Passenger Steamers: Destination Benzie County

In this lecture, we will look back to a time when taking a vacation in northern Michigan included many who arrived by boat - on a passenger steamer. Steamship travel on Lake Michigan dates to the mid-1800’s. However, by the late 1800’s there was a dramatic rise in the number of steamships and passengers, largely driven by the summer resort business.
In an era before automobiles, the allure and convenience of an overnight voyage from Chicago or Milwaukee to port cities like Frankfort was filled with adventure. Getting there was half the fun! Many summer destinations awaited, in Frankfort and beyond, including resorts on Crystal Lake, Platte Lake, Lower Herring Lake, and more.
What drew people to visit Benzie County? What was it like to travel on one of these majestic boats? How long did it take to get here? Where did people stay? What is the legacy of steamship travel? Join us to learn more about this fascinating chapter in the development of Benzie County as a world-class summer destination
Larry White first learned about steamship travel from his grandparents, who traveled to Crystal Lake each summer by passenger steamer from Chicago, first arriving in 1903. Family photographs and his great-grandfather’s personal diaries documented their early experiences aboard these boats. The family archives have led Larry to dive deeper into the role of passenger steamers in bringing other families to this area.
Larry currently serves as president of the Benzie Area Historical Society. He also serves on several Board Committees including Collections, Communications and Finance. He is passionate about local history and has been active in promoting the mission of the Museum and the Society. Retired from a career in technology, Larry and his wife, Carole, reside on Crystal Lake and enjoy being part of the greater Benzie community.

[@nancyaustin9516]

Very interesting talk to someone who visits the SBDNL area frequently. Thanks!!

[@nancyaustin9516]

The US Army Corps of Engineers was doing dredging-I recall a book about the Eastland talked a lot regarding a dredger being assigned to the Great Lakes.

[@JAKPM]

My great grandfather was the captain of the John D Dewar. Captain Henry Robertson.

[@benzieareahistoricalsociet7261]

That is amazing! Would like to know more about his life! Please reach out to the Museum at [phone]. Larry White

[@JAKPM]

@@benzieareahistoricalsociet7261 The brief Robertson story is told in the book Port City Perspectives on pages 14 and 15.
There’s a picture of my Grandmother Hattie sitting in front of the Dewar on page 122 in the book”Images of Benzie county” as well.
I’m afraid I wouldn’t have much information regarding the Dewar or my Great Grandfather, just what’s in the books.