SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker A Great Lakes Maritime History

The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker is a fascinating piece of Great Lakes maritime history. It was built in 1911 by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio.

This ship was one of the largest freighters on the Great Lakes at the time, measuring 609 feet in length. It was designed to carry cargo, including grain, coal, and iron ore.

The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker played a significant role in the economy of the Great Lakes region, serving as a vital transportation link between ports.

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SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker was a decorated veteran of World War II.

He served in the United States Army, specifically in the 1st Infantry Division, 16th Infantry Regiment.

During his time in the war, he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Schoonmaker's military career spanned over 20 years, with service in both World War II and the Korean War.

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1941 and eventually rose to the rank of colonel.

Schoonmaker played a significant role in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, where he was wounded in action.

The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker was a steel-hulled, single-screw, bulk cargo freighter that measured 563 feet in length.

It was built in 1911 by the Great Lakes Engineering Works in River Rouge, Michigan.

The ship's gross tonnage was 6,000 tons, and its net tonnage was 3,400 tons.

It was powered by a triple-expansion steam engine that produced 3,500 horsepower.

The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker was a cargo ship, not a passenger ship, and its primary function was to transport goods.

It was operated by the Pittsburgh Steamship Company, which later became part of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad.

Here's an interesting read: SS El Capitan

The SS Col. James M. Schoonmaker was constructed in 1911 by Great Lakes Engineering Works of River Rouge, Michigan, as a gearless bulk carrier for the Shenango Furnace Company. She was the largest bulk freighter in the world when launched, and featured luxurious guest quarters.

The ship was designed with a three deck forward pilothouse, a Texas deck, and a lounge below the pilothouse. This unique design provided ample space for passengers.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker was the first of two identical sister ships, the second being the William P. Snyder Jr. of 1912. This sister ship was launched the following year, making them two of a kind.

Here's a list of the modifications made to the ship over the years:

The ship's modifications show its adaptability and ability to stay relevant in the industry.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker was constructed in 1911 by Great Lakes Engineering Works of River Rouge, Michigan.

She was built as a gearless bulk carrier for the Shenango Furnace Company, a type of vessel designed to efficiently carry large quantities of bulk cargo like ore, coal, and grain.

The Schoonmaker was the largest bulk freighter in the world when launched, a testament to her impressive size and capabilities.

She featured luxurious guest quarters, making her a unique vessel in the industry.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker was the first of two identical sister ships, the second being the William P. Snyder Jr. built in 1912.

She had a three deck forward pilothouse, with a Texas deck and lounge below the pilothouse, adding to her luxurious amenities.

The Schoonmaker's construction as a gearless bulk carrier allowed her to feature large box holds, making her an efficient carrier in the ore, coal, and grain trades.

Her vessel type is classified as a gearless bulk carrier, a specific design suited for bulk cargo transportation.

The ship has undergone several significant modifications over the years.

In 1948, new tank tops and side tanks were installed, and the spar deck was rearranged with larger hatches and a hatch crane.

The tail shaft was replaced with a new one in February 1952. This upgrade likely improved the ship's propulsion efficiency.

Repowering took place in June 1952, which suggests that the ship's engines were upgraded or replaced to provide more power.

A bow thruster was installed in 1964, allowing the ship to maneuver more easily in tight spaces.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker has an impressive collection of stories to share. It served as a commercial vessel on the Great Lakes for a significant part of the 20th century.

Launched in 1911, the ship made a splash by breaking numerous cargo records in its first year, hauling iron ore, grain, and coal.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker was a remarkable ship that broke numerous cargo records in its first year of operation.

It was launched on July 1, 1911, at the Great Lakes Engineering Works in Ecorse, Michigan, and was christened by Gretchen Schoonmaker, the daughter of the ship's namesake.

The ship was unsurpassed in both size and elegance, and on its maiden trip, it carried 12,650 net tons of coal from Toledo, Ohio to Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

It held the title of "Queen of the Lakes" as the largest ship operating on the Great Lakes until April 14, 1914.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker served as the flagship of the Shenango Furnace Company and broke many cargo records for iron ore, grain, and coal in its first year.

In 1987, the city of Toledo purchased the ship to become a museum ship tourist attraction, and it has been available for self-guided tours as part of the National Museum of the Great Lakes from May through October.

Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker, which is docked at the site of the National Museum of the Great Lakes on the banks of the Maumee River in Toledo.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker's collection is a treasure trove of maritime history.

This lake freighter, now a museum ship in Toledo, Ohio, offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past.

The Col. James M. Schoonmaker served as a commercial vessel on the Great Lakes for a significant part of the 20th century.

Today, its collection is a testament to its rich history and legacy.