indiana and Douglas, Michigan has broken ground for a new plant in Douglas, Michigan. R. J. Peterson, president of River Queen, announced that the new plant is being built to house production of a new line of fiberglass houseboats. The first model scheduled to be built will be a 32' houseboat. Located on a 20 acre tract on the South edge of Douglas, the new facility will provide additional employment for the Saugatuck-Douglas area. River Queen has also recently completed construction of two new buildings at its Gary, Indiana plant for increased production of its line of all-steel houseboats. River Queen Boat Works is a pioneer in the houseboat field, starting manufacture of their boat in 1952 in Gary, Indiana. River Queen was the first to mass-produce a planing hull houseboat, with the performance of a cruiser and the comfort and convenience of a home afloat. Acceptance of the River Queen has been tremendous and the sales outlook for the future looks very good. River Queen publicity photo; River Queen president, R. J. Peterson (3rd from left), points out location of executive offices at ground-breaking ceremony for new River Queen Boat Works manufacturing plant in Douglas, Michigan

2021.18.66

R.J. Peterson was a local entrepreneur and booster. With the assistance of his father, brother, son and many others, his businesses promoted the area as pleasure boaters' destination.

Nautical

Winthers, Sally

2021.18

Lane, Kit, family

largest item

12 in

9 in

208 Peterson Steamship Company, River Queen, Tower Marine

Peterson, Roland J. "RJ" 1926-2020Peterson, MattPeterson, Rolland E. "Pete" "RE" 1902-1982Peterson, DianeMariners Cove & Tower Harbor Marina Condominiums216 St Peter's Dr./Safe Harbor/Tower Marina/Capt. Hamilton HouseRiver Queen Boatworks/81. N Ferry/Harbor Club/Harding Hotel, 2ndPatrician (boat)Ary Lou (ship)Red Dock/Keewatin Dock/Tower Harbor Village/Eastland/Crawford Trans. Co. DockCity of Douglas (ship)Prosch-Jensen's of Fennville, Michigan

03/29/2025

03/29/2025