What is that- a question that needs to be asked when we look at historic photos and wonder.

[@imxploring]

I'm always amazed at the photo quality of some of these pictures from 120 years ago! Thankfully these images provide a great history and clues to questions who's answers have been long forgotten.

[@authorwes]

I totally agree!

[@B.A.S.Drydock]

Another great stroll down the shipping lanes of the past Wes! Headed up to Duluth for 4 days this weekend! The history and the ships are what pull me back up there! Well that and the north shore is beautiful and full of history! From the logging to the Iron ore mines and commercial fishing! The is no other place on earth like it! Oh and I purchased a new zoom lens Tamron 18-400mm! So anxious to see what i can do with it!

[@Niftynorm1]

I must say after looking at several KZbin videos about lake boats, yours are the best. You keep them well paced and interesting plus the humor is worth looking forward too.

[@authorwes]

Wow, thank you!

[@rottenroads1982]

The idea of Package freighters to me on the Great Lakes is certainly unique. Most Cargoes carried on the Great Lakes are Bulk cargoes, but some cargoes are finished products that need to be delivered to stores for people to buy them.

[@kathyfinn5996]

The chain on your model boat looks so cool!

[@authorwes]

We agree on that one.

[@TahoeRealm]

Awesome - guessed it - great video again!

[@authorwes]

Thanks again!

[@abrahamdozer6273]

Fascinating! ... and they have their own "twin hawse pipes" built in, too. I would never have noticed that. There is also a safety aspect to it. If the towing hawser parts, it will whip back against the hull rather than sweeping the deck and slicing deck hands in two.

[@authorwes]

Great point!

[@jimlund5022]

Maybe evergreen should put a tow chain on their container vessels for the Suez Canal.

[@authorwes]

Hummm... see if they have a suggestion box.

[@andrewostrelczuk406]

And yes I gotta say that I guessed it too, just before you said it! Little slow this morning first Coffee brewing and it’s Moist out with Liquid sunshine and mixed Frosted Flakes of frozen sunshine!😊🤪😜😆

[@thelightkeeper2026]

Wes, I to love the look of the tow chain, I think I'll put one one me model. Thanks again for your video's, I like the indepth look at the old boats.

[@wesoleszewski5875]

You have good taste.

[@OBC-radio]

I really appreciate your channel. I grew up in Saginaw, and always have had an interest in the Great Lakes boats. Thanks for reigniting my interest, and helping curtail my homesickness. Looking forward to reading a few of your books this summer.

[@authorwes]

Glad I can help with the home sickness- been there myself.

[@stewartgibson5802]

At 4:10 where the SR Kirby is being towed past a wreck, what wreck is that? Is it still there? It would make a good dive

[@wesoleszewski5875]

I know it was raised and returned to service- I'll have to check and get the name.

[@authorwes]

FYI- I must correct myself...the wreck was the JON O. GLIDDEN, she was later "Dynamited and removed"

[@artvandelay1099]

What caused the tow chain to become obsolete? What happened in 1910 to stop ship builders from including it in new vessels?

[@roderickcampbell2105]

Really fascinating video. But why less or no bow chains on the other types of vessels? They didn't need tugs like that I guess?

[@papabits5721]

Would you any photos of the Wheat King, it belonged to Upper Lakes shipping and was the very first boat my older brother worked on. He became a second class engineer.

[@wesoleszewski5875]

Don't have any in my collection, but I know that boat well.

[@donreed5029]

Hope this is not a dumb question but what is the "flagstaff" on the bow of some of the lake boats?

[@authorwes]

Not a dumb question at all... in fact, it is my next "What is that" video. Stay tuned!

[@tracyscotdatemasch2773]

Wes, are your models scratch built or do you begin with kits?

[@authorwes]

All built from scratch... it kept me sane many times over the years.

[@tracyscotdatemasch2773]

@@authorwes wow! You are a true craftsman

[@turtleonahottinroof8734]

👍

[@sidneyhirst1925]

Nothing to see here! Just Ice Necklace...

[@wesoleszewski5875]

That got a snicker from me.