EDMUND FITZGERALD CREW MEMBER TELLS STORIES ABOUT HIS DAYS ON THE MIGHTY FITZ

There are very few humans left on earth who worked and sailed on the Edmund Fitzgerald, the ill-fated Columbia Transportation freighter that sank in a horrific storm in Lake Superior November 10, 1975. Tom Walton, former Editor of the Toledo Blade, spent five months on the Fitzgerald working as a 19-year-old Porter in the summer of 1963, and recently sat down with me, the History Mystery Man, to talk about his days on the Mighty Fitz. Tom has personal connections to the Fitz, considering his Uncle Ralph (Grant) Walton went down on the ship. Tom's father Wade Walton also served as Chief Engineer on the Fitz. Join us for a fascinating journey back in time as we take you aboard the "Pride of the American Side" for a once-in-a-lifetime look at the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew...enjoy! #HistoryMysteryMan #EdmundFitzgerald #TomWalton #GreatLakes #LakeSuperior

[@drewpierce2273]

I admit that any interest I have in this history started with Gordon Lightfoot's musical tale. The story itself is as adventurous as any sea story man can retell.

[@kevinwinterfeldt4476]

He was the brother of Captain Darrell Walton

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...Lightfoot's beautiful ballad introduced the story of the Mighty Fitz to the world. I can't get enough...thanks for watching. HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And thankfully still is the brother of Captain Darrell Walton! HMM

[@TempoDrift1480]

I can't watch anything about that ship without avoiding that damn song.

[@robertmoreau9382]

Not to be rude or anything but just because he is the brother of the late captain does not mean he was a survivor of the wreck. There was no survivors of the wreck found. She sank with all hands.

[@LLBP.]

Tough Real Men! Thanks for all you did ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching Laura! HMM

[@LLBP.]

Maybe Michigan weather turning cold is making me think of. Where would we be without these guys?. Had to be tough to work in cold!! 👍 Thanks for your service.

[@curbstomp3126]

Just think about the amount of steel these men helped create. It still survives in automobiles, bridges and buildings ect today. Men likes these helped to build Western Civilization.

[@billyjoejimbob56]

I was a year out of high school when the Fitz sank. I sing along every time I hear Gordon Lightfoot sing his ballad. Have lived in Michigan since 1995... this piece of history is woven into the culture here. Attending the annual memorial service in that "musty old hall in Detroit" on the 50th anniversary, 2025 is on my bucket list.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The 50th anniversary is on my list too. I've never been to that musty old hall but that would be the perfect opportunity. Thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

[@mckessa17]

I will take that drive south to be there too.

[@bradsanders407]

He just passed aways may 1st

[@sdriza]

@@HistoryMysteryMan beautiful story - thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated! HMM@@sdriza

[@matthewratcliffe6812]

As an ex merchant seaman of 51 this story in particular struck a fear in me unless you experience being at sea in hurricane force you cannot imagine it it is pure hell great video sir and I’m sorry for your loss

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for taking the time to watch...HMM

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Yes. Lake Erie (close to where I lived) can have terrifying storms with shockingly high waves.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@jamesdellaneve9005 The Great Lakes are spectacular across the board...thanks! HMM

[@TheReckoningBeginsToday]

I heard an interview from the Capt of the Andersen, the thing that struck me. He believed they didnt even know the ship was heading to the bottom, believed they though they were in a wave, waiting to come out. Too me. That made perfect sense of the lack of any survivors, calls.

[@gianfrancofronzi8368]

I was a teenager living in the SAULT Canada when the Fitzgerald sank, and I can tell you that night was the worst windstorm I have ever seen. I am 68 years old now and I still haven't seen wind like that.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Hey..I was a fairly, newly married woman living just south of Soo, Michigan at the time. I was 8 months pg, expecting the 1st week of Dec. Yes, it was a really bad storm. I remember the winds. My husband & I had gone to visit friends. Opening a car door about torn it off. You had to bend way over in order t o walk. I remember saying to my husband " I pity the guys on the boats tonight"!! Well, the barometric pressure was way down & the next day I went into labor. Our son was actually born on Nov.13( long story). Every year, it is hard not to think of the Fitz.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I've heard a lot of folks say the same thing about that terrible night, Nov. 10, 1975. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Fascinating story; thanks for sharing it here! And thanks for watching...HMM

[@finnsaarinen3471]

KEEP THE LEGEND ALIVE....MY MAN....cheers! Finnster

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again, Finnster! Love that name! HMM

[@HarMageddo]

When I first heard this story a few years ago it broke my heart. May God bless their souls and their families

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew. HMM

[@joeyz5577]

The pictures are beautiful! I had no idea the Fitz was so luxurious inside. Very impressive!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching! Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man...

