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Page 5 "SMOKEY" the boiler was fired up and local waters were beautified as a trim "blast from the past" floated majestically bringing awe and surprise to those viewing from the shoreline. An enrapturd grandson immediately fell in love with SMOKEY and although at the time was too young to take command he was totally taken in and upon the right notion would eagerly take the helm. By the summer of 2004, Ed Sykes realized his grandson Mike Brown had earned his "steamboat stripes" and was responsible enough to operate SMOKEY. Not only had he learned the rudiments of operating a steam engine, but he gained the necessary certification that allowed operation of a now rare form of power that does carry with it some risks. Hopefully, it would just be a matter of time before grandpa would say, "she's yours!" While most lads of Mike's age are raring to go with high powered cars or boats, the budding steam buff is content to spend two hours in advance of a 6-7 miles per hour cruise, mustering the necessary 50 lb. boiler pressure to move the hull. While cruising, attention is required to constantly tend the boiler by feeding her with coal (a fuel difficult to find), check the various gauges, man the tiller and watch for approaching traffic, some that buzzes by with rocket speeds. His love and dedication of this vestige from the past is evident (and he must "steamboat sit" for another couple of hours "post trip" while the boiler cools sufficiently). Researching is also part and parcel of Mike's steamboat passion. So far he has been able to track down a bit about CHESTER'S active career. Working for Ford during the 1930's, CHESTER was taken over by the U.S. Maritime Commission during the second world war carrying essential products. The vessel was returned to the Ford Motor Company in 1946 and then sold Brazilian, and eventually converted to a barge carrying various products including cement. On June 25, 1956, CHESTER, now renamed GUARARAPES went aground off Olida, Brazil, broke her back and deemed a total loss. Mike is eager to find out more about CHESTER'S Great Lakes life and would enjoy hearing from anyone who crewed on the vessel or can help solve the mystery of CHESTER (Jr.) his beloved SMOKEY. MIKE BROWN How and when the hull landed in an Ontario bam as well as who installed the steam engine, add to the aura of this unique craft. What better term research paper for a criminology student than to be challenged by finding the solutions to some of these unknowns! We feel Mike Brown's passion will eventually be rewarded. (Again!) Ship Data: CHESTER (U.S. 230959) a twin-screw canaller with a geared turbine engine and telescoping superstructure (stack housing and bridge). Built 1931, Great Lakes Engineering Works, River Rouge, ML 290.58 x 43.16 x 15.58 GT 1819 NT 1129 Astern engine 520 hp Ahead engine 800 hp. From 1942-46 operated by U.S. Maritime Commission, returned to Ford, 1947 a) LOURIVAL LISBOA 1947-49 Brazil b) GUARARAPES 1949-56 Brazil June 25,1956 deemed total loss after grounding off Olida, Brazil (Sources: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University) Photos from Alan Mann Historical Files