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Page 31 NORTHWEST STEAMSHIP - GONE, BUT STILL ALIVE! by ALAN MANN Part I The commerce of the world today, generally lies in the hands of the huge corporate giants. The remaining portion of the business strata consists of the smaller-scaled entrepeneural types who attempt to persevere despite often overwhelming odds to compete. There was a period when the "pulse" of the Great Lakes was dominated by small scaled shipping companies, many regional in nature. This phase of marine history was colorful, marked by enterprise, ingenuity, and a unique cordiality between management and staff. One such company was North West Transportation Company, Ltd., a package freight firm based initially in Midland, Ontario on Georgian Bay. Its beginning was marked by rich lineage and even today, traces of the company's history remain on the Great Lakes. Andrew Jackson Hudson was bom in Port Perry, Ontario, spending his early life farming. The family moved to Midland, Ontario where three boys, Harold, Archie and Dalton were raised, all soon answering the call to life on the Great Lakes. Harold captained several vessels for the St. Lawrence & Chicago Navigation Company, eventually being named shore captain. The other two brothers, Archie and Dalton advanced in the shipping ranks as well. Our story revolves around the younger two Hudson brothers and their involvement and contributions to an exciting chapter of Great Lakes history. Both sailed for the legendary James Playfair, a giant in Canadian shipping annals, whose influence no doubt had a positive effect on the eventual success of the Hudsons from Midland. A visit to the ever busy Toronto waterfront in 1928 changed the course of life for the Hudson brothers. N.M. Paterson Co. had laid up the canaller Yukondoc at the foot of Spadina Avenue, to remove her engines. Archie Hudson entered the scene. After discussion with the owners, including company The first vessel in the fleet was the YUKONDOC, purchased in 1928. Renamed GEORGIAN, she specialized in package freight. Skip Gillham