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

Shipbuilding Steamship Freighter Great Lakes shipping

3-1/2 in

6 in

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