35 Lakers Saluting! Great Lakes Ship Horns in Action

In celebration of five years of this channel and reaching 1000 subscribers in 2019, I wanted to upload a thank you "salute" to all of my supporters here. Therefore it seemed appropriate to create a video featuring 43 salutes from the horns of 35 Great Lakes ships, recorded between 2015 and 2019. I selected some of my favorite salutes from each ship to appear in this video, including at least one representative salute from each ship that I have good audio and video for. For a few ships, I included two salutes, especially if there was any variation between the sounds of the salutes. I also didn't include any saltwater ships in this video, since I wanted to focus just on the lakers this time around.
Which ships have the best sounding horns? Let us know in the comments section below!
Most of the footage was shot in the Canal Park area in Duluth, Minnesota, except where noted below. I included return salutes from the Aerial Lift Bridge for a few of the clips featured here, but didn't include it for all of the clips (as that would have been a bit repetitive). Also, a small disclaimer... while most of the audio matches with the video when it was recorded, I did shift the audio slightly on some of the clips so a good view of the ship was on the screen while the salute is being heard. For two of the clips, I pulled audio from other recordings I made of the same ship, since I didn't have good audio and video on the same recording.
If your favorite laker isn't represented here, it's only because I don't have video of that ship that features a salute (yet). I hope to expand my library of recordings and capture many more lakers in the coming years. If you enjoy the recordings here, please be sure to check out the videos on the rest of my channel. Many other ship videos from the Duluth-Superior area are featured on this channel, including longer videos of the clips presented here.
Below is a listing of each ship, with the time stamp. Click on the time stamp to skip ahead to see and hear that ship. Thank you for watching!
0:00 Cason J. Callaway
0:34 John J. Boland
0:53 Lee A. Tregurtha
1:14 American Spirit
1:31 Michipicoten
1:47 H. Lee White
2:05 Edgar B. Speer
2:21 Great Lakes Trader
2:39 Kaye E. Barker
2:56 American Integrity (Two Harbors, MN)
3:13 John G. Munson
3:28 Walter J. McCarthy
3:47 Roger Blough (Superior, WI)
4:04 American Mariner
4:20 Mesabi Miner
4:36 Algoma Discovery
4:56 Lee A. Tregurtha
5:13 Erie Trader
5:28 Cason J. Callaway
5:49 Indiana Harbor
6:12 Rt. Hon. Paul J. Martin
6:27 Great Republic
6:43 Baie Comeau
7:00 Arthur M. Anderson
7:32 James R. Barker
8:06 Roger Blough (Superior, WI)
8:22 American Century
8:40 Herbert C. Jackson
9:06 Philip R. Clarke
9:22 American Mariner
9:37 CSL Laurentien
10:05 Alpena
10:29 Presque Isle
10:47 John G. Munson
11:08 Burns Harbor (Superior, WI)
11:42 Hon James L. Oberstar
11:56 Joseph L. Block
12:13 Stewart J. Cort (Superior, WI)
12:29 Saginaw 12:29
13:01 Paul R. Tregurtha
____________________
If you are interested in supporting this channel to keep new videos coming, I accept PayPal donations at the following link:
www.paypal.com...
Donations of any size are gratefully accepted, as they help offset my expenses. Thank you postcards are sent for any donations over $5, plus thank you gifts are sent for donations of $30 or more. Gifts increase in value with donation size and are of my choosing, usually themed on Great Lakes shipping and/or the Duluth-Superior region.
Your views, likes, comments, and subscriptions also help this channel and are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[@TheRepublicOfJohn]

7:35 The captain knows the James R Barker has the best horn of all the lakers. Thats why he lays it on so long. It's beautiful!

[@thefirstera9874]

Personally I like the edward l ryerson’s horn a little more but I agree it is a good horn!

[@CommuterRailProductions]

I like Jana’s horn in my opinion

[@manny3052]

now thats a perfect fifth!

[@wafflesthecat7650]

The ship just passed by in the Detroit River just now lol the irony.

[@jamesbraun9842]

I like the Barker Bark but for uniqueness but the captain keeps his hand on the button for a long time. Personal favorite is the Alpena has the last actual steam horn.

