HCGL. Historical Collections of the Great Lakes

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A large series of black and white photographs documenting the shoreline of the American side of Lake Erie, as well as portions of the Saint Lawrence River. Although the photographs are numbered, there is no index present to indicate the exact location each photograph was taken.

Scope and Contents The record series in this collection document activities of the United States Coast Guard, 9th District office in Cleveland, Ohio for the years 1911-1971. These files concentrate on the period 1935-1965. Within the four cubic feet of this collection researchers may examine the commercial aspects of the Coast Guard's duties through files on vessel inspections. These three cubic feet of records (Box 2-4) reflect whether a vessel was enrolled as one licensed to operate on the Great Lakes....

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Vessel enrollments surrendered at the Cleveland Customhouse, include date, name of vessel, place and reason for surrender of enrollment

Abstract

This collection documents the issuance of certificates and sale of vessels recorded at the Cleveland, Ohio office of the US Customs Service for the years 1871-1939. Certificate and License documentation can be found along with mortgage information, Bills of Sale, and other sales documentation. The financial and legal files in this collection document a portion of the regulatory work of the U.S. Customs Service in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Scope and Contents The six volumes in this collection partially document the activity of the U.S. Customs House in Grand Haven, Michigan, for the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The daily financial status of the agency is reflected in the Daily Record of Balances (Volumes 1-2), a ledger (Volume 4), and a brief listing of Tonnage Duties (Volume 5). Entrance and clearances (Volume 3) provides a record of vessels entering and leaving the harbor during 1915-1919. A final volume detailing vessels seized for...

Abstract

The sale of vessels recorded at the Ludington, MI office of the U.S. Customs Service for 1864-1949 are presented here. Bills of sale, conveyance records and mortgages include the names of vessels and sale participants and the terms of agreement. In these the researcher can find information on vessel histories and the economic aspects of vessel purchases. The financial and legal files included in the records partially document the regulatory duties of the U.S. Customs Service.

Abstract This collection documents the issuance of certificates and sale of vessels recorded at the Muskegon, Michigan, office of the U.S. Customs Service for the years 1916-1956. Certificates of Enrollment and Registry are found on rolls one through four. Roll 4 also contains a record of marine documents deposited from the Muskegon Customs office from 1936-1956. Bills of Sale can be found on rolls four and five. The financial and legal files in this collection document a portion of the regulatory...

Abstract

The Customs District of Oswegatchie, New York was established on April 1, 1811. This collection contains one volume of vessel abstracts, 1836-1841, which provides information on date registered, rig and name of vessel, port of departure, tonnage, and officers and crew. Two additional volumes of detailed wreck reports, 1874-1900 and 1902-1925, are indexed by vessel name.

Abstract

This collection documents activities of the United States Customs Service office at Port Huron, MI from 1866 to 1958. Bills of sale and enrollment information appear in largest quantities. The issuance of licenses to individual officers on boats and to boats following inspections is documented. Records of harbor entrances and clearances by vessels reflect patterns of vessel traffic at Port Huron.

Abstract This collection of six microfilm rolls documents the issuance of certificates and sale of vessels recorded at the Toledo, Ohio office of the US Customs Service for the years 1870-1959. Certificates and Enrollments are found on rolls one, two, and three. Mortgage information and Bills of Sale can be found on rolls three, four, five, and six. The financial and legal files in this collection document a portion of the regulatory work of the US Customs Service in the nineteenth and twentieth...

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Filmed copy of the first 10 volumes of the Cleveland, Ohio Life-Saving Service wreck reports.

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Nearly 600 pages of correspondence, specifications, and memoranda sent to the American Shipbuilding Company relating to cargo vessel construction for World War I.

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Present are 23 volumes containing copies of inspection certificates retained at the Cleveland, OH office of the U.S. Steamboat Inspection Service following examination of steam vessels. These annual inspections permitted vessels to operate on the Great Lakes. The certificates date from 1876-1910. The compiled information focuses on hull materials, boiler tests, recommended crew sizes, and maximum passenger limits for freight vessels, passenger vessels, and yachts.

Abstract

Present are records of the Toledo, OH office of the Steamboat Inspection Service for the years 1870-1931. Included are tensile strength test reports for boiler plate samples (1900-1931), lists of licensed assistant engineers (1890-1907), and lists of licensed pilots (1870-1908).

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The most important items in this collection are Parsons' two diaries and his day book of medical practice, all of which were kept during his naval service. They give an extremely detailed account of his famous role in the Battle of Lake Erie. The collection also includes some family correspondence, as well as letters and notes regarding his genealogical and historical research.

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Record of name of craft, dates of arrival and departure, destination, and cargo, for the Port of Vermilion, Ohio. Records located in Vermilion Township Justice of the Peace Dockets.

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Logbook for a sailing vessel detailing cargoes carried, ports visited, weather, and other data.

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Vessel data forms containing ship names, official numbers, name/ownership changes, and final disposition.

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Sea trials and machinery test results for a variety of Great Lakes vessels; includes index to vessel names at beginning of volume. Some vessel records include booklets and architectural drawings.

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Typescript of information appearing in the Buffalo Morning Express relating Lake Michigan shipping losses from 1824 to 1847. Includes vessel name, date of loss, cargo, lives lost, and approximate monetary value.

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Biographical notes including educational background, service history during World War II, and post war career; includes photo.

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Letters, written to Father Edward J. Dowling, concerning the ship MONTAUK.

Abstract The Vincent D. Nickerson Collection consists of original perspective drawings, many in color, prepared to provide the details needed for the paintings Nickerson was commissioned to produce. These drawings often provide scale drawings as well as color schemes of Great Lakes vessels from the 1840’s to 1910. In many cases his drawings are the only known details available for a particular vessel. Only a small number of Nickerson’s finished paintings survive, adding more significance to this...

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Two 16mm films taken by W.A. Hoey of Clawson, MI, depicting several vessels on the Detroit River. Identified boats include the TIPPERARY, SOUTH AMERICAN, STE. CLAIRE, and COLUMBIA.

Abstract

This collection is composed of color photographic slides of Great Lakes vessels and two scrapbooks (1933-1963) documenting Newman's experiences as a ham radio operator. Negatives in this collection date from 1962 to 1984. All images, 2.75” and 35mm, were taken by Waldron Newman.