April 1947
- charliebunton
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Plant operations and navigation from the port of Calcite were temporarily suspended due to the onset of severe and inclement weather conditions that made it unsafe for vessels to operate in the area. The unpredictable nature of weather patterns in this region can lead to sudden changes, and in this instance, the decision to halt operations was made in the interest of safety for both the crew members aboard the ships and the integrity of the cargo being transported. During this time, the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, under the command of the experienced Captain Carl Stober, was diligently engaged in a critical mission. The crew was tasked with placing navigational keepers on all the permanent lighthouses that line the shores between Detour and Lansing Shoals in Lake Michigan. This operation is vital for ensuring the safety of maritime navigation, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Str. John G. Munson, loaded with stone, was the first vessel to brave the challenging conditions and set off for Cleveland, Ohio. Following closely behind was the Str. B.H. Taylor, which was headed toward Detroit, Michigan. These vessels are essential for transporting goods and materials throughout the Great Lakes region, and their timely departures are crucial for maintaining supply chains. However, not all vessels experienced smooth sailing. The Str. Carl D. Bradley encountered a serious incident when it ran aground around 1:30 a.m. in Lake Huron, striking a reef located seven miles north of Sanilac. The freighter, which was approximately half a mile offshore at the time of the accident, found itself in the midst of thick fog that severely limited visibility. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the crew, and they were never in immediate danger, allowing for a swift response to the situation.
In a separate but equally alarming situation, authorities were on high alert for two escaped prisoners from the Presque Isle County Jail. The escapees, identified as Arthur Simpson, a 17-year-old, and George Leetz, a 30-year-old man, managed to break free by sawing through the bars of their cell, creating an escape route approximately 8 by 12 inches in size. After successfully squeezing through the opening, they could simply walk away from the courthouse, highlighting a significant security oversight. Sheriff Oscar Smith had previously determined that it was unnecessary to confine these young men to more secure cells, as neither was facing particularly harsh sentences. The cells, constructed from hardened steel, typically present a formidable barrier to escape, making this incident all the more surprising.
For those seeking entertainment, the Rogers Theater is currently featuring the film "The Big Sleep," starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart alongside the talented Lauren Bacall. This captivating whodunit film promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats and is likely to become a timeless classic in the realm of cinema.
In addition to these local happenings, this month also marks a pivotal moment in American history, as Jackie Robinson of the Brooklyn Dodgers officially broke the longstanding color barrier in Major League Baseball. His courage and determination have inspired countless young boys and girls, particularly those of color, as they see new opportunities beginning to unfold in a society that has historically marginalized them. Robinson's groundbreaking achievement signifies not only a milestone in sports but also a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
In the realm of environmental concerns, there have been interesting developments occurring in Hammond Bay. The arrival of the parasitic sea lamprey has sparked significant alarm within the fishing industry. Previously, the spread of this invasive species had been limited by the strong current of Niagara Falls, which acted as a natural barrier. However, access was granted with the reconstruction of the Welland Canal between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie in 1932, which inadvertently facilitated the lamprey's movement. By 1937, Michigan Conservation Officer Marvin Horton reported a troubling spawning run in the Ocqueoc River, which would soon become the most heavily infested body of water in Michigan. Recognizing the potential threat, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and its Canadian counterpart, the Department of Oceans and Fishes, were alerted to investigate the growing problem.
Conservation Officers, including Cyril Nelson, began extensive monitoring of the inland waters, and their efforts revealed alarming results. In just one night, they captured as many as 200 sea lampreys from a weir placed in the river just below Ocqueoc Lake, with over 6,000 lampreys taken in the first year alone. This prompted the Michigan Conservation Commission to order a comprehensive study last June. Their findings were concerning: 92 streams in Michigan were reported to have sea lamprey spawning activity, predominantly in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula. The commission's primary objective was to develop effective methods to control the larvae of these invasive creatures, which undergo a metamorphosis that enables young lampreys to migrate to the sea and lakes, where they begin their predatory blood-feeding behavior.
Using their suction cup-like mouths, sea lampreys attach themselves to the skin of fish, scraping away tissue with their specialized tongues and teeth. Their saliva contains secretions that prevent the fish's blood from clotting, often leading to the fish's death from blood loss or infection. In an effort to bring attention to this pressing issue, Life Magazine dispatched photographer and research expert George Skadding to document the sea lamprey problem. Over the course of five days, he took compelling photographs and conducted interviews with members of the research team, including Dr. John VanOosten and Vernon Applegate, at their biological research laboratory. The results of this investigation culminated in an article titled "Sea Lamprey Menace," which was prominently featured in the August 4th issue of the esteemed magazine, further raising awareness about the challenges posed by this invasive species.
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