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First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

International Shipmasters' Association

 
 
International Shipmasters' Association Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
1. International Shipmasters' Association Marker
Inscription. 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 was changed to the Shipmasters' Association. Subsequently, the title International
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was added as it represents both the American and the Canadian seafarer.

In commemoration of the I. S. M. A. Centennial 1886 - 1986.
 
Erected 1986 by International Shipmasters' Association.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public WorkFraternal or Sororal Organizations. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
 
Location. 42° 52.667′ N, 78° 53.29′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in the First Ward. Marker can be reached from Fuhrmann Boulevard, 1.3 miles north of The Skyway (New York State Route 5). Marker is along the Buffalo River on the gated Coast Guard walkway, open 10A - sunset. The gate for the walkway is at the northern terminus of Fuhrmann Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fuhrman Boulevard, Buffalo NY 14203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Penobscot-Morania Collision (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buffalo Harbor (about 400 feet away); Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light (about 400 feet away); The Lifeboat Station (about 500 feet away); Buffalo Main & Harbor Lights (about 500 feet
Towards Buffalo Lighthouse image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
2. Towards Buffalo Lighthouse
The building is part of the Coast Guard Base.
away); Buffalo Lightship (about 500 feet away); The Coast Guard (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
 
More about this marker. An identical marker is in the database at St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
 
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. International Shipmaster's Association marker series
 
Upriver image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
3. Upriver
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 405 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on August 18, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.

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Mar. 28, 2024