November 18 is the 51st anniversary of the sinking of the Carl D. Bradley in Lake Michigan. The 615' vessel broke in two in a storm and there were only two survivors. It was late in the season and the boat was on one of those "last" trips of the season on November 18, 1958.
This freighter has special meaning to me, as the husband of one of my Dad's cousins sailed on it. Donald Langridge was a sailor for the Bradley fleet, working his way up to master. His first command was the W. F. White and his last was the Myron C. Taylor. At some point in his career, he sailed on the Bradley.
Pictured above is Donald and his wife Dorothy. Cousin Dorothy is still living in Detroit at the age of 98.
I have in my collection various photos taken aboard the Bradley.
Looking forward, probably at Rogers City, Michigan
Passing under the Ambassador Bridge
The Carl D. Bradley was the longest vessel at the time of her building in 1927. She set many cargo records.
Before the foundering there was talk of serious rusting in the holds and frames and that major work was required. The fact that it was only 31 years old at the time of her sinking raises some concern. Perhaps she was constructed of bad steel. Many Great Lakes vessels lived much longer lives.
One of my prized possessions is a Jim Clary print of the Bradley. It depicts the ship in rough waters. Clary is a famous marine artist from St. Clair Michigan. He and Chuck Muer used to put on a Whistle Blow at the River Crab restaurant in St. Clair each Labor Day. I once did Clary a favour by recording the whistle sounds and he rewarded me with one his prints. I was able to pick the print I wanted from his store. It is highly valued at the present, so I guess I picked the right one!
As a side note, many years ago some of you may recall that Chuck Muer, who owned a chain of seafood restaurants, mysteriously disappeared while sailing in the "Bermuda Triangle". He was never found.
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