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A November, 21-22, 1938, blow brought more than the usual grief to the crew and owners of the John P. Geistman.

Loaded with coal and a deck cargo of 50 new automobiles bound from Detroit, Michigan, for Duluth, Minnesota, the Geistman’s captain and crew watched helplessly as ice built up on the superstructure and cars.

The seas billowed higher and higher between the Keweenaw and Rock of Ages Lighthouse at Isle Royale, before a monstrous wave finally washed over the deck taking 10 cars over the side. Later, a second mountain of water brushed 34 more cars into the lake.





 
 
 

Two of the remaining cars suffered damage and the total value of the lost cargo was estimated at $40,000. The ship’s captain, Charles Autterson, said it was the meanest storm he’d ever known, with winds shifting continuously and making it impossible to keep the bow into the gale.




 
 
 
 
 



PHOTOS FROM THE BUD PINNEY COLLECTION

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