FAREWELL KEEWATIN!

The ship seemed to want to stay in Douglas, giving up her berth reluctantly, but three days of tugging and work, the "Kee" finally got under way and began the long journey to her new berth in Canada. 

I recall the morning the ship arrived in Saugatuck. I was on a private dock watching.  What a great sight.  "Pete" Peterson, R. J.'s Father was up on the bridge enjoying the ride.  

When the Peterson family came to Saugatuck, things started to happen.  The old chain ferry was refurbished and began a regular scheduled crossing to Mt Baldhead.  The River Queen Boats were built for a time in Douglas.  It looked like a house boat, but it would speed across the water with twin Chrysler engines.  Many were sold but apparently when new owners took over the company. Sales dropped.  The Old Mill on Holland Street was built with a working water wheel to grind corn flour.  Then came the Keewatin, the hisrtoric ship from Canada.  

First the ship was tied up to the trees in front of Mt.Baldhead, because the way to the permanent mooring spot was not deep anough.  During thst time Mr. Peterson invited the village council aboard with their wives.  Since I was a member of the council at that time, we got a grand tour of the vessel.  A few weeks later The Keewatin was moved to a permanent spot near Douglas.  Many people toured the ship and a friend arranged to have their daughter's wedding aboard.  It was quite an event with ushers and waiters dressed in sailor uniforms and a catered dinner in the ships dining room. It was an event to remember.

R.J Peterson brought the ship here, and it was his to sell. He was happy to see it have a good home and a spot where people can enjoy this historical symbol of the Great Lakes.