Masters of the PM Steamers

J.B. Conrad rose from oiler to chief engineer of carferry flagships

August 29, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  Masters of the PM Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s Note: Until now, the Masters of the PM Steamers series has focused on the captains of the vessels in Ludington’s cross-lake railroad…

Read more »

Following the captains: Wisconsin trip adds to Ludington maritime research

August 25, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  Masters of the PM Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Over the weekend, I traveled across Lake Michigan aboard the SS Badger to Wisconsin to continue research for my Masters of the PM…

Read more »

Capt. Bahle was first master of PM 22, City of Flint

August 11, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  Masters of the PM Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Capt. Esten Bahle spent more than four decades on the Great Lakes, guiding vessels through one of the most significant periods of change…

Read more »

From Beaver Island fisherman to captain of a Great Lakes legend

July 17, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  Masters of the PM Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Every September, the sinking of Pere Marquette 18 is remembered as one of the greatest maritime disasters in the history of Lake Michigan.…

Read more »

Descendants of PM captain connect with family history at maritime museum

July 6, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  Masters of the PM Steamers Stories of Ludington’s cross-lake rail fleet captains and other port mariners By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief LUDINGTON — One of the most rewarding parts of serving as a director of the Mason County Historical Society is sharing Mason County’s…

Read more »

Eats & Drinks

Eats & Drinks