PHOTO COURTESY OF SS MILWAUKEE CLIPPER PRESERVATION INC.
The S.S. Milwaukee Clipper, docked on Muskegon Lake since the late 1990s, was once one of the Great Lakes’ most glamorous passenger steamers. Now, a local preservation group plans to restore it to its former glory.
First launched in 1904, the 117-year old ship originally named the Juniata sailed through 1936 on the Great Lakes between Buffalo, New York and Duluth, Minnesota, until it was purchased by Sand Products Corporation of Muskegon and the wooden superstructure was replaced with steel — one of the first designs of that type in the world. The updated steamer was renamed the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper and featured air-conditioned staterooms, a movie theater, live entertainment, a dance floor and a telephone booth.
The ship continued to sail the Great Lakes until 1970, when it was sold and moved homeports until the Clipper Preservation Group formed in 1997 and purchased the ship for $1, with everything on the boat still original from the 1940s.
Now, they’re working to restore the ship to her former glory, and they need the help of the community to do it, reports WZZM 13. Many renovations have already been made, but over the years volunteers have dwindled, and the group needs those willing to help in any capacity to donate time to help fulfill the dream of turning the Clipper into an event destination.
On May 16, 2021, the Milwaukee Clipper is hosting the Whistle Into Summer event to help raise money for restoration efforts. To attend the event, volunteer your time, or make a donation, visit milwaukeeclipper.com and help bring the historic steamer back to life!
