Preserving Bay View's Maritime History: Unveiling Our Projects
Not of Bay View-used only to capture the spirit of the time.
Alice Blodgett aboard her father’s steamship somewhere in the Great Lakes, 1890.
Photo courtesy Alice Schultz,The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Thunder Bay Research Collection.
Marking History: Honoring Bay View's Lake Captains and Their Homes
We are committed to commemorating Bay View's spectacular maritime history by placing historic markers at key sites where significant maritime-related events occurred. These markers will serve as educational reminders of the rich maritime heritage that often goes unnoticed in Bay View's history. The income from book sales on this site, along with contributions, will fund these markers. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances, all proceeds will be donated to the SS City of Milwaukee museum ship in Manistee, Michigan, a vessel once captained by Bay View lake captains.
One of our prominent projects involves establishing the Historic Bay View Lake Captain's District, an initiative that will highlight the concentration of Bay View's lake captains and their homes near the intersection of East Lincoln and Kinnickinnic Avenues. This district will feature three significant components: a plaque honoring all of Bay View's 71 different lake captains and its only female ship owner, a historic marker designating the new district, and a sculpture commemorating a heroic dog. This location is not only historically significant but also visually central in Bay View. The funds generated through contributions and book sales will support this unique project.
Photo Credits for Images Below: Left Photo: Beaver Island, Michigan, Historical Society,The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Thunder Bay Research Collection”; Center Photo: “R. G. Wendt,The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Thunder Bay Research Collection”; Right Photo: “The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Thunder Bay Research Collection.
Bay View Lake Captains Plaque, Historic Marker, and Hero Dog Sculpture
The first of our historic markers takes the shape of three significant Bay View maritime history-related elements, all thoughtfully grouped in the heart of the area with the highest concentration of Bay View's lake captains and their homes, near the intersection of East Lincoln and Kinnickinnic Avenues.
At this unique location, you'll find three compelling additions:
A Commemorative Plaque: This plaque proudly displays the names of all 71 distinct Bay View lake captains, along with the name of Bay View's sole female ship owner.
Historic Marker for the Bay View Lake Captains’ District: A groundbreaking addition, this historic marker designates the inception of the Historic Bay View Lake Captains’ District, the very first of its kind in the United States.
Heroic Dog Sculpture: This remarkable sculpture pays homage to a heroic dog that tragically perished while saving the lives of a ship's crew. The ship was captained by a former Bay View lake captain who had resided in Bay View for 25 years. The heroic incident took place in the distant Detroit River during a dark and perilous collision. This sculpture marks a historic first as the inaugural sculpture in all of Bay View. The incredible story of this hero dog can be explored in detail through one of our YouTube episodes and our book, "Bay View: Town of Lake CAPTAINS!" available for purchase on Amazon.com and linked on this site.
The location chosen for these three historical elements, celebrating Bay View's rich maritime history, holds immense significance. Situated at the heart of where the majority of lake captains once lived, it graces East Lincoln Avenue, the street with the highest concentration of lake captains' homes in Bay View. Furthermore, directly across from this location stands the former residence of the captain of the ship involved in the dramatic collision, the same ship with the heroic dog mascot on board. Adjacent to the site, to the east, lies the home of the lake captain responsible for delivering an astonishing 21 rail cars filled with brand-new furniture, a feat that played a pivotal role in the grand opening of the Pfister Hotel in 1893. This incredible journey was fraught with challenges as the captain navigated treacherous ice and endured a week-long gale that kept him in port.
Below, you'll find a photo of the proposed location along with an artist's rendering depicting what it could become.
Preserving Bay View's Rich Maritime Legacy – Your Support Matters!
Help us uncover and preserve Bay View's maritime heritage. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on our efforts. Together, we can celebrate the captivating history of Bay View.
Contributions are not tax deductible as we are not a 501c(3) charity.
National Recognition: The Bay View Historic Lake Captains District
We have submitted an application to the US National Register of Historic Places, seeking the designation of a historic district named "The Bay View Historic Lake Captains District." If approved, this district will be the first of its kind in the United States dedicated to Great Lakes captains and their homes. This exciting development will be discussed on our YouTube channel and is detailed in our book, "Bay View: Town of Lake CAPTAINS!"
Honoring Bay View's First Female Ship Owner: The Johanna Brotch Marker
Our research on Johanna Brotch, Bay View's first and only female ship owner, has led to the approval of an official marker by the Wisconsin Historical Society. This marker will be placed at Johanna's former home, where she lived for nearly six decades while owning the schooner Arctic, captained by her husband, John Brotch. This marker serves as a testament to her unique place in Bay View's history, and details of her and other Milwaukee female ship owners can be found in our books, "Bay View: Town of Lake CAPTAINS!" and "A Brother Helps His Sister: the True Story of William A. Draves, the Schooner Arctic, and the House at 515 East Lincoln Avenue."
Photo courtesy of the Draves Family Collection.
Bay View’s Best Captain
One Bay View captain stands out among the rest. So much so that all the others would absolutely and most certainly agree. Who is it? Who is the best of the best? Have patience and stand by. Bay View’s best captain will be announced in 2025 on our YouTube channel in a special episode as well as on this website in 2025. If you want to skip ahead, he’s already in our book titled, “Bay View: Town of Lake CAPTAINS!” As previously discussed, 100% of all income from book sales and contributions goes to support Bay View maritime projects identified on this site. If these attempts fail, then all monies go to the only surviving intact and preserved museum ship the SS City of Milwaukee in Manistee, Michigan, which at least two and likely three different Bay View lake captains commanded.
This Photo is not a Bay View lake captain and is used for example only.Captain’s name unknown.Photo by Wilhelm Hester,Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Want to know the surprising connection between this ship and Bay View?
Photo courtesy Allan Fanjoy, The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library, Thunder Bay Research Collection.
Preserving Bay View's Rich Maritime Legacy – Your Support Matters!
Help us uncover and preserve Bay View's maritime heritage. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on our efforts. Together, we can celebrate the captivating history of Bay View.
Contributions are not tax deductible as we are not a501c(3) charity.