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Membership News: We would like to thank those of you who have renewed your membership for 2004. More than 60% have renewed, so we are off to a good start in today's economy. We also appreciate those who have responded to our Letter of Appeal last fall and the donors names appear on page 13. On your renewal form we asked for feedback on your internet use and with the proposal of printing the Marine News Section monthly on our internet website: www.glmi.org versus quarterly in Telescope magazine. We received a good response with the majority of members preferring the Marine News in printed form. Based on the response the Board has decided to continue inclusion of the news in Telescope, but in a condensed format (a specific date may have several sentences with updates, rather then the news being broken down into specific dates.) This will allow us to maintain an affordable size while including more articles. We realize that most members receive at least two marine publications, so we will try to limit outdated or insignificant news in our quarterly format. We also grasp the idea that our members wish to have the news printed in Telescope because they refer back to it when conducting research on specific vessels or events. Others simply do not have computers or use the internet. We will continue to enlarge our website with the announcements of events in order to save postage, but will continue to send out first-class mailings when needed. For those who have internet access, we encourage you to visit the website as we continue to expand and develop new information. We are also striving to reach out for new members. Your membership dues are not only used to publish the Telescope but to produce events, exhibits, and programs at the museum. The Detroit Historical Department funding supports operational costs but it is you, the members of GLMI, that support the ongoing commitment of the museum to preserve and inform the public about the maritime history of the Detroit River and Great Lakes. The Telescope, Museum & Out-Reach Programs, Exhibits, Website and Webcam Project are achieving this because of the support of GLMI members. Museum Hours - The Museum continues to be open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. CONTENTS • Life begins . . .at 50?!................................................................................. 3 Opening of the Season 1937 .............................................................................. 8 Building a Fleet From Popular Mechanics.................................................................. 8 To Those Who Responded To Our Appeal.................................................................... 13 Great Lakes & Seaway News............................................................................... 14 OUR COVER PICTURE ... The HENRY FORD II converted to seIf-unloader for 50th Annivarsary. Photo from the Dossin Great Lakes Museum Collection. Telescope© is produced with assistance from the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, an agency of the Historical Department of the City of Detroit. Visit our Website at: http://www.glmi.org Published at Detroit, Michigan by the GREAT LAKES MARITIME INSTITUTE ©All rights reserved. Printed in the United States by Macomb Printing, Inc. January - March, 2004