[@MrBlackbutang]

As deep sea merchant marine I have great respect for Great Lake sailors. It can be rougher seas on the lakes thAn any typhoon in the ocean and unrelenting bitter cold the deck guy’s have endure . May all those guy RIP. Glad someone is around tell little about the life of merchant marine and legendary vessel.❤❤ thanks

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching...and thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew. HMM

[@kevinwinterfeldt4476]

I remember when my grandpa was on the Fitzgerald and when I seen the news the Fitzgerald went down i was crying

[@barrybark3995]

did grandpa go down with it? what was his name

[@kevinwinterfeldt4476]

@@barrybark3995 Ernest mcsorely

[@bowslap]

Capt. McSorely is your grandfather(I won’t make reference in the past-tense, his status doesn’t change regardless of state of mortality)? That would mean his step-daughter is your mother?

[@kevinwinterfeldt4476]

@@bowslap yeah I know when I found that out I was like oh

[@barrybark3995]

the history mystery man is trying to get in touch with you Kevin

[@mikeb949]

Would love to see more of Tom's pictures of the crew

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll see what I can find...thanks! HMM

[@jeffreyallen9626]

A fantastic interview! Rip to all these brave men❤🙏😔

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching...HMM

[@tomv4408]

Very interesting, thanks for this! Never occurred to me that there are Edmund Fitzgerald alumni.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching. Yes, there are alumni but you can probably count them on one hand. Doing my best to find them! HMM

[@joeysanguine3596]

I applaud you with a standing ovation for making this reverent video💖✝️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks...HMM

[@catherine59226]

Awesome video and lovely interview. May they rest in eternal peace… ❤️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! And thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew...HMM

[@phoenixharvesters1373]

I was always wanting to find out the stories from the actual crew members of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Thank you for bringing the stories to life. I remember years ago when I used to drive my 18-wheeler through the Canadian promises. There was a bad snow storm one year. The blizzard was so bad I could barely see a few feet in front of my truck. I was headed to Seattle Washington and was going to cross all the Canadian provinces until I got to British columbia. I decided to cut South through Sault Ste Marie then down in the Montana and westward. Thank you for this channel

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. Those cross-country trips must have been amazing. I'd love to do that. Thanks again...HMM

[@phoenixharvesters1373]

@@HistoryMysteryMan thank you sir. Your three-part video I'm sure has helped a lot of people. As of last month I started my 33 years of driving the truck over the road. And to be honest with you I'm getting a little tired I'm 58 years old now.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@phoenixharvesters1373 I'm sure retirement is sounding better all the time. That's a tough, grueling career. Thanks for doing it.

[@TheLuckyjoenga]

How wonderful. We all know the story and the song but now we know her incredible crew.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching...HMM

[@TheLuckyjoenga]

@@HistoryMysteryMan my pleasure. Thank you so much for this amazing documentary. I’m definitely a subscriber now!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@TheLuckyjoenga So many thanks for your support! HMM

[@joshjablonicky171]

I'm born and raised chicagoan and Great Lakes are just fascinating in Edmonds Fitzgerald is one of the most fascinating stories. Absolutely love all the coverage you've done on that tragedy and the people and the family that still there and really happy I found your Channel been very educational doing amazing job thank you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Josh...so appreciated. I'm so glad you found the channel. Stop by anytime! HMM

[@mckessa17]

I grew up on shores of Lake Ontario. The Great lakes are like oceans, they can get very rough.

[@cannabiscomet4410]

When I was 6 years old abouts, a special came on TV. About this ship I never heard of called the Edmund Fitzgerald....today I'm 32 and still fascinated by this ship.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Yeah...the story of the Mighty Fitz grabs a hold and never lets go. Thanks for remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew. HMM

[@stacymirba1433]

11:14 I had to pause and just stare at this photo for a minute. We hear all the time about how big the Fitz was and when you see other photos of it, it's just by itself in the water with nothing to compare it to. But looking at it here with the cars as a reference it somehow makes it more incredible that something this massive could have sunk in essentially a couple of seconds. It doesn't even seem logical yet it happened.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It really is hard to process. But if you take in the history of the Mighty Fitz -- all its issues it had because of the continual pounding it took -- it all begins to make sense. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@jamiegreen4758]

I personally will never forget. RIP brother’s

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Jamie, for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew. HMM

[@Kokopilau77]

Lightfoot’s song put the Fitz into everyone’s memory. It started a fascination for me of the lakers , their history, and their wrecks. The Kamloops, Morrell, Carruthers, Smith to name a few. Makes me wish I made the jump for the adventure when I was younger in the 90s.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The Great Lakes Maritime industry is truly fascinating. I'm glad I sailed the Great Lakes when I did, but I'm also glad it's over, but always proud that I did it. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Kokopilau77]

@@HistoryMysteryMan yeah, I don’t know if I would’ve made it a career. Definitely would’ve done it for the adventure and money though. TY for the videos and have a Happy Christmas!

