100 Years of Loyalty
By: J. Kreimes
Built in Wyandotte, Michigan in 1902, the Columbia entered service on July 8th, 1902. Design of marine architecht, Frank E. Kirby, the Columbia was built for passenger service, a job that she served well for 90 years.
The Columbia is a single-propeller excursion steamer. She is a three-decked vessel with a dance floor on the second deck and a beer garden on the third. The Columbia's appearance changed very little over the years and remains the same today.
Sadly, the Columbia has not operated for nine years now. Laid up in Nicholson Terminal and Dock Company's South Slip in Ecorse, Michigan, the Columbia has been exposed to all the elements. The weather has taken its toll on the good ship. Many deck planks are weak; the slightest pressure will cause one to snap. The layers of paint are just chipping off and falling to the decks. Rust appears just about everywhere and life jackets litter the decks.
It is not too late to help though; the Columbia is an historic ship and deserves better. The estimated costs to get her back into running condition are in excess of $6 million.
The following pictures express the saddness of the Columbia; they were taken on
October 19, 2001 while on board to prepare for winter.
