This glossy is not great in itself, but it’s in color and is time stamped, which makes it fantastic.
Here are more of these great photos. I’m not sure what the ship below is, but the others
Lebanon, built 1907 and scrapped 1967 . . .
and Diamond Alkali, 1917 to ??
Now this person looks like he had a clear vision and a firm hand on that tiller.
Many thanks to Harley R for sending these photos along. And let’s hope this is a rejuvenating year for the old faded red tug in Lyons.
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5 comments
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April 16, 2017 at 11:33 am
tugboathunter
Str. W.E. Fitzgerald in the first B&W photo
April 16, 2017 at 11:39 am
tugboathunter
http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/historic/perspectives/WEFitzgerald/default.htm
April 17, 2017 at 7:54 am
tugster
tugboathunter . . . thanks much for these links.
April 16, 2017 at 11:38 am
tugboathunter
The Diamond Alkali lasted until 1985 when it was scrapped in Spain. Here’s a great pictorial history: http://www.boatnerd.com/pictures/historic/perspectives/SaginawBay/default.htm
April 18, 2017 at 7:25 am
Lee Rust
We live near Lyons, and so traveled last evening to take a look at Grouper. I was immediately struck by the vast gulf between most boat dreams and this particular boat reality. It’s a tribute to the original builders and designers that this craft has survived so long afloat with so little attention, but my heart ached at the thought of her most likely impending fate.
The advertised asking price is so low that there’s a powerful temptation to take on a restoration project like this, but the industrial infrastructure that specified, constructed, manned and maintained this type of specialized vessel is long gone. Perhaps a very wealthy enthusiast could manage it, but otherwise a dedicated group or institution would be needed.
A local newspaper feature story from late 2011 showed a photo of the then-new owner of Grouper as he stood before his recently acquired responsibility. To my eye, he seemed somewhat forlorn and overwhelmed.