[@andrewnorris1514]

@@HistoryMysteryMan what was one aspect of sailing you did not welcome

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@andrewnorris1514 The seasickness and bitter freezing cold.

[@cezarnie7631]

Great interview, ready for part 2! Affirms things my uncle told me, in a gentler way than he did.He sailed many boats, mostly for Cleveland Cliffs, and he said the fitz was a rough boat-they worked hard, partied hard, and pounded that boat hard through all kinds of weather.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sounds like the life of a Great Lakes Sailor! Thanks for taking the time to watch...working on Part 2 now. HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

Thank you HMM! I CAN LISTEN TO THESE STORIES OF THE Fitz . Thank you very much. Can't wait for part two.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Roger...always appreciated. Have a safe and happy holiday...HMM

[@rogerozdarski2935]

@@HistoryMysteryMan thank you, you too. Looking forward to your videos in 2023

[@johnderfler5183]

Growing up in Michigan, I remember the wreck, as it was on lots of news reports, I was a senior in high school, I've been on 2 great lakes in my day, Michigan and Huron, never got up to Superior. The song about this incident really let lots of other people know the story of this iron ore carrier.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The story of the Mighty Fitz never goes away, once it's in your bones. Thanks for watching and remembering the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald...HMM

[@FreeDonaldTrump1]

Great video! His connection to the Fitz is quite interesting. Kind of takes you back to that era.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Puts you right back there in the 70s when the Mighty Fitz was sailing the Great Lakes. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@stevenreynolds8393]

This is very interesting and a very nice interview. I have commented on these videos before because I was living in Houghton on the Keweenaw Peninsula when the Fitzgerald sank, and remember that storm, and of course the sinking in the news. However, I didn't realize that it mostly delivered taconite to Toledo, which was then shipped by rail to Armco Steel in Middletown, Ohio. I live in Butler County, Ohio where Middletown is located, and have had some connections with what was then Armco Steel in Middletown. Armco in Middletown still exists making steel, becoming AK Steel and is now under the banner of Cleveland Cliffs, which owns both steel mills and mines. Thanks very much for doing this research and posting these videos.

[@bobsmyth9776]

I can relate, I lived on Lk Michiganme not too far from you and our landlord worked for CC..he ordered the dynamite, ,.yep memories,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Steven; I appreciate you taking the time to watch...and thanks for the info. I didn't realize the taconite that got unloaded in Toledo made its way by rail to Armco Steel in Middletown. Happy Holidays...HMM

[@gregj831]

Very interesting to see the connection between the Mills of SW Ohio and the mighty Fitz. Thank you for sharing.

[@bigham1jb]

They also operated the Middletown in the same capacity. She was later named the American Victory. She served in the Pacific theater of WW2 under the name Neshanic. She had a very interesting history before being towed to Turkey and scrapped.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@bigham1jb Capt. Darrell and I did a video on the Middletown...thanks! HMM

[@reptar5.048]

Mystery man with the scoop again!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching! More scoop on the way...HMM

[@reptar5.048]

Do you ever drive by the American Valor? I believe it was a Oglebay Norton ship in the fleet at the same time as the Fitz!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@reptar5.048 Yes...I shot some video of the ship down there last year. It was docked very near the National Museum of the Great Lakes. I never knew the American Valor was once the ARMCO. Thanks...HMM

[@leewomack3498]

I took a picture of the Edmund Fitzgerald when she was on the Wisconsin side loading ore, one year and two months before she went down. I never knew that that picture would be my last pic before she went down. 😢

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Do you still have that pic? Love to see it! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Interesting. I’ve heard that that ship was pushed hard. Really hard. Almost to the point of being abused. All of those record breaking loads had to have effected that ship negatively. My thoughts have always been “was the storm really that bad or just poorly handled?” Probably a combination of both. The late 80’s early 90’s interview with Captain Bernie Cooper is the version of the sinking that I personally accept. He was there, he knew the people involved, the industry and the Fitzgerald’s captain. I remember hearing about the sinking from my dad and grandfather talking about it in the early 80’s when I was 5. It’s always captivated me. Thanks for posting this.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. You bring up some good points...the balance between the storm and how things were handled. I do believe the storm was that bad, however. Thanks again...HMM

[@eleanorweiss4217]

