Marine historian and author Skip Gillham writes:
I grew up in Toronto and often made a weekend trip to the waterfront with my father who kept a record of the ships we saw in port.
After graduating from Victoria College, University of Toronto, in 1963, I got the opportunity to spend part of the summer as an “oiler” on the Great Lakes tanker LUBROLAKE. The St. Lawrence Seaway was now in its fifth season and the nature of Great Lakes shipping was changing. The old ships he remembered were disappearing and, as a history major, I began to research their fates.
 Pre-Seaway Salties |
 The Ships of Collingwood |
 Liberties on the Lakes |
I returned from sailing to attend McMaster University and obtain a Physical Education degree and then began a 33-year career as a high school teacher.
As my marine research progressed, I began writing articles for historical journals. In 1970, I succeeded the late Capt. Geoffrey Hawthorn as author of “Ships That Ply The Lakes” in the St. Catharines Standard and, combining the two pf us, the popular feature is now in its 56th year. The following year, I wrote “Ships Along the Seaway”, the first of my now more than 60 books.
I was honoureed to be named “Great Lakes Historian of the Year” by the Marine Historical Society of Detroit in 1994. I continue my research and writing and my articles have appeared in a variety of historical, corporate and newspaper publications over the years.
 Ships of the Algoma Central Corporation |
 Oranje Lijn - Great Lakes Pioneers |
 Ships in Trouble vol 1: 1850-1930 |
my father sailed the lakes up until i was born he told me storys from boring to adventure he favoured THE BLACK RIVER i was wondering if you have any photos of this boat (as he calls it) he will be turing 84 this year in june i would love to blow up a picture and frame it for him i know it was a big part of his youth (sailing the lakes) thanks
gordon head jr
My Grandfather sailed the Great Lakes, he was the assistant Captian i believe the ship was called .. The Edmonton .. my cousin has photos of my grand daddy .. which i am trying to have some copies made .
My Grandma use to watch him travel through the news paper , would let her know where the ship is and once a month he would come home and it was Christmas for all .. i was too young to remember that but my mom filled me in and i listened with both ears open .. Joanne
To Gordon Head
Sorry, but I just discovered your request re: BLACK RIVER. I would be glad to email you a digital photo of the ship for your dad. Contact me at sgillham7@yahoo.com
Skip Gillham
My great Uncle was Capt William Nicholson. My great grandfather Frank and two Great uncles Harvey and Chester were Captains. My great Uncle Alfred Nicholson and is brother-in-law John Precious died in a collision between when the tug Annie L Smith overran the Tug Annie Moiles in tow of the sand barge Hustler in Algonac MI November 29th 1912. Latter April 1929 the Moiles burn while moored at the Nicholson Dock. I am researching that collision and I am looking for any info. Could you provide any. Also Harvey was aboard the Senator when it sank following a collision with the Marquette in Lake Michigan. I have truly enjoyed your column in the PH Times Herald.
Dear Skip,
I am working on an asbestos related cancer claim for a worker who worked approximately 9 years on a training boat called the Qu’Appelle servicing the Port Weller Dry Docks. He would have worked during the period from the early 1970s to the early 1980s on that boat. I need background information on that boat such as when it was built and how long it was in service and where it was in service. Could you provide me with any of this information? Thank you.
Bruce Allen
Vice-President
Canadian Autoworkers Local 199
St. Catharines