Historical: Drydocking the PAUL R. TREGURTHA, 1994-95

Another drydocking done by Erie Marine during the winter of 1994-95 was the PAUL R. TREGURTHA. In addition to a five-year survey, the TREGURTHA, the longest ship on the lakes, received a new paint job.


PAUL R. TREGURTHA shortly after being moved into drydock in late January.


TREGURTHA, painted, a few weeks later.

Historical Drydockings: J.W. McGIFFIN, 1994-95

During the winter of 1994-95, spending the winter in drydock at Erie Marine Enterprises was the J.W. McGIFFIN. The McGIFFIN, owned by Canada Steamship Lines, was in for its five-year survey.


J.W. McGIFFIN in drydock in January 1995.



Stern view.



A few days later, the propeller, rudder and propeller shaft have been pulled for inspection.



Later in the winter, the McGIFFIN was moved to the Mountfort Terminal.

Historical Layup: ELTON HOYT II in Drydock

During the winter of 1994-95, the ELTON HOYT II spent part of the winter in drydock at Erie Marine Enterprises for her 5-year survey. During that time, the vessel was repainted by EME painter Eric Guerrein (now owner of Lakeshore Towing). Each vessel painted took about two weeks to complete.

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ELTON HOYT II in drydock. Next to her is the 1,013 foot long PAUL R. TREGURTHA, the longest vessel on the Great Lakes, which was also painted in drydock that winter. Photo by Jim Thoreson taken from the JOHN B. AIRD.


Stern view of the HOYT as painting is nearly complete.

Historical Layups: ELTON HOYT II, 1994-95

During the winter of 1994-95, the ELTON HOYT II, of Interlake Steamship, spent the winter in Erie, first at the Sassafras Street dock, and then in drydock at Erie Marine Enterprises. This winter the vessel, now named MICHIPICOTEN and flying the Canadian flag, is spending the winter at Erie Shipbuilding.

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ELTON HOYT II inbound Erie, January 14, 1995. Jim Thoreson photos


A stern view of the HOYT.


Approaching the Sassafras Street dock, then nothing but a barren dock after Erie Sand and Gravel moved from the site about 15 months earlier. Today the site houses the Bayfront Convention Center.

Today in Erie History- Forty Years Ago

March 29, 1967- Litton Industries, based in Beverly Hills, California, announces that Erie has beat out Lorain, Ohio for its proposed ultramodern Great Lakes shipyard capable of building 1000 foot long vessels. This yard will ultimately turn out the STEWART J. CORT and PRESQUE ISLE. Although Litton's Erie Marine yard only lasts until the mid 1970s, after which the yard will lay dormant for the next decade, their yard withstands many changes on Erie's bayfront over the coming years and remains a shipyard despite many proposals to turn it into a marine museum and home for the Brig NIAGARA. The Port Authority property, beginning in the late 1980s, is home to the Jonathan Corporation, Erie Marine Enterprises, and Metro Machine. Currently the yard hosts Erie Shipbuilding, the first post-Litton tenant to actually bring shipbuilding back to Erie.

Click here to read the Erie Daily Times article from March 29, 1967, about Litton's announcement. (PDF- 3.5 MB).