Freighters of Manitowoc

The Story of Great Lakes Freight Carrying Vessels Built in Manitowoc, Wisconsin

by Tom Wenstadt


Formats

Softcover
$29.95
$17.97
Softcover
$17.97

Book Details

Language : English
Publication Date : 5/30/2007

Format : Softcover
Dimensions : 8.25x11
Page Count : 356
ISBN : 9781425958381

About the Book

"Freighters of Manitowoc" chronicles the building of freight carrying vessels in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  Manitowoc was a tiny fontier town in the 1840s with river entrance on the western shore of Lake Michigan.  From these small beginnings, it grew to build and deliver the largest vessels on all of the Great Lakes of the time.  In the book's 356 pages, read about the builders themselves, the vessels they built, their yards, how their businesses interrelated to the town, the river, the lake and other waterways of the world.  Through the 519 photographs you will view the evolution of ship design and construction technology, exciting launches and freighters built before your eyes from keel blocks, through launch, final fit-out and delivery.  Read how the hard work and quality work ethic of not only the principle ship builders but the thousands of proud carpenters, sail makers, machinists, ship-fitters, welders, riveters, engineers, naval architects, and others made ship owners come to Manitowoc for nearly a century and a half to have their ships built over yards in much larger lake cities.  


About the Author

Tom Wenstadt was born and raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin graduating from Lincoln High School. He has been interested in and has studied boats and ships all of his life. As a grade schooler, he watched intently as the last three freighters took shape. He remembers saying “Mom, remember to pick me up to see the launch!” Schools were always let out to watch a launch. His neighbors and friend’s parents worked at the shipyard. He has been a Marine Engineer in the Great Lakes area for 30 years, with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. His hobbies are Great Lakes shipping, boating and automobiles. His museum and historical society affiliations are: the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Wisconsin Marine Historical Society, Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inland Sea Maritime Museum and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers.