Explore the Forgotten Tales of Bay View's Lake Captains
Photo is not of Bay View-used only to capture the spirit of the time. A lake captain in his cabin aboard ship.
Courtesy The Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library Thunder Bay Research Collection.
Bay View, Wisconsin: A Home to Extraordinary Lake Captains
Between 1878 and 1968, Bay View, Wisconsin, was home to 71 remarkable lake captains who sailed the waters of every Great Lake while calling Bay View their home. The majority of these captains were immigrants, and they left an indelible mark on the community. In their time, they lived in 117 different Bay View houses, balancing their careers with the love they had for their families, despite long periods away from home.
Johanna Brotch (center), wife of Captain John Brotch
Photo courtesy the Draves Family Collection
More Bay View Maritime Items Of Interest
Photo credit for left photo: Photo courtesy Andy Leisk and the Leisk Family; for center photo: Photo courtesy Anne Lehmer; for right photo: Watercolor painting by Antonio Ribas.
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.