Captain McSorley knew about a flexing point on the hull he called the "hinge point." If I were he, I would have insisted the ship be drydocked for strengthening, or, I would have quit. They did a little work on the keel/keelson, but that's not going to stop the hull from flexing.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Mighty Fitz here, Eleanor. The Fitz needed some attention for sure. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@donbrashsux]

I love any story about the mighty Fitz

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'm with you on that; thanks! HMM

[@ghpjerry]

I'm a life long Michigander...The Edmund is still such a great story all these years, sad but always intriguing & prideful. Sorry for your loss Tom, I understand & see the love/pride you had in your family. Just put my Mother to rest yesterday, God Bless her soul. EDIT: Great story view, this was amazing! TY.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're very welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. May your sweet mother rest in peace...HMM

[@ghpjerry]

@@HistoryMysteryMan TY! The Lord is always on time.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@ghpjerry I'll buy that! Thanks again...HMM

[@EluraCorenBooks]

As a Michigander who was born just 5 days before this tragedy occurred, I've always had something of an obsession with it. For some strange reason, a bunch of videos have showed up this week in me feed. (I'm not complaining in the least.)

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Well...thanks for taking the time to watch mine...so appreciated. HMM

[@robertayers9424]

Leaving us wanting more ! Can't wait ! Thanks again! Happy first day of winter.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Robert. I think I'm the only guy around here that appreciates winter...hoping for snow at Christmas. HMM

[@robertayers9424]

@@HistoryMysteryMan In the past week or so, we've gotten about 2 feet of snow and it's currently thirteen below zero. I'm loosing my fondness for winter.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@robertayers9424 Wow! Where the heck are you? I'd give anything for just a few inches for Christmas! HMM

[@robertayers9424]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I'm in nw Minnesota about 100 miles NE of Fargo ND. Snowmobile country Arctic Cat and Polaris.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@robertayers9424 Wow! No wonder you're covered in snow. That sounds cool to me!

[@difreighterwatcher8603]

Thank you for doing these interviews, it's so fascinating to hear the stories from former crew members. You are documenting history that I share with my 9 year old grandson who has caught his grandmother's bug for Great Lakes Freighter history. Thanks again, looking forward to more videos.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate you. How cool...your grandson's interest in the Great Lake Maritime industry...love it. Happy holidays, and thanks for watching...HMM

[@craighanks429]

I recommend the book “The Night the Fitz Went Down”. Captain Dudley Paquette of the Wilfred Sykes recounts his career as mates and Captains serving on a variety of ships & his suspicions of what ultimately sank the Fitzgerald.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's a great book...and I agree...a must read. Thanks again, Craig. HMM

[@bjbobbijo5066]

I never realized the strength and power The Great Lakes have until I was a teenager. We lived in northern Indiana so going to the sand dunes along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan was common and was so fun for the family. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, just outside of Empire, MI, was our favorite dunes. We liked having flotation devices and floating up over each little breaker coming in getting excited looking out over the water hoping more were coming as a result of the little speed boats or slight winds so we could ride up over them on the floatation devices. There were a few times when the breakers would start coming in harder with whitecaps, rather qucikly, but it never became an issue. My dad told us to stay close and he watched us. It was like that for years. We kids were stupid and thought it was fun riding over whitecapped breakers, but my dad saw the situation from the beach and called us in. Normally, that was an ok thing to do for little capped breakers, but not any bigger. Very soon after that, the DNR, or whomever it was, put signs up saying no swimming allowed due to the waves. Since then, I have seen that a lot on Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes at the DH Day Campground. It floored me how quickly all of that happened. Our bodies and floatation devices were just little toothpicks being thrown around and we was having so much fun we hadnt realized how dangerous it was getting. We our adrenalin junkies in my family, but not enough to risk getting drowned so my dad was smart to call us in quickly. Back then we didnt have cell phones or the internet to check on weather etc. So, I suppose going through just that 1 very minor incident gave me a better understanding and respect of the serious nature of The Great Lakes when the winds are a stirring. Im 53 now and still think of it sometimes. I heard that song playing on the radio when I was young but did not pay enough attention to the lyrics until I looked it up today. That song writter and singer did an excellent job of putting, heart, soul, respect, and humanity into it. Now, whenever I hear that song on the oldies radio station, I will know the mournful meaning of it and pay tribute. My condolences to the families and friends of all the crew that went down with the Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Hey...thanks for sharing your thoughts and stories here...super interesting. Good dad you have. I've been to that area along the shores of Lake Michigan...and I'm glad we were able to ignite your interest in Great Lakes shipping and the Fitzgerald. We appreciate your support...stop by anytime! HMM

[@paulmore4118]

I was there when it was launched, very exciting memories.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Seriously? You witnessed the launch of the Fitzgerald? HMM

[@josh4125]

I use these fascinating videos to learn about maritime life and fall fast asleep. Rest in peace to all the great lake pirates ☠️ gone to soon. Love from Tennessee

