Haynes Township in Harrisville in Alcona County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Capstan
⎯⎯⎯
Ice Crusher
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
1. Capstan / Ice Crusher Marker
(On Left)
The Capstan is an apparatus which is mounted on thenforedeck of a ship to raise anchors and handle other heavy loads. This one was operated by hand using bars inserted in the holes at the top. Damage suggests this one failed under load.
(On Right)
Crushed ice was essential for the preservation and shipment of fish from local fishing communities to markets in Detroit and other southern ports in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ice was harvested from lakes and rivers in the winter and stored inninsulated ice houses for use in summer. See exhibit on 2nd floor of museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 44° 42.775′ N, 83° 16.37′ W. Marker is in Harrisville, Michigan, in Alcona County. It is in Haynes Township. It is on Point Road east of Spruce Trailways Road, on the left when traveling east. From the parking lot at the trailhead, follow the trail towards Sturgeon Point Lighthouse about 500 feet. It is on the lake side of the lighthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6071 Point Road, Harrisville MI 48740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Loretta (a few steps from this marker); Anchor Windlass (a few steps from this
this page online
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
2. Capstan near the marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
3. Ice Crusher near the Marker
Creasey Ice Breaker manufactured by Cochrane Corporation, Philadelphia, PA.
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
4. Capstan / Ice Crusher with the Marker
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 24, 2025
5. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse near Capstan / Ice Crusher Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 7, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
