Historical Layups: 1972-73

After posting of the arrival of the LEON FRASER in yesterday's Historical Arrivals, I figured I'd post the full winter layup list for the winter of 1972-73.

STEWART J. CORT
SPARROWS POINT
LEHIGH
STEELTON
JACK WIRT
J.S. ST. JOHN
FRONTENAC
LEON FRASER
ROBERT C. STANLEY

Of these, only the CORT, ST. JOHN, and LEON FRASER still sail today under their own power. As I have written before, the SPARROWS POINT is now the barge LEWIS J. KUBER.

Historical Layups: 1976-77

The following vessels spent the winter in Erie in 1976-77:

STEWART J. CORT
ARTHUR B. HOMER
LEHIGH
LAKEWOOD
NIAGARA
J.F. SCHOELLKOPF JR.
J.S. ST. JOHN
STEELTON

Of these, the CORT and St. JOHN are the only two still sailing.

Historical Layups: 1973-74

The following vessels spent the winter in Erie in 1973/74:

STEWART J. CORT
J.S. St. JOHN
JOHNSTOWN
LAKEWOOD
J.F. SCHOELLKOPF JR.
PRESQUE ISLE
SPARROWS POINT

Of these, the CORT, St. JOHN, and PRESQUE ISLE are still sailing. The SPARROWS POINT exists today as the barge LEWIS J. KUBER.

AMERICAN COURAGE Visits; Today in Erie History

The AMERICAN COURAGE arrived in Erie today at approximately 0700 and docked at the Old Ore Dock to unload stone from Port Inland. The COURAGE departed at approximately 1230 this afternoon, passing the inbound J.S. St. JOHN outside of the harbor.

Charter fishing boat EDWARD JOHN was placed back into the water today as her owners prepare for her third season of "party fishing" in Erie.

Today in Erie history:
May 1, 1972- The face of the Great Lakes shipping industry changes forever as the first 1000-foot supercarrier, STEWART J. CORT, departs Litton Industries in Erie, Pennsylvania on her maiden voyage. As such, watch for a special "Erie Connections" on this blog featuring the CORT within the next week.


COURAGE unloading at 0800.


Unloading at noon.


Another view

Finished.


Backing away from the dock.


Backing into Erie harbor.


Preparing to turn outbound.


Outbound.


Stern view


Passing the lighthouse.


Into Lake Erie.


St. John inbound.


Inbound.


Another view.


Stern view.

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).