John C. Smith collection

Collection

Identifier: GLMS-0055

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents

This collection contains published material regarding employment on Great Lakes vessels acquired by John C. Smith during his career with several Great Lakes fleets. These items span the years 1919-1937.

A lengthy manual written by Captain John C. Murray lists sample questions used in navigational schools for training examinations. Master, mates, and pilots studied this manual in order to take licensing tests prepared by the Lake Carriers' Association. John C. Smith has made written entries on the title page that give biographical information regarding his career. The Lake Carriers' Association prepared tables noting distances between ports for navigational information. One such manual for 1919 is present. Cards for reporting weather data and for giving vessel rules to new crew members were printed and given to employees such as John C. Smith. Two undated samples are included. Participants in the Lake Carriers' Association welfare plan were issued booklets for recording times of discharge from fleet vessels to document the beginning of periods when welfare assistance was needed until a new vessel assignment was made. Booklets for 1931-1937 are included.

Dates

Creation: 1919-1937

Extent

.5 Cubic Feet (1 legal manuscript box)

Creator

Smith, John Carroll, Captain (Person)
Lake Carriers' Association (Organization)

Biographical Sketch

Captain John Carroll Smith was born at Cleveland, Ohio in 1913. Captain Smith began sailing on the Great Lakes at the age of sixteen. Smith's career brought him through successive promotions with fourteen steamship companies as he continued his studies leading to certification at various ratings for employment. Smith's first pilot's license was earned in 1934. In 1936, Smith became a vessel master for the first time.

Captain Smith sailed on numerous vessels in fleets belonging to the Lake Carriers' Association and maintained an enrollment in the Association welfare plan after 1931. Captain Smith's notes reflect his withdrawal from lake service in 1946.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.