[@muciosp6399]

7:35 James R Barker's horn sounds amazing!

[@markakin3742]

no doubt

[@Hammertime054]

The ultimate, the best👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@adamw4245]

Most common ship horn

[@elit2175]

@@adamw4245 Not really. And not on the great lakes. This is a twin chime whistle, which along with triple chimes are less common than single tone whistles. Most ships only require one chime which is what youre hearing in most of these clips. Some ships create a chord which is a combination of several horns/whistles which is what youre hearing from the Barker. How it sounds depends on its size and where she most commonly sails. Ships that are able to play a chord are much less common. A good example is the MS Queen Victoria.

[@geofffikar3417]

My favorite was the Arthur M. Anderson

[@1Ocqueoc]

When I was sailing in the 70s ... it was not uncommon for a boat to have 2 or 3 guys aboard that could name the ship by the sound of its horn

[@1Long2Short]

Yeah, some of the ships had really distinctive sounding horns, especially back then when a lot of steamers will still in service. Some of the newer horns on the diesel-powered vessels aren't quite as unique sounding, but are still fun to hear.

[@michaelbenitez539]

@@1Long2Short How can you hear them and not lose your hearing? They seem loud!!!

[@ghunter182003]

@@michaelbenitez539 they probably wear ear plugs...I know I would because I have sensitive ears!

[@CommuterRailProductions]

That’s actually a fun game to play. Try to guess the ship by the sound of its horn

[@ghunter182003]

@@CommuterRailProductions Kind of like ‘Name That Tune’, but with ships!🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffellis21]

Always a pleasure hearing the horn of a living legend, the Arthur Anderson. And, wow, the James R. Barker kind of stands alone with that awesome horn!

[@edwardpate6128]

The Barker stands tall among the rest!

[@therago-xm7lg]

7:20 the crew of the Anderson are so kind. They blew the horn for those kids watching

[@dietboi]

i love how you could hear the kids yelling "launch the horn!" at the Anderson and she does just that

[@michelinman8592]

3:13 Oh, this brings back memories... Family vacation to Michigan's U.P. in 2001; got to see the John G Munson come through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie. Never thought she'd be still around two decades later. 😊

[@FreshwaterNautical]

James R Barker has the best sounding horn on the Lakes in my opinion

[@CommuterRailProductions]

Listen to “ Chestnut’s horn and we’ll talk later

[@shithead_garage]

Have you heard the Edward L. Ryerson? If only she wasn't in layup for 10 years

[@FreshwaterNautical]

@@shithead_garage I have heard it. When I was a kid was the first time. Fantastic horn. Classic steam horn. I wish other lake freighters still had theirs instead of the newer ones

[@tunezjunkie87]

agreed, 100%. She's got such a beautiful voice!

[@northernzeus768]

Without a doubt. Touches my soul

[@michaelbenitez539]

7:01 I get goosebumps whenever I see this specific vessel

[@quintinjohnson3742]

reminds me that the Fitz should still be here!!

[@cooperautobot2165]

I still hear her horn-

[@tacticalxander209]

Edmund Fitzgerald

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

At 7:00, the Arthur M. Anderson is the last vessel to have ever had contact with the Edmund Fitzgerald back in 1975. She still proudly sails the Great Lakes, today. It will be a sad day when she finally has to be retired.

[@ZAV1944]

Honestly she should be turned into a museum ship when she's retired.

[@MrGator-er1li]

10:04 oldest and probably loudest ship on the great lakes.

[@nascarfan88ta]

Technically the St. Mary's Challenger is the oldest, but she's now become a barge.

[@cruzin8056]

Def the loudest, can hear it miles away from LaFarge in Alpena Michigan

[@yoonjins_sweetiepie]

@@cruzin8056 I’m in Alpena right now. The irony is strong with that one

[@navajocapi]

10:10 sounds like my dad blowing his nose.

[@allischalmersfanwd4566]

yeah it one of the last steam whistles left on the great lakes.

[@orionharmon6017]

😕😕😕😊☺😁😄

[@orionharmon6017]

Is that right, well so is mine.

