John C. Smith collection

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.