Welland Canal

Lake Boats

Alpena - 1942

Alpena was launched in 1942, as the Leon Fraser,
for Pittsburgh Steamship Company, owned by United States Steel.

She was built as a conventional bulk carrier, and converted to a cement carrier in 1989.
She retains her original steam turbine, and was recently upgraded with automated boiler controls.

She is currently operated by Inland Lakes Management.
Inland Lakes takes pride in their historic boats, as can be seen in Alpena's appearance.

Alpena upbound in Lock 7, Welland Canal - 2002

These photos were taken from our room early in the morning.
Late the previous night, we had watched Alpena gliding along the level below Lock 2.
Due to traffic, she tied up along the bank there for a few hours, as had Mapleglen before her.