[@orionharmon6017]

I remember blowing my nose when my nose was stuffed up and it sounded like I just toot my horn out of my nose but then all the sudden, my nose started bleeding so I must've blew my nose too hard.

[@elit2175]

7:34 JAMES BARKER TAKES THE CAKE MY DUDE

[@christianbrotherspaintingi6821]

YUP!

[@Hoops176]

It made my day!

[@yoonjins_sweetiepie]

6:27 damn the great republic is no joke. She’s a pretty impressive laker. The way her pilot house is built sends a shiver down my back. She’s got a pretty epic horn to match

[@davidhackett7106]

This video takes me back to my days as a teenager hearing these freighters on the Saginaw River.

[@nascarfan88ta]

7:00 One of the most legendary Freighters followed at 7:33 by one with one of the coolest sounding horns ever

[@lemmythebulldog8812]

“With a load of iron ore and six thousand tons more than the Edmund Fitzgerald weighed empty, that good ship was true and a bone to be chewed, when the gales of November came early”

[@garyhorton9827]

Long live GordonLightfoot! !

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

26,000 tonnes

[@chevyj655]

Why Are You Singing The Lyrics Of The Edmund Fitzgerald?

[@paulw.woodring7304]

The Alpena may be the, or at least one of, the oldest lakers still sailing (1942), and still steam turbine powered, although it sounds like it uses an air-powered horn, instead of a steam whistle. The Arthur M. Anderson was the ship following the Edmund Fitzgerald the night it sank.

[@1Long2Short]

Yes, the Alpena is the oldest (self-powered) operating laker at this time. She technically has a steam horn, not a steam whistle. So that's why she sounds different from a typical steam whistle. It still uses steam, however, to drive the horn.

[@trainmaster844]

@@1Long2ShortWith almost all the other old lake freighters converted to diesel, how long will it be before Alpena’s retired or converted? 😥

[@artist45]

not sure why but i watched the whole thing.....and enjoyed it

[@dominickbuzzanco]

I was thinking the same thing

[@jpb1231000]

Careful... I'm a landlubber and I'm HOOKED!!!

[@jennyc707]

That was awesome smiled like a little kid the whole time.

[@nightengale7163]

Hmmm ... favorite? Hard to pick. Maybe the James R. Barker. 📯💕Love them all. Thank you for compiling this ... wonderful! ⚓

[@richesse3126]

Sounds like the James A Barker is summoning ET, i love it!

[@sputnikalgrim]

My grandparents had a summer cottage in Egg Harbor near Sister Bay in Door County back in the 80s. My parents would send me and my sisters up for the Month of July to get a break from us kids. I remember being 8 years old and watching the ships on the horizon at sunset and I can remember the sound of their horns in the morning. Some of my best memories are at that cottage on the water. Out the door, down the stairs onto the beach and into the brisk clear water of Lake Michigan

[@rolanddansereau6947]

I can listen to the James R Barker all day long. Such a sweet sound.

[@northernzeus768]

Wow! James Barker! 7:30. What soul.

[@orangecayman520]

James R. Baker was definitely what inspired the THX sound 😂🤣

[@remihu1802]

7:40 I'd love to hear that one by myself !

[@shawnbailey7880]

Same, i want to see it because it’s one of the 13 1000 ft freighters as well!

[@pedrolacipolla3862]

Its a 5th in music

[@jimbo6635]

Just saw this awesome video and while the Arthur Anderson will always be my favorite I’ve gotta say the James Barker sounds like a horn from Lord of the Rings.

[@cot5thorchid551]

At 7:32 plain eerie, it'll give you night mares, could listen to it all night long,and, an eerily beautiful ship too.

[@jeremycox571]

Barker and the Anderson is always my favorites thanks for the video

[@roberthoffhines5419]

Haha! the Roger Blough sounds like my piano tuner! Love the tritone of the Joseph Block.

[@Northernstar9370]

Not to ever say a laker salute sounds less than awesome but I've always thought they sounded best from the north pier inbound. I think it's the echo off the hills and buildings. Great collection! Anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to hear the Barker Bark in person....... its almost an out of body experience!

