A stroll along the Vets Park riverwalk in Bay City offers a glimpse into the past, with metal and timber remnants visible in the water. These are the vestiges of ships from the once-thriving Davidson Shipyard, which occupied the park’s southern section. James Davidson founded the company in 1873, overseeing its operations until his passing in 1929. The shipyard succumbed to the economic pressures of the Great Depression, closing its doors a few years later. Abandoned wooden vessels were left moored in the Saginaw River.

In the 1940s and 50s, these ships met a fiery end, burning down to the waterline. The timbers now protruding from the water, when the river level is low, are the remnants of their hulls. From an aerial view, the visible metal components are identifiable as boilers, specifically those of the SHENANDOAH, a ship constructed by Davidson Shipyard in 1894.

Some of the hulls can still be seen on Google maps

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

Nestled along the serene waters of the Saginaw River in Bay City, Michigan, lies a historic vessel that has witnessed countless naval battles and served with distinction for decades. The USS Edson, a destroyer built in 1956, now rests peacefully in her retirement, a testament to the courage and dedication of the sailors who served aboard her.

After a distinguished career spanning 32 years, the USS Edson was decommissioned in 1988 and donated to the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum. This non-profit organization has lovingly preserved the ship and transformed her into a floating museum, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the life of a naval sailor.

Each year, during the Halloween season, the USS Edson undergoes a dramatic transformation, becoming the chilling attraction known as the Edson Incident. Filled with spooky decorations, eerie sounds, and live actors, the Edson Incident provides a thrilling and unforgettable experience for visitors.

If you’re looking for a fascinating and historic destination in Michigan, the USS Edson is a must-see. Whether you’re interested in learning about naval history, exploring a unique museum, or seeking a frightfully good time, the USS Edson offers something for everyone.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

The town of Edmore sits along M-46 in central Michigan and I have travelled through it a few times over the years. On my last trip I went past the VFW and noticed the old gray boat sitting behind it. I have been passed many Veteran organizations such as the VFW or American Legion and have seen old tanks, canons or other military artifacts. I was surprised to see an LCVP (landing craft, vehicle, personnel) or Higgins Boat sitting behind the VFW in Edmore. I am also surprised I have never noticed it before on any of my other trips through the small town. The LCVPs were amphibious landing crafts used in World War II. They were used in the D-Day invasion and many allied troops invaded the beaches of Normandy from the LCVPs.

This old boat stands as a reminder of the men and women that bravely guard the United States and swore and oath to defend the Constitution. Thank you to the veterans who serve in defending this great nation. I am grateful for your sacrifice so I can travel around this beautiful country.

If you have been reading my posts for a while you might remember me asking about taking a rid on the SS Badger back in the spring. I took my trip across Lake Michigan on the historic ferry and I figured I should do a post about my trip.

I came across on October 15, 2022 from Manitowoc. It was a Saturday and the second to the last trip of the season. There was a light breeze and the weather was nice. A little chilly but that can be expected in October.  The crew loaded the jeep and my wife and I sat in the lounge and played badger bingo during the trip. I was lucky enough to win a round and got a can koozie for my prize.

The old ship rolled side to side but it never bothered me. Sitting down I did not notice it that much but when walking around you had to be careful as the deck moved around underneath your feet. As far as crossing go, I am not sure if it was average or smoother than others but It was a nice crossing. I am not sure what it would be like in a storm but I thought the crossing was great.

My wife and I really enjoyed the trip and it made for a fun adventure. I recommend if you get a chance to do it that you should and I hope I get the chance to do it again sometime.

P.S. If you want to see some of my pics and stories from Wisconsin be sure to check out my other website Lost In The States HERE

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

I drove through Harbor Springs this summer and it has been a while since I was there. Right away I noticed a strange looking dark blue boat on display in the park. I had to stop and check it out.

The boat was named the “Aha” and built by inventor Ephraim Shay. He lived in Harbor Springs and his house stands across the road from the park. The boat was designed by Shay and built at his machine shop. It’s long an narrow hull made it one of the fastest boats at the time.

While being towed to storage in the 1930s the empty hull of the Aha took on water and was beached near Sucker Creek in the present day Wilderness State Park. The old boat sat there for decades slowly rusting and being used for target practice by hunters.

In 2003, the hull was brought back to Harbor Springs were it sat in storage. In 2019, it was trucked to Onaway and restored by the students at the Industrial Arts Institute. After restoring and repainting the hull the Aha was put on display at the park on the town were it was built.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did. 

The lighthouse keeper’s log at 40 Mile Point for October 20, 1905 simply reads: “At 8:30 p.m. last night the steamer, J. S. Fay, came ashore here in a sinking condition. She soon broke up. Most of the crew came ashore on the Pilot House. Three men swam ashore, the mate was drowned.” The entry for December 4, 1905 reads: “The assistant found a dead man on the beach about 1 mile up. We think it is the mate of the Fay.”

The Joseph S. Fay was a wooden steamer built in 1871 and was one of the first Great Lake freighters built for the iron ore trade. On October 19, 1905 in heavy seas, the Fay with the Rhodes in tow, departed from Escanaba, Michigan and was downbound on Lake Huron The captain hugged the coast seeking some protection from the violent wind and savage waves. The wind shifted violently straining the towline tightened, pulling it taut until the Rhodes broke free taking a portion of the Fay’s stern with her.

Water rushed into the hull and the crew crowded into the forward cabin. The captain struggled to bring the Fay around and head to shore toward 40 Mile Point Light Station. Her bow struck a sandbar and the entire forward cabin was torn off. The wheelhouse, deck, mate’s and captain’s rooms were ripped from the deck. Incredibly, huge waves lifted the structure and carried it to shore where it washed up on the sandy beach near the light station. The captain and 10 crewmen were safe inside. In fact, one of the crewmen was reported to be asleep and didn’t even wake up.

First Mate David Syze of Port Huron and two other crewmen weren’t so fortunate. Clinging to the beached hull, the struggling men ripped off a spar and used it to paddle to shore. The first mate attempted to swim, but was overcome by the cold and was lost.

if you visit 40 Mile Point Light Station Near Rogers City and stroll up the beach about 200 yards, you can see some 150 feet of her huge wooden side, metal rods and spikes holding her steady, resting in the sand.

CLICK HERE to read my post about the 490 Mile Point Light Station

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.