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Yes I The picture at the bottom of the page IS a real photograph. It is the only one we know of the SOUTHERN MICHIGAN that has survived the years since this "sovereign of the lakes" ended her days. The photograph is a Daguerreotype, aged to an extent that made it appear impossible to copy. But we had reckoned without considering the skill of Rev. Edward Dowling. He is responsible for the quality reproduction you see here. He is to be congratulated for the excellence of his work while we are to be congratulated on our very good fortune in having his assistance. This picture of the SOUTHERN MICHIGAN, a silver ladle bearing the name of the WESTERN METROPOLIS, and a picture of Captain Perkins, who had been master on both ships, were given to the Museum by Miss Katherine Nims, granddaughter of the Captain. Work continues on the technical information and picture files of the Museum*s Archives. At the present rate of progress, these records will be available to research students at an early date. It is noteworthy that the Museum welcomed its 100,000th visitor on December 28thL This overwhelming public acceptance firmly bespeaks the right, well earned, to be repository for such Great Lakes items as may become available. This together with the effort being expended toward an efficient archival facility will assure all donors that their gifts will be seen and appreciated, and not just stored in some inaccessible box in a closet. Passenger Sidewheel SOUTHERN MICHIGAN. Built at Buffalo, New York in 1852 by Bidwell & Banta. 300.9 x 36.11 x 13.7. Tonnage (old) 1470, built of wood. Her engines were vertical beam, 72 diameter, by 144 stroke, built by Morgan Iron Works, in 1852. She was owned by Michigan Southern Ry. Dismantled in 1863.