Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
International Shipmasters' Association
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 3, 2023
1. International Shipmasters' Association Marker
The maritime professionals who sail the ships on the Great Lakes are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their fraternal organization, the I. M. S. A. whose purpose is stated in the Association's constitution, "The purpose of this association's constitution shall be to unite all shipmasters and licensed merchant marine officers of the Great Lakes and tributary waters of good moral character, to elevate the character of its members and their profession, and to promote the safety of the Great Lakes profession."
The I. M. S. A. traces its origin to the Port of Buffalo, New York where, in the winter of 1886, the death of the first mate on the steamer "Boston" brought concern for his widow. The local masters and mates upon learning of the situation took up a collection and the Excelsior Marine Benevolent Association was created. This association was set up to establish an endowment fund to financially assist the survivors of the mariners who passed on.
Word of the Association's good works spread across the lakes. Lodges were formed in a number of ports. The first convention of all the lodges of the Association was held in Buffalo, New York in January 1891. At the third convention held in Port Huron, Michigan in 1893 the name of the organization was changed to the Shipmasters' Association. Subsequently, the title
this page online
In commemoration of the I. S. M. A. Centennial 1886 – 1986
Erected by International Shipmaster's Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1891.
Location. 46° 30.127′ N, 84° 21.054′ W. Marker is in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, in Chippewa County. Marker can be reached from West Portage Avenue near Ferris Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is in Upper Canal Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 West Portage Avenue, Sault Sainte Marie MI 49783, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. American Spirit (within shouting distance of this marker); Presque Isle (within shouting distance of this marker); American Century (within shouting distance of this marker); How's the weather? (within shouting distance of this marker); James R. Barker (within shouting distance of this marker); Stewart J. Cort (within shouting distance of this marker); Propeller from tug Marquette (within shouting distance of this marker); Burns Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sault Ste. Marie.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, January 3, 2023
2. International Shipmasters' Association Marker
The marker is located under the observation deck for the locks.
Also see . . . International Shipmasters' Association. (Submitted on January 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