[@TrainTrackTrav]

My favorites are the Erie Trader, Joseph L. Block, and of course, the James R. Barker.

[@AMPProductionsVideo]

All great vessels, my favorite is the Arthur M Anderson

[@nathantomerlin2618]

When the Cason J. Callaway said “D” in Morse code, yet it’s horn is a C note.

[@faytheweber8578]

loved this video! thanks for making it and posting it. Now I can add to my bucket list to hear one of the ships in person.

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! It's definitely worth hearing them in person, at least once.

[@geoffhalstead1811]

Why am I not surprised at the American Spirit’s loud horn 👍 What a collection‼️👏

[@mroblivious3647]

"The ship was the pride of the American side, comin' back from some mill in Wisconsin." Never forget the SS Edmund Fitzgerald 11/10/1975. 🇺🇸❤ And, Gordon Lightfoot's amazing ballad 😢

[@IamValentina66]

I remember.

[@Hammertime054]

I cant stop watching these😂👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@laurenloukinen5425]

My name is Lauren also its nice to see one of these old cargo ships with my first name on her what an honor it is!!!!!

[@betholmsted4446]

I live near the Marquette MI harbor. I recognized so many of these! Thanks for the great video 👍

[@april906outdoors3]

I lived in the apartments on Crescent Street just off Lakeshore Drive in the 90s - loved hearing these all these horns in person as they approached and left the ore dock.

[@ryankane7177]

How can I steal James R Barker's horn and install it in my truck

[@Bacony_Cakes]

its called piracy and i don't think its illegal in the great lakes, as there aren't any pirates there. yet.

[@ryankane7177]

@@Bacony_Cakes "yet" In totally unrelated news, are you interested in joining a cause larger than yourself matey?

[@jakeycakes3502]

You can try to get two of the horns and vibrate them at a fifth

[@SoberNomad]

Love the Mesabi Miner 4:20! Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it

[@aimeem9706]

Just discovered your channel and really enjoyed this upload! I live close enough to Lake Michigan to hear the ships' horns and I love that! Great Republic just paid a call a few days ago; I believe she brought gravel in.

[@HAA0603]

3:36 and 0:59 “AND THE COLORADO AVALANCHE AND VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS SCORE!!!!!!!!!”

[@jmstransit]

this aged well in the 2021 playoffs

[@SilverThunder710]

Horns featured: Bonus: Lift Bridge: Westinghouse (WABCo) 3 Chime x2) Cason J Callaway: KPH-130 John J Boland: KM-110 Lee A Tregurtha: KPH-130, S-120 American Spirit: KM-135 Michipicoten: KM-110 H Lee White: KM-110 Edgar B Speer: S-120 Great Lakes Trader: KM-110 Kaye E Barker: KPH-130 American Integrity: S-120 John G Munson: KPH-90C Walter J McCarthy Jr: KPH-130 Roger Blough: Unknown American Mariner: S-120 Mesabi Miner: KM-110 Algoma Discovery: KPH-90C Erie Trader: Unknown Indiana Harbor: KPH-130 Rt Hon Paul J Martin: KPH-90C Great Republic: S-120 Baie Comeau: S-120 Arthur M Anderson: KPH-130 James R Barker: Unknown, but beautiful American Century: KPH-130 Herbert C Jackson: KPH-130 Philip R Clarke: S-120 CSL Laurenton: KPH-90C Alpena: Unknown Presoue Isle: S-120 Burns Harbor: S-120 Hon James L Oberstar: KPH-130 Joseph L Block: KPH-130, S-120 Stewart J Cort: KM-110 Saginaw: KM-110 Paul R Tregurtha: KPH-90C

[@CommuterRailProductions]

Alpena has 2 Leslie 300’s. Both are steam

[@fedora997]

Roger Blough isn't no slouch either, her duel horns are amazing

[@billyboots3730]

She burned during layup yesterday, may be a total loss.

[@jamesbraun9842]

@@billyboots3730 The fore was in a confined space so it was significantly less damage than other boats.

