Here is another photo and post from our newest contributor, Ryan Lyden.
This historical photograph captures the launch of the Lake Pachuta, the first ship built by the Saginaw Ship Building Company in 1918. The shipyard was located in Carrollton, Michigan, along the Saginaw River, just north of the Sixth Street Bridge. Founded in 1917 by Frank W. Wheeler, the company played a significant role in the World War I shipbuilding efforts, constructing 18 cargo ships for the Emergency Fleet Corporation under the United States Shipping Board.
In the image, a large crowd gathers to witness the vessel’s launch, while the industrial structures of the shipyard, including the "Saginaw Ship Building Company" water tower and factory buildings, stand in the background. The shipyard remained active until 1921, when it was repurposed for use by Ruggles Motor Works. This photograph serves as a striking reminder of Michigan’s contribution to the wartime maritime industry.
The albumen photograph measures 8x10 and the board mount I assume measured 10x12 before being cut up.
Here is a billhead from the Ruggles Motor Works that utilized the factory after 1921.
Here are a few newspaper articles from the Summer of 1918 detailing the Lake Pachuta’s maiden voyage.
More post by Ryan Lyden
This historical photograph captures the launch of the Lake Pachuta, the first ship built by the Saginaw Ship Building Company in 1918.