Ann Arbor Car Ferry No. 4 Sinks To Bottom Of Manistique Harbor Slip On May 29th, 1909

Car Ferry “turtled”
Ann Arbor car ferry No. 4 sinks
in the slip Saturday evening.
Twenty-four cars wrecked
Loss will greatly exceed $100,000
The apron was also damaged.

The Ann Arbor car ferry No. 4, while being loaded at this port Saturday night turned turtle and went to the bottom of the slip, port side downward. It contained 24 cars, loaded with iron ore, in all about 1,200 tons.

The ferry, which is constructed of steel, is 270 feet over all and 52 feet beam, is in command of Capt. Fred Robertson, and Thos. Hardkins is chief engineer. The crew numbered twenty four men and Mrs. Wilson, cabin maid and her daughter, Miss Wilson, waitress. Read More...

River Street to Watertower Dated Mid 1920’s

River Street-East Elk to Watertower

River Street-East Elk to Watertower

River Street to Watertower dated mid 1920’s-in what appears to be the dedication to the monument before the Siphon Bridge. The ever familiar landmark Manistique Water Tower (in the background) was completed in 1922 in which stands 137 feet high.

First Bridge-Manistique River 1874

First Bridge-Manistique River 1874

First Bridge-Manistique River 1874

This is a picture of the first bridge built across the Manistique River in 1874. It was built higher than the dirt road since logs were floated under it to reach the sawmills. The sidewalls were built up for safety’s sake since traffic was either by foot, bicycle, or horse. In the background are buildings on the east side of Manistique.

Manistique Centennial Parade 1960-Video


153 years ago, our waterway community was founded in 1860 by Charles Harvey, a business man who sought to build a small dam on the Manistique River. He would first name the area Epsport, after his wife’s family name. Enjoy a very rare look back in time and enjoy the Manistique Centennial Parade 1960. Shot on 8mm film. See if you recognize some names of people on the floats at the end.