Arm Chair sailing-A little Great Lakes Christmas history

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:59 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rouse_Simmons

Beady · Post by **Beady** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 1:22 pm

The Simmon's family for whom the ship was named is from Simmons mattress which is still in business today. The family home became the Anderson Arts Center which is in Kenosha WI right on lake Michigan. Had the opportunity to attend a couple of parties at the home.

sauerleigh · Post by **sauerleigh** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:25 pm

I read some years ago that at one time, Cleveland was the second largest shipbuilding city in the world, behind Glascow, Scotland. It was the only city in the world that you order a ship built, hire a crew, load with a cargo and sail to any part of the world. Unfortunately I do not remember the reference, old timers disease.

astrorad · Post by **astrorad** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:33 pm

Simmons Co. moved out of Kenosha around 1959 or 1960 and moved to Munster, Indiana if my memory is right. My best friend at the time had to move away because his father was a draftsman for Simmons.
Our local libraries here in Kenosha are all named Simmons, but I am not sure if they are named after the company founder.
Thanks for the history...the great lakes is full of stories like this.
Visitors are astounded when they first see Lake Michigan, having no idea the about our inland "sea".

clair hofmann · Post by **clair hofmann** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:38 pm

The Coast Guard continues that tradition today. Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw transports trees to Chicago for the needy.

Clair

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 6:43 pm

Charles Hackley, listed as one of the owners, was a founding Father of my hometown of Muskegon. A Lumber Barron, he made use of the schooners to transport lumber far and wide.

As you can see from this aireal photo, Muskegon makes a nice port for Lake Michigan.

mcrandall · Post by **mcrandall** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 6:46 pm

P.S. Thanks for finding that tidbit, Capt Bondo--very enjoyable read!

Beady · Post by **Beady** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 7:07 pm

Bill

Are you in Kenosha proper? We used to live on 6th Ave. Still have friends i the area. I do miss the lake.

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:21 am

To add to Clair's comment;
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/443/963535/

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:23 am

Excellent reads!
Thanks!

Scott

astrorad · Post by **astrorad** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:12 pm

Brian,
Yes, my wife and I are life long Kenosha residents...we now live on the south side of town about 1.5 miles west of the lake...17th ave and 79th st.
The main problem here is that there is no boat launch for trailer sailor type boats....our local boat ramp is inland of a fixed bridge...BUMMER !!!

astrorad · Post by **astrorad** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:37 pm

here is a link to a nice video showing the "Christmas Tree Ship " at the bottom of Lake Michigan....enjoy....quite haunting.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrnqheC_QQk

clair hofmann · Post by **clair hofmann** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 6:16 pm

Anybody watch the launch videos of the Mackinaw on Capt. Bondo's link? Awesome!
Clair