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for tuning in from Tennessee...so appreciated. And thanks for remembering the Mighty Fitz and her crew...HMM

[@insertnamehere313]

Mystery Man.....you are quickly becoming the go to channel for thing's Fitz related and I can watch anything Fitz related for day's and day's. I especially love how you are willing changing you're theory on how the Fitz sunk.....any real investigator etc changes his theory etc as new evidence comes along...most guy's stay stubborn and won't except new evidence or change their theory. Thank you for you're hard work and dedication.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate that. I'll always be willing to change my theories based on information that comes forward. Happy holidays! HMM

[@insertnamehere313]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Happy safe holidays to you as well.

[@ryansalyers5515]

Great interview and a captivating story!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...and thanks for watching! HMM

[@DoctorJoanieTool]

It’s amazing how relatively recently this tragedy occurred. Many, many of us were alive when that ship sank. I really enjoyed this because oddly enough, I haven’t seen many videos or commentary from family members of the crew who were lost. I’m sure there are many hundreds of relatives of the 29 - this makes me want to go search for more interviews with relatives. I feel like I know more about some of the people who died on Titanic than I do of the EF. And EF was on the Great Lakes - I’m from MN - and seems so much ‘closer’ not just in terms of geography … thanks for a great interview and added information. Especially given the recent passing of Gordon Lightfoot, my curiosity about the ship and the people and all of it has been re-stoked. ☮️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome Doctor; thanks for taking the time to watch. If you find any family members that belong to the Fitzgerald's crew, let me know; I too would love to interview them. HMM

[@westernsharpie]

Gem of an interview

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! HMM

[@Peter.w]

Another great story HMM thanks for sharing this!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome; thanks for watching...HMM

[@Peter.w]

@@HistoryMysteryMan love the intro music also

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Peter.w Thanks...me too! HMM

[@b3j8]

Used to listen to the Lake Boats on HF radio check in at nite w/WLC Rogers City. This was about 10 yrs after the Fitz went down. It was always kinda eerie when the Anderson would come on. I could still imagine him on the air w/the Coast Guard that fateful stormy nite.

[@gregj831]

Thanks so much HMM for these videos as they are such a positive reprieve from the seemingly endless bad news.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Greg; always appreciate your support and feedback. HMM

[@WileyCylas]

Wisconsinite here, not too far from Milwaukee. Am blown away! Thank u! This was such a treat

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch! Spent a lot of time in Milwaukee when I worked on the Tug James A. Hannah...HMM

[@andrewhanselman9028]

Another great story, that could have been lost, but is now shared.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Andrew...so appreciated. HMM

[@garylefevers]

Amazing content. Thank you so much for doing these interviews and thanks to those being interviewed. It is very important to get history, such as this documented. I really appreciate benefiting from it was well. Personally, I am as interested in the crew as the ship itself. Rock on! Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy Holidays to everyone.

[@garylefevers]

Btw that includes people like this, the former crew as well.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for taking the time to watch. I'm trying my best to track down family members of the crew to hear their stories and perspective. It's challenging but I'll keep trying. Merry Christmas! HMM

[@freakyflow]

A Metis kid that grew up in Northern Ontario ..Land was everywhere But i loved the water Rivers streams Lakes been to all the Great lakes but Michigan Been to the Bay of Fundy (The highest tides in the world) Niagra falls, the Atlantic Ocean, South China Sea, And Sulu Sea History in all of these places The Fitz is one of the more famous ones Today i live not far from a place built on steel And ships just like the Fitz I am within distance to hear late at night a horn Thanks for the upload

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

That's an interesting path you have taken across your life. Had to Google 'Metis kid'. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@freakyflow]

@@HistoryMysteryMan While in the Philippines Everywhere i went I remembered events from the American / Japanese fights in Manila And fort Santiago (I have a picture of me at the same gate A sherman tank blew threw paid my respects at the gravesites of some of these men That were not inturned to the states ..As for Metis ya there is a long long line to Acadians splitting with Quebecois (Want france as government / Dont want france) The Acadians were killed and chased out of Quebec Some went south *Cajuns Other over Canada before that in france..king william getting to be the first Norman king of England And before that Norsemen "Vikings" taking land and calling it "Normandie" Norse-land

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@freakyflow Wow...now there's come information I had never known about. Thanks for getting me up to speed. Super interesting...

[@tjhookit]

Thanks for more great content!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome...thanks for watching! HMM

[@jackpinesavage9806]

One story I was told was from a rookie longshoreman who claimed he was called to serve the fateful day they departed. The regular crew member hadn’t reported in. However, allegedly at the last minute he did, saving the story teller’s life. Allegedly.

