Willis B Boyer Museum Ship

Elite '09

57

881

David R.

Chicago, IL

9/1/2008

I have always loved ships.  I've toured a handful of historic ships over the years.  U.S.S. Constitution?  Check.  WWII submarine?  Check.  Mid-19th-century schooner?  Check.  Early 20th-century Great Lakes freighter?  Hmm...

So perhaps this ship does not have the romanticism or historical significance of the others.  It is an impressive sight, quite long and stolid.  In operation from 1911 to 1980, it was the largest freighter in the world when launched and set some cargo records during its first few years before being eclipsed by ever-advancing technology.

It was also well known for luxury which supposedly rivalled the famous trans-Atlantic liners.  Up to the modern day it is recognized as a relic of the so-called Golden Age of Great Lakes shipping, but although I respected its achievements, I couldn't quite conjure up the reverence and awe that it seemed to be asking for.  Obviously the ship has seen better days, but it could be spiffier.  Many spots need a buff with Rust-Away and a new paint job.  

In any case, this would be a fun place to take the kids, and frankly it's one of the few things worth doing or seeing in Toledo.

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