One of our favorite historic museum ships is in dire need of your help. The whaleback SS Meteor, museum ship is located in Superior Wisconsin near Barker's Island Marina. It was built in Superior Wisconsin 106 years ago by the well known shipbuilder Alexander McDougall has been a museum ship in her home town since 1971. In 1896 there were nearly 40 of her type afloat, while today she alone represents her whole class. The ship is in generally good condition, in spite of widespread rumors to the contrary, but it needs a great deal of cleaning, painting and routine maintenance. Superior does not have the resources to properly care for the ship, and volunteers are badly needed to undertake some of the necessary tasks. Chipping and painting of deck equipment and engine room spaces are planned and an overhaul of exhibits is scheduled for Spring. Superior Public Museums is seeking grant money to drydock the ship sometime in the next two to three years to undertake more ambitious hull maintenance work. GLSPS and WUAA have sponsored four joint projects in the past years to help keep this unique piece of maritime history intact. This year it will be a joint project between GLSPS, WUAA, and LSMMA. Phil Kerber of GLSPS will again take the lead again in putting the project together.

For those of you who want to get involved in some of the activities of the society and haven't been able to get out to help on our boat, this is an great opportunity to get involved in a worthy cause. It is also a chance to really learn a lot about the inside of this unique type of ship. And you don't need any special skills. All you need is to be willing to get a little dirty and exchange some sweat equity for an interesting and fun experience. We have worked with WUAA on other projects including the Pretoria Boiler PIB project and have always had a fun time with them.

 

In 2003, our focus was on a major rehab of the engine room.

In 2006, our focus was on the crew quarters, galley, and mess halls.

 

Details: The tentative plan would be to leave Friday night April 25, stay in Phil Kerber's comfortable pop-up camper or aboard either the Preservation or Heyboy, work Saturday and Sunday on the Meteor, and return Sunday night. We will be meeting at the Meteor at 9:00 AM or at Perkins near the Meteor at 7:30 AM Saturday if you prefer to drive up yourself and not stay overnight. Phil Kerber is in charge of the arrangements for GLSPS so call or email him if you are interested. Email is pkerber@glsps.org or he can also be reached by phone 763.420-2059.