St. Joseph in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Boatbuilding Industry
Photographed By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013
1. Boatbuilding Industry Marker
St. Joseph and Benton Harbor once ranked among the nation's leading boatbuilding centers. From 1892 to 1955, waterfront facilities of the Truscott Boat Manufacturing Company, Dachel-Carter Shipbuilding Corporation, and Robinson Marine Construction Company collectively employed hundreds of craftsmen to building thousands of recreational watercraft.All three businesses prospered during the 1920s, survived the national depression of the 1930s, and then worked double shifts building military vessels for the World War II effort. After the war ended each company faced an increasingly competitive consumer market. Robinson's closing in 1955 would mark the end of a remarkable boatbuilding era in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor history.
(Upper Photo Caption)
Truscott (1892-1948) had global success, with sales in more than fifty countries worldwide. A 1900 view of a Truscott shop shows boats under construction.
Photo: The William and Jim Abraham Collection
(Middle Photo Caption)
Dachel-Carter Shipbuilding Corporation (1915-1945) launches a 130-foot minesweeper for the World War II effort.
Photo:
this page online
(Lower Photo Caption)
Workers of the Robinson Marine Construction Company (1927-1955) pose with the newly constructed 60-foot yacht APHRODITE, 1936. Robinson Marine operated boatyards at both Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
Photo: The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.
Erected by City of St. Joseph, The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, and the Public History Program at Western Michigan University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 42° 6.696′ N, 86° 28.782′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Water Street east of State Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Joseph MI 49085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipbuilding in the Twin Cities (within shouting distance of this marker); Recreational Boating (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Shipping (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Lighthouse Supply Depot (about 300 feet away, measured
Photographed By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013
2. Boatbuilding Industry Marker
More about this marker. The marker is the sixth of 12 interpretive signs along the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are the markers of the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail. To study the markers in their order along the trail, read each marker in the order shown.
Photographed By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013
3. Truscott Boat Manufacturing Co., 1900
Photographed By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013
4. Minesweeper, Dachel-Carter Shipbuilding Corp.
Photographed By Duane Hall, April 26, 2013
5. Robinson Marine Construction Co., 1936
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 338 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
