Great White Fleet

For decades Canada Steamship Lines proclaimed itself as the world's largest transportation company operating on inland waters. Its passenger and freight vessels could be found on the Great Lakes as far west as Duluth, Minnesota, and as far east as the Lower St. Lawrence River.

The passenger steamers were known collectively as the Great White Fleet. These ships — from day-excursion vessels to well-appointed cruise ships — had rich histories. The sheer scope of these passenger services were a wonder to behold. No fewer than 51 steamers comprised the passenger fleet at the company's inception in 1913, and its network of routes was awesome.

This is the story of the beloved steamers of the Great White Fleet from 1913–65, when the passenger vessels stopped running. Nearly half a century after the last passenger boats sailed, this book will provide a window into a wonderful lost way of life.

Author Bio: John Henry was a journalist in New York for more than four decades. He wrote for the Associated Press, Newsday, and the New York Daily News. He has also been published in the quarterly journals of the Steamship Historical Society of America and the Great Lakes Historical Society. He lives in New York City.