[@billyboots3730]

@@jamesbraun9842 the fire itself isnt the problem, its the heat, that much heat can ruin the structural integrity of the hull, hence the reason St. Clair is currently being cut up in port Colborne.

[@CTK1201]

@7:35 James R Barker's horn is Official! THAT is a Horn! I wouldn't mind having Joseph L. Block's horns on my truck for this Horrible DMV traffic...

[@SKULLZY_YT]

Did you know the paul r tregurtha had the same horn as the James r barker but the James r barkers horn is broken and that’s why it had the cool sound of the horn on the James r barker was fixed it would sound the same as the Paul r tregurtha and Mesabi miner ships horn. 🚢⛴🛳⚓️

[@mrcleanjcowles]

Wow---Makes me think I'm a little kid laying in bed with the window open on a hot summer night.---!962 Port Huron Mi.

[@celtic0317]

Totally agree. My grandparents had a house on the St Clair River between St Clair and Marine City.

[@ns_railfanner7299]

James R. Barker is no doubt the best 7:35

[@williamphillips6247]

This is a wonderful video-really appreciated and thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

[@laurabartoletti6412]

Oh yeah, Mesabi Miner sounding her horn!! Best 🔊 Neat video! James R. Barker 🔊 cool too!

[@celtic0317]

Grew up in the lakes and the iron ore boats. Memorable!!

[@CommuterRailProductions]

3:18 That is such a nice horn

[@kjdude8765]

Just received an audio concert from Her at the Muskegon Channel this evening. July 23, 2024. 4 standard salutes and a master salute. Certainly playing it up for everyone on the Channel.

[@4Cabin]

Love the Great Lakes

[@nancyking7739]

Love it! This is the Great Lakes!

[@Bacony_Cakes]

help im falling down a laker loophole i was looking for a sound effect

[@notoriousblt1038]

It happens to the best of us

[@Bacony_Cakes]

@@notoriousblt1038 its alright im just stuck in half-life now

[@Eggybomai]

0:17 0:43 0:58 1:23 1:36 2:11 2:25 2:41 3:05 3:18

[@christophflock1921]

Ship ahoy and safe travels!

[@ryancrummy4114]

The Michipicoten was really bookin it out of the canal!

[@quintinjohnson3742]

I wonder what the Big Fitz sounded like

[@garynordby6789]

Looks to me that most of the Great Lakes ships need some paint work

[@joedesautel6092]

The boats are getting to winter break layups in Duluth for winter break..... The best part is to see the ships starting 2024 season for the ships.... Have a great safe winter break for the boats 😊😄

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

I was gonna pick the Speer or the Lee Tregurtha, but the Barker is too good. The Alpena's horn really shatters the air though.

[@melaniewieman9020]

Love that Duluth is part of this video

[@lynne6417]

The Lee Tregartha, and definitely James R. Barker....I'd love them to echo through these Western PA hills on the Allegheny River

[@CNMikado]

Lynne Ralston did you know that the Lee A Tregurtha used to be a T2 oil tanker the formal USS Chiwawa

[@fedora997]

Lee A Tregurtha used to sound even better with steam, her air horn isn't bad though just wish they never converted her from steam to diesel

[@wafflesthecat7650]

James Barker just passed by in the Detroit river lol the irony is golden. And seeing Philip come out of the fog is just great. Presque isle looks like a rucking war ship. Stewart is thicc.

[@Mafiaman2463]

Congratulations on 1 thousand!

[@12345fowler]

Well the bridge horn is defintely different than most of these ships horns. More like the one of a merchandise train. It would be so cool to see it close in action. Anyone knows what kind of horn the bridge has ?

[@1Long2Short]

It is a train horn... two horns, actually. Wikipedia says they are Westinghouse Airbrake locomotive horns.

[@sikujacob4556]

I'm more of a fan of classic ships like the gallian and man o war, but I have all the respect for these grand vessels.

[@emanuelsousa1054]

2:59 WOW!😮

[@freedomrocks7821]

Fitting the Paul R. Tregurtha "Queen of the Lakes" the biggest to finish the video. Amazing video thanks.