[@danalarose846]

Oh boy! This is going to be great! Thank you HMM.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Dana...always glad to hear from you. HMM

[@wendellellison3482]

Thanks for the wonderful still and video of the Fitz! It is always fascinating to hear first-hand accounts of what it was like to sail on her. On a related yet seemingly random note, I met the cook's daughter Pam(?) while at a memorial service at Bellanger Park, River Rouge, MI around 2015...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome! I'd love to interview Pam...I think she lives out in Kansas? I'm jealous you had the opportunity to meet her. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@3UZFE]

Such a wonderful interview, thank you for doing this!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching! HMM

[@barrybark3995]

truly great , memorable vids these-capturing moments in time...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...greatly appreciated. HMM

[@joecurmaci5880]

Very good preserving historic aspect. People forget so quickly

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@wesrobbins111]

Another great video! Thanks HMM!! I always enjoy seeing them!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks again Wes...good to hear from you. HMM

[@shawnatkinson4448]

It was a beautiful ship above water,but seeing it underwater is an undescribable perfection

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...HMM

[@KubotaBXathome]

Thanks again for another stellar interview. All your work you put into finding these folks, setting up and doing there interviews are very much appreciated. I confess your theme has become synonymous with Gordon Lightfoot’s with me now and I very much look forward to the continuation of this interview. Merry Christmas to you and family!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate you, and your support. Stop by anytime! Happy New Year! HMM

[@Foldy435]

Legend.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I'll buy that! Thanks.s..HMM

[@TommyTheCat42]

You have the best content on the Fitz… Awesome as always HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate that! HMM

[@Necron-ez2cc]

Those fresh water lakes are mad ju-ju to Salt Water sailors like myself. I did a 60 day relief job on a lake ship and felt as if I was constantly being haunted by a primordial evil. I couldn't wait to get back to the court of Poseidon.

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Scared ya a little bit, did it? Yes, the Lakes are mysterious, mesmerizing & haunting.

[@Necron-ez2cc]

@@shirleybalinski4535 Scared isn't the right word. Disturbed, maybe. It wasn't the weather or the water, it was the Evil that dwells beneath it.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting thoughts...thanks. HMM

[@bobsmyth9776]

Thank YOU again..such a respectful interview, accurate, heart felt, Your Toledo connection plus experience working on Great Lakes Ships,..Thank You..I was living on Lake Michiganme 40 miles west of Marquette when it happened...the U. P. Mourned ..it's always has a piece of my heart. Looking forward to the next segment...

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Bob...so appreciated. Merry Christmas my friend...HMM

[@andrewnorris1514]

I thought it was lake gitchie goomie

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@andrewnorris1514 Close enough...

[@communityracecar]

Love the stories that you post and the people that tell them. ❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...so appreciated. HMM

[@eileenmacdougall8945]

That was a great interview. Thank you.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching, Eileen...HMM

[@tomjones2202]

Thanks so much for doing this video. I had a friend who used to talk about the Fitz being Toledo's ship,,,

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks for watching. Part 2 on the way...HMM

[@summerrain7956]

The Big Fitz, what a ship!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Sure was! Thanks for watching! HMM

[@davesracingchannel9261]

Wow I love your channel you always have a good one for us!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks...I really appreciate that. Happy New Year from the History Mystery Man!

[@eastcoastandy]

Good video and channel. Glad I came across it. 🙏 Haven't seen such good inside pictures of the ship.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for your support...and thanks for watching. HMM

[@bigpower491]

Another great video sir. Keep em coming

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! Greatly appreciated...HMM

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

This is amazing to hear. The fitz was the greatest ship in the Great Lakes. The history of the fitz amazes me

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

The story of the Mighty Fitz amazes me too...can't get enough. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@mustangmike4078]

Armco which is now American Valor still exists and sits in the Front st. slip right down there in east Toledo near the National Great Lakes museum. It's a beautiful boat and it's an impressive site from Front st.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Wow...I didn't know that! I knew the American Valor was down there -- I've taken video of it -- but I didn't know it was formerly the ARMCO. Thanks for the info! HMM

[@beberle9641]

Merry Christmas and a great New Year HMM. Thanks for all your hard work on your great videos. Brian E

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Brian...always appreciated. Happy New Year my friend...HMM

[@anonymous.nobody]

My dad was Coast Guard stationed on the Woodrush and hearing what the weather was like when they went out was part of my fascination with the Fitz.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

And once you catch the bug on the Fitz, it just keeps building. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Dannyboy-nj4wh]

