Alpena in Alpena County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
International Shipmaster's Association
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 International was added as it represents both the American and the Canadian seafarer.
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 year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 45° 4.1′ N, 83° 26.096′ W. Marker is in Alpena, Michigan, in Alpena County. Marker can be reached from West Fletcher Street west of Cedar Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located along Alpena's Bi-Path, behind the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, overlooking the Thunder Bay River and Rotary Island. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 West Fletcher Street, Alpena MI 49707, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thunder Bay Fishing Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Loss of the Pewabic (within shouting distance of this marker); Propellers (within shouting distance of this marker); Rising from the Ashes: The New Orleans (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Research Vessels (about 400 feet away); Steaming Open the Frontier (about 400 feet away); Thunder Bay River Lumber Industry (about 600 feet away); Bigger, Stronger, Faster (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alpena.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. International Shipmaster's Association marker series
Also see . . . International Shipmaster's Association. The International Shipmasters Association is a voluntary organization of dues-paying licensed professional mariners and others associated with the maritime community of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. Together we are working to help create a safer and more informed waterway system. (Submitted on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.