G. Victor Chamberlain collection

This collection is composed of material acquired by Captain G. Victor Chamberlain during his career on lake vessels from 1927-2008. Small series of correspondence (1958-1977), charts/maps (1927-1974) and printed matter (2002) provide insights into issues of concern to a veteran Great Lakes vessel captain. Safety issues are frequent topics within the correspondence series. Information on fellow officers in the lake fleet of the US Steel Corporation appears in personnel lists attached to correspondence. Navigation issues are reflected in the various logs for vessels retained by Chamberlain. The sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD in 1975 is covered in many of the clippings Chamberlain acquired. Practical matters involved in completing trips between ports are covered through charts retained for study of navigational difficulties in river and harbor channels. Weather related charts are also available. Assorted printed items regarding a captain's interests in equipment purchases, navigational study, weather, and safety issues are present. The collection also contains a number of VHS tapes featuring vessels in transit, trips aboard vessels, and commercial productions on Great Lakes topics.

The last item in the collection is an oversize scrapbook assembled by Chamberlain that chronicles his career, as well as maritime events attended after his retirement. The scrapbook heavily features his time spent as captain of the ERNEST T. WEIR and GEORGE A. STINSON, as well as service aboard Allied supply convoys to the Soviet Union as part of the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. Materials in the scrapbook include correspondence, awards, photographs, crew lists, official documents, and reminisces.

This collection is not large, but does present material useful in understanding what Great Lakes vessel captains were responsible for accomplishing in their careers. Routine matters appear in the correspondence and log books. Some of their worst nightmares can be seen in the clippings Captain Chamberlain saved regarding the fate of his colleagues on the WILLIAM B. DAVOCK in 1940 and the EDMUND FITZGERALD in 1975.

Box 1, Folder 1; Box 2, Folder 7 Series contains scattered documents received by Captain G. Victor Chamberlain during his years commanding lake vessel crews and in retirement. Many items are informational circulars from the Lake Carriers' Association. Many officer lists for the US Steel Corporation Great Lakes fleet are included. A copy of the Lake Carriers' Association response to the Coast Guard's findings in the investigation of the EDMUND FITZGERALD sinking is present. A few personal correspondence items are also present.

Box 1, Folders 2-9 Arranged chronologically Series contains assorted log books acquired by Captain G. Victor Chamberlain during his career on Great Lakes vessels. Extensive radar log information for the J. A. HATFIELD (1949-1975) document the process of stabilizing cargo in vessel holds to satisfy the captain's safety concerns for sailing the vessel.

Series contains news clippings primarily taken from Great Lakes region newspapers. Most items are concerned with the sinking of the EDMUND FITZGERALD.

Box 1, Folders 13-20; Box 2, Folder 1-6, 8; Box 3

Series contains miscellaneous charts and maps regarding navigation in the Great Lakes region. River channels are the subject of many of these items. Series also contains scattered printed items in the form of informational cards, pamphlets, booklets, tables, and documents related to Great Lakes vessels and to marine oriented companies. Specific vessel files with licenses and certificates are present for the PAUL H. CARNAHAN, GEORGE A. STINSON, and the JOSEPH H. THOMPSON. Other materials in the series include various photographs and postcards depicting Great Lakes vessels and Chamberlain at industry functions and reunions, most undated.

Twenty-three VHS tapes depicting trips aboard Great Lakes vessels, ceremonies, and television programs.

Series consists of a large-size scrapbook kept by Chamberlain documenting his career and Great Lakes maritime events. Programs, articles, photographs, crew lists, and correspondence make up the bulk of the contents. Special emphasis is given to his time as captain of the GEORGE A. STINSON and service on Allied convoys to the Soviet Union during World War II. The scrapbook has been digitized and is available at this link.