[@1Long2Short]

Thanks! Yes, I put the Tregurtha at the end as a reward for the 20% of the viewers who watch the whole video. 😄

[@deniseschultz7353]

The James R Barker is my favorite!

[@mscemanoel-cruiselife3747]

i love this kind of video congratulations very successful to you I'm your fan

[@helmutkutzke128]

Sehr gute Schiffshorns gute Signale .

[@orionharmon6017]

2:41 Kaye E. Barker has a nice horn blast ☺👍🌊🚢🌊📯🔊

[@williamkcfu]

Edmund Fizguard vibes? She looks a lot like her. 🪦 RIP to the Edmund 😢

[@CNMikado]

OMG The lee A Tregurtha she used to be a T2 tanker named USS Chiwawa!

[@crabmannyjoe2]

Me make loud noise. Is just a fundamental building block of humans. Especially men.

[@spockofdune8657]

James R Barker sounded like an egyptian god appearing amongst mere mortals in all his glory...... * goose bumps * 7.33

[@kmsbismarck9485]

James R. Barker sounds so cool

[@ronaldroberts1992]

It's amazing how big those ships are and very sad you won't see big Fitz go by ughhhhh god bless

[@timothynewton4453]

Seeing some of these freighters, like the Anderson, Munson, and such, I wonder of the Fitz were afloat today what paing job it would have on it? I'm about to buy me a Fitz model and paint it to match the Anderson.

[@1Long2Short]

Hard to say. Some of the Oglebay Norton boats were bought by American Steamship in 2006, so she may have ended up in black with white trim. But there's also a good chance she would have been scrapped in the 1980s alongside her sister ship, the Arthur B. Homer.

[@damanyocum149]

I need a horn like that in my car lol

[@maryguy-fo2qk]

I want this horn as a ring tone

[@lunchfoodz]

fell asleep to this somehow

[@eaglewolffox6275]

The anchors located on front bows look like eyes.

[@JohnEBurns]

I sure wish l could Tute the Horn on a Big Long Freighter!

[@catoPL]

I love how out of scale great lakes trader's bridge is. It looks like they took it from a fishing trawler

[@Obi_Wan_Kenobi_027]

I’ve noticed a lot of lakers are quite old, are they able to last longer due to the fresh water or is it just cheaper to keep them constantly maintained instead of replaced?

[@1Long2Short]

The freshwater allows them to last much longer, but the maintenance is also a factor as well.

[@BillFisher-de9ju]

Love them all but the James Barker still has the right stuff

[@scotthaskin1509]

Awesome, thanks!

[@benbrackin2067]

3:57 dual horn salute.

[@Flyboy207]

The James R. Barker sounds absolutely amazing, but I think the Alpena wins it for me.

[@rottenroads1982]

3:47 & 8:06, the Two salutes of the Roger Blough.

[@wigwagstudios2474]

Woooo minnesota!!!

[@illinois_missouri_fanatic]

Nyarome 2, do you like the Minnesota Wild?

[@wigwagstudios2474]

Maxwell Mach This is embarrassing but I don’t really care for sports, but if I had to, yea, go team! I just love my state I guess

[@steveo7771286]

@@wigwagstudios2474 Ah, a midwestern state that people are proud to live in. Here in Ohio, it’s more like “um…I live in Northern America” or “get me the hell out of this state” something like that.

[@wigwagstudios2474]

At least you guys have some pretty rare sirens.

[@rottenroads1982]

Oh, so it's not the Ships with the Train Horn, The Bridge Has it. I most certainly thought the ships were the ones who stole the Train horns, but its actually the Bridge.

[@Cooliron24]

These are the ships you want to be on with plenty of food and fuel when the zombie apocalypse breaks out.

[@dmmchugh3714]

That American Spirit is immense ! Is that the biggest ship on the lakes ?

[@1Long2Short]

It's one of 13 vessels on the lakes that are 1000 feet long (and 105 feet wide). The longest is the Paul R. Tregurtha, seen at the end of the video. She is 1014 feet long! I have a video that features all 13 of these massive ships, if you wish to see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n53JqIqal9mVepo

[@bozenajencek]

in advance Happy new year

[@1Long2Short]

Happy new year!