- Eras
- Modern era
- Concepts
- maritimeshippingeconomytourism
- Within
- Saint James Harbor
Summary
In March 1962, the Beaver Beacon reported that Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corporation won a $187,000 bid to build the Beaver Island Boat Company’s new ferry, named the Beaver Islander. Construction was to begin immediately, with a June 23 Charlevoix–Beaver run planned. In May, the Board reported that the vessel had reached the main deck, its two main engines had arrived, and work was continuing on schedule. The June issue says Coast Guard shop-drawing approval and design changes delayed expected availability to July 20 and describes a July 16 launch and island delivery as plans, not completed events.
Evidence and limits
These reports establish the contract, construction progress, delay, and plans. The August 1962 issue is the separate source for the vessel’s appearance, christening, and service start.
Sources
- Beaver Beacon, March 1962, “Bigger, Better Boat for Beaver.”Reports three bids, acceptance of Sturgeon Bay Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corporation’s $187,000 bid, immediate construction, the name Beaver Islander, and a planned June 23 Charlevoix–Beaver run. It does not itself establish launch or completion.
- Beaver Beacon, May 1962, “Beaver Islander.”Reports the Board of Directors checking on construction at Sturgeon Bay, progress to the main deck, and arrival of the two main engines. It says work was continuing on schedule but does not establish launch, completion, or final delivery.
- Beaver Beacon, June 1962, “Boat Company Progress.”Reports that the ferry would not be available until July 20, that Coast Guard approval of extensive shop drawings was delaying the work, and that a July 16 launch and delivery to the island were planned. It does not establish that those planned dates occurred.