Douglas in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Francis Metallic Surfboat

Photographed By Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

1. Francis Metallic Surfboat Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

From about 1854 to at least 1863, this surfboat was used for lifesaving purposes near the Saugatuck Lighthouse. It was one of 48 used on the Great Lakes and one of 137 used nationally. Joseph Francis, owner of the Francis Metallic Lifeboat Company, used his patented press to form the boats’ metal hulls. In 1890 Francis was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal for his many inventions used to improve life-saving. In 2015 this boat was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Erected 2016 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S0742.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 42° 38.646′ N, 86° 12.208′ W. Marker is in Douglas, Michigan, in Allegan County. Marker is on Center Street west of North Union Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 W Center St, Douglas MI 49406, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Historic Douglas (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Asa Goodrich House (within shouting distance of this marker); Douglas Union School (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old School House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mt. Baldhead (within shouting distance of this marker); Dutcher Lodge No. 193 / Douglas (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarah M. Kirby House (approx. 0.2 miles away); New Singapore (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Douglas.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Francis Metallic Surfboat. (Submitted on September 20, 2021.)

Francis Metallic Surfboat image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, June 4, 2021

2. Francis Metallic Surfboat

Housed inside a garage on the Saugatuck Douglas History Center-School House Campus.

Francis Metallic Surfboat Marker on the Outer Wall of the Garage image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, June 4, 2021

3. Francis Metallic Surfboat Marker on the Outer Wall of the Garage

Photographed By John Garman, June 4, 2021

4. Francis Metallic Surfboat

Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2021, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.