The bells tole 29 times

[Farmwithjunk]

Just a reminder to those who are interested in this sort of thing. 30 years ago today was the last time the Edmund Fitzgerald was above the waves. She sank with 29 sailors on board.

I wonder how many times we'll hear "that song".

 

[MossRoad]

There is a very nice shipwreck museum up at Whitefish Point in the U.P. of Michigan.

http://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/

They have lots of information on the "Fitz" and many, many other displays as well.

 

[Soundguy]

I love that song. Not a huge fan of gordy.. but a few of his songs are pretty good... that being one of my favorites.

Soundguy

 

[Cowboyjg]

Very excellent website!!!!

Sundown...you better take care...if I find you've been creepin 'round my back stairs...

Aaahhh good ol' Gordy

 

[DannyD]

Amen, love that song.

 

[JayC]

I'm really interested by the Big Fitz. I didn't think anyone here would remember. It is a sad tale. I, too, have Gordon Lightfoot's song of the Fitzgerald. I really like it. They will be ringing the bell 29 times tonight at the time the Fitz went under.

For thos familiar with the story, how do you think she sank? Was it because of taking on water, breaking in two, a loose hatch cover, or run aground on the shoal?

I think she struck bottom. The radar stopped working, so they didn't have the best idea where they were. They knew they were in dangerous waters.

 

[TonyV]

Its at the Maritime Sailors Cathedral at the Mariners Church of Detroit where the bells will toll 29 times. My future brother inlaw has recieved the honor this year of being one of the bell ringers. If your interested in any information on the cathedral, click on the link:
Old Mariners Church

...Tony

 

[PineRidge]

Here are some interesting facts about the Edmund Fitzgerald.

June 8, 1958 The S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald is christened as the largest freighter on the Great Lakes.

September 24th, 1958 The Fitzgerald takes her first voyage under the helm of Captain Bert Lambert. As the ship returns, she breaks the record for the largest load carried through the Soo Locks.

September 6th, 1969 The Fits sustains both internal and external damage when the Edmund Fitzgerald hits the ground near the Soo Locks.

April 30th, 1970 The Fitz and the S.S. Hochelaga collide.

September 4th, 1970 The Edmund Fitz is again damaged when it hits a Soo Lock wall.

May 1973 Fitz is damaged once again, caused by hitting a Soo Lock wall.

June 17th, 1974 Fitz is damaged once again, caused by hitting a Soo Lock wall.

November 9th, 1975 The Edmund Fitzgerald is loaded with iron ore at Burlington Northern Railroad Dock. The Fitz is headed for the Zug Island on the Detroit River to deliver her load of ore.

November 10th, 1975 between 7:15 PM and 7:25 The Fitzgerald entered a squall while on Lake Superior and is lost by radar contact. She sinks to the bottom with all 29 hands onboard.