It amazes me how a Lake can be as powerful as the Sea! With all do respect They had a reputation They were the fastest and They wanted to keep that, Not to mention pressure from the Company, goals to meet.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It all added up to the perfect storm...so sad for the Mighty Fitz and her crew. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@Dannyboy-nj4wh]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Wish they made a movie based on the Ol Fitz📽️🚢

[@Dannyboy-nj4wh]

@@HistoryMysteryMan you are correct It all added up at the end, Perfect storm

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Dannyboy-nj4wh Definitely! I'm so ready for that movie! Thanks for watching...HMM

[@jenniferhessler2964]

Great video. I have really enjoyed your videos about the Fitz. My husband Grandfather was a captain Pittsburg steam ship and my father in law always told stories about lake freighters and we have lots of books on these.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to watch! Be cool to hear some of those stories from your husband's grandfather! HMM

[@betheurich7790]

I have lived in the UP and seen Lake Superior angry in a storm..she is beautiful and dangerous ❤❤

[@penelopejoann]

Titanic brought me here. Came across a Fitzgerald documentary on KZbin, and the survivors’ stories hooked me in. I never knew the immensity of downed ships on the Great Lakes.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks for watching, Penelope. There are over 8,000 ships/boats laying on the bottom of the Great Lakes...the Mighty Fitz being the largest to ever go down on the Lakes. HMM

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@Bone89 You're welcome! Good to have you here from the fields of Kansas...thanks! HMM

[@jackpinesavage9806]

I attended UMnD in 1977 and this was still fresh news due to the impact. I heard the story of the ship ‘bending’ as he told, from longshoremen in Superior. I was to young to buy whiskey in Duluth. And. My small town buddy and I preferred the adult working class of Superior bars vs The Duluth rich brat BS. Superior bars wouldn’t put up with the children from Duluth.

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

I worked on the great lakes for 15 years, there was a giant storm in Dec 2001, thirty-foot waves, absolutely terrifying.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Which lake were you on when that storm hit? Thanks for watching...HMM

[@watchfullwarrior8180]

@@HistoryMysteryMan Lake Superior, even the north shore was not much protection. I was actually on the Paul R Tregurtha.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@watchfullwarrior8180 You're right about that. And the wind direction changed throughout the day. The storm of the century was just too much, given the Fitz's condition...taking on water as she was, in those seas...thanks. HMM

[@SweetZuni]

Fascinating to hear. Thank you for sharing!

[@RAV1953]

Another excellent video etc. Thank you...HMM!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're always welcome; good to hear from you again. HMM

[@thomaskipfer1008]

Comment is about the song by Gordon Lightfoot. It was erie, mysterious, it was through composed. Storyline was the main theme. It wasn’t a minor scale but one of the old Church Modes. This gave the erie feel for the storyline. Very few songs are through composed and virtually no material uses the modes. Very successful song; made millions

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting...thanks for sharing your thoughts here...and thanks for watching! HMM

[@danbasta3677]

The wind and the wires made a tattle tale sign and the waves broke over the railing, and every man knew as the Captain did to, twas the witch of November come stealin. Words and music written and performed by Canadian singer/songwriter Gordon Meridith Lightfoot. One of Canada's finest singer/songwriter of our time as he Chroniclized all the events that were happening on the lake, on the Edmund Fitzgerald at that time and what those guys on that ship were facing at the time. Ships Master, Captain Earnest McSorley did all he could to put all his experiance of 40 years sailing experience to save his ship and his crew and made a run for Whitefish bay, however that storm and its volatile air masses delt Captain McSorley a raw hand.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Very well said, Dan...thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Gordon Lightfoot is amazing...love all his music, but his ballad on the Fitz is off the charts. Thanks for watching! HMM

[@robertfoote3255]

Does anyone know where the love of God goes......when the waves turn the minutes to hours.

[@LadyOfMaine]

This is why you should never allow anything to be named after you. What comes to mind when anyone mentions Edmund Fitzgerald and Alfred B Murraugh?

[@dlc8130]

I met one of the , i think he was CoastGuard that was involved with that tragedy! His story was bone chilling too!!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting. I'd love to hear his story...thanks! HMM

[@WECOOK1969]

i was born on the same day the Edmunds Fitzgerald sank November 10 ♥️

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

A celebration and moment of remembrance...cool. HMM

[@Isaac-cr7fc]

Awesome!

