Features

Searching for the masters of Lake Michigan’s railroad steamers

June 15, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Over the weekend I ventured out on a whirlwind Great Lakes maritime history tour. The purpose of the trip was to gather information for my Masters of the PM Steamers project, which will tell the…

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Four generations of the Butler family helped shape Great Lakes maritime history

June 5, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Sable Points Media.  By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief Editor’s Note: This story was first published on March 16, 2026. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of meeting Barbara Butler, the keeper of the Butler family archives and have found out much…

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Nephew honors Sgt. Leroy Draby, killed in Vietnam

May 25, 2026

Editor’s Note: Several holidays exist to honor our veterans and active duty military personnel, Veterans Day on Nov. 11, and Armed Forces Day, May 17. But, Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. In today’s article, we remember Sgt. Leroy Draby of Free Soil who died in Vietnam in 1967.  By…

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Elusive Ludington captain leads to story of Great Lakes mariner Nels Thompson

May 24, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum. By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief As I continue my quest to research and tell the stories of the captains of the Ludington railroad shipping fleet, I find myself going down side roads from time to time. While the car ferries and their predecessors…

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MCC superintendent search adds new chapter to Scottville school history

May 15, 2026

This Great Lakes History Log is presented by Filer Credit Union and the Mason County Historical Society By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief SCOTTVILLE — As Mason County Central prepares to interview finalists Monday for its next superintendent — a decision expected Monday, May 18 by the Board of Education — the district stands at another turning point in a school history…

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