Sturgeon Bay in Door County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fred J. Peterson
1894 - 1993
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 6, 2015
1. Fred J. Peterson Marker
Fred started his career in 1908 in his father's boatyard, Peterson Boat Works (PBW), at age 14. After PBW burned in 1918, Fred worked as a shipbuilding supervisor at Leathem Smith Shipyard. A resourceful entrepreneur, he was involved in businesses ranging from mink trapping to insurance to make the dream of owning his own shipyard a reality. In 1933, Fred and his wife, Irene, reestablished Peterson Boat Works (later Peterson Builders, Inc.) which became a world-renowned builder of military and commercial ships. PBI originally built fish tugs and yachts, and then Air-Sea rescue boats and subchasers that were required for WWII. After the war PBI returned to building yachts, commercial ships, crew boats and minecraft. In 1946 Fred designed and built his dream ship, the 65' steel and wood schooner Utopia. Proving PBI's capabilities he successfully sailed her around the world in 1956-1959.
Erected by Fred J. Peterson Foundation, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 44° 49.823′ N, 87° 22.958′ W. Marker is in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in Door County. Marker is on the grounds of the Door
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert E. Peterson (here, next to this marker); Ellsworth L. Peterson (here, next to this marker); Captain John Roen (here, next to this marker); Propellers from the tug John Purves (here, next to this marker); Historic Museum Tug John Purves (here, next to this marker); Howard A & Lou E Olson (here, next to this marker); Lost Great Lakes Mariners (a few steps from this marker); George J. Baudhuin (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sturgeon Bay.
Also see . . .
1. Peterson Builders. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay WI. Museum website entry (Submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 6, 2015
2. Fred J. Peterson Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2015, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