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks! HMM

[@ellexking9136]

I remember as A Teen, seeing The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald Passing through The Raised Drawbridge, The Cherry St Bridge on The Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. May The Crew of The Mighty Fitz Rest in Peace.😞 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

What an awesome memory! I can just picture the Mighty Fitz sliding through that narrow opening at Cherry St. Bridge with tugs on each end. I probably saw the Fitz up and down the Maumee River too, but didn't realize at the time that the memory was worth capturing. Thanks for watching...HMM

[@behindthespotlight7983]

OUTSTANDING

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

So many thanks! HMM

[@keepontreking3661]

Great to watch the interview and listen to gentleman talking about there escapades and adventures of the careers in any industries, there aren't many people about that are able to have long careers as the very nature of the world today is that we are driven to swap and change jobs.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Super interesting perspective; thanks for sharing it here. HMM

[@sreed8570]

If you think about it, they could very easily recover both sections of the wreck in a week, and know exactly why it sank. If they can recover ships like the Kursk and the Sewoll ferry at much greater depths then the Fitz would be a breese. Then could properly lay those men and the mystery to rest.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Interesting perspective; thanks for sharing it here. HMM

[@teresacorrigan3076]

Delight to listen to these tales🇨🇦🌞

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Teresa...HMM

[@rjust2297]

Yes holy Toledo a whole new meaning to me

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

My hometown! Thanks...HMM

[@doncooper4591]

I grew up in the sault and remember that storm. I have never seen anything like that since, it was that bad.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

It's one you'll never forget...once in a lifetime storm, although this recent system that just blew through during Christmas rivals it. Thanks...HMM

[@marcmeinzer8859]

I was a merchant seaman for about eight years between 1988 and 1996 and started out with Columbia Transportation on both the Middletown and the Wolverine. It was on the Wolverine that I really learned to steer which stood me in good stead during the Gulf War when I had to stand wheel watches during the transit of the Suez Canal on the M/V Advantage of Red River Carriers which was under charter for five years by the military sealift command with a portable Air Force base and 10,000 tons of bombs cocooned inside of her tween decks. I worked with at least five seamen who had worked on the Edmund Fitzgerald at one time or another but of course were not aboard when it sank or they wouldn’t still have been working for Columbia Transportation. The one rule with Columbia of course was to never under any circumstances ever play the Gordon Lightfoot song Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald aboard one of their vessels. But really nobody was stupid enough to do that anyway so it wasn’t really a rule. Everybody on the lakes tended to tell horror stories about the deep sea merchant marine but I came to prefer salt water to the Great Lakes and got to the rating of able seaman unlimited.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I wonder if any of those guys you worked with who spent time on the Fitz are still around? Be interesting to hook up with them for some insight and perspective. Interesting story on the song. We were in heavy seas on the tug and barge in Lake Michigan in 1979 with the radio on. Every now and then we'd pick up broadcast radio signals from off shore. I was a deckhand up in the wheel house of the Tug James A. Hannah...just me and the Captain. The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald came over the radio waves. I thought nothing of it. I was 19 and really didn't know anything at the time about the Fitz anyway. It played for about 20 seconds or so, when the Captain turned to me and screamed at me, "Turn that &%^($#% song off!" as if it was my fault it came on the radio. I didn't even reach for knob on the radio; I yanked the cord from the wall. We sat there in silence...not one word.

[@marcmeinzer8859]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I barely knew them and only worked for Columbia briefly before switching to deep sea. Deep sea mariners are totally different and don’t typically identify with any particular company or crew moving around a great deal depending upon what’s available on the rotary shipping board at the SIU hall. The biggest union on the lakes is local 5,000 of the United Steel Workers, or the Great Lakes Sailors Union. Seamen in that union typically stay with one company to build their seniority. I preferred shipping with commercial vessels which were under charter to the military sealift command. Not only would you get flown around all over the world to catch ships but you’d also get liberty ashore since you weren’t typically handling cargo but rather holding a military load cocooned in the tween decks on a break bulk ship waiting for a war to break out somewhere. On my favorite ship the M/V Advantage we would visit multiple ports in the western Mediterranean every voyage typically starting out at the Spanish navy base at Rota on the Atlantic then visiting in turn Gibraltar, Malaga, Cartagena, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Nice, Toulon, Marseille, Ville Franche, Livorno, Gaeta, Naples and Castelamare. Pretty much every port had a casino not to mention other attractions as well. We would anchor out in a different port every weekend and have launch service so the crew could go on liberty. Sometimes I would even get a hotel room.

[@andrewnorris1514]

@@HistoryMysteryMan I bet that got your attention

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

@@andrewnorris1514 Too much of my attention! Thanks for your support. Happy New Year! HMM

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Rip. Thanks for posting.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

You're welcome; thanks again. HMM

[@steverutherford8189]

I enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing . Like so many of us , I find this very interesting .

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

Thanks Steve; I really appreciate that. HMM

[@JohnnyLaps]

HMM. More great stuff!!Hey,do Pilots board the great lakes freighters as the do here in Philly on the ocean cargo ships, negotiating the Delaware river.

[@HistoryMysteryMan]

I know that American Pilots board foreign ships in the Great Lakes...