Name of vessel:

Ann Arbor No. 6 (ARTHUR K. ATKINSON)

Nation:

US  Number: 214656

Type:

Propeller (2) - steel

Dimensions:

338' x 56' x 18' 3"

Tonnage:

2757     Gross; 1653 Net;

Date build:

1917

Place build:

Ecorse, Mich

Builder:

Great Lakes Engineering Works

Date of launch:

Hull No. 130

Name change(s):   Date:

(a) Maitland No. 2      sold on stocks; launched as (b)
(b) Ann Arbor No. 6     1917-1959, four tracks 26 cars
(c) Arthur K. Atkinson  1959-1984, four tracks 30 cars [named for Wabash RR president at that time]

Owner(s): Name    Place Date

(1) Hamilton, Toronto & Buffalo Navigation Company  Toronto, Ont.     1917-1917
(2) Ann Arbor Railroad  Frankfort, Mich.  1917-1984
(3) Peterson Builders, Inc.   Kewaunee, Wisc.   1984-

Rebuilds:

tonnage change, 1922 (2716 gross - 1679 net).
Arrived at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Co., Manitowoc, Wis., June 1, 1958, to receive new pilothouse; crew quarters moved to the spar deck; lengthened (30 cars); dieselized - stack changed to single stack; 3241 gross- 372' x 56' x 18.3'; deck was raised two feet.  Received Ka-Me-Wa variable-pitch propellers, rated 5,500 HP.   Equipted with 3 controls for speed & control, the bridge - aft pilot house, and engine room.  Returned to service 3/14/1959.

Engine Data

Type: (2) triple expansion (twin screw)
Cylinder & Stroke: 19.5-31-52-36
Date of Build: 1917
Place of Build: River Rouge, Mich.
Builder:Great Lakes Engineering Works
Engine Number:
Indicator HP: 1400
Remarks: rebuilt 1959
    Type: (2) Diesel V-type non-reversing
    Cylinders & Stroke: 12 Cyl. 13"x16.5"
    Date of Build: 1959
    Place of Build: Milwaukee, Wis.
    Builder: Nordberg Manufacturing Co.
    Base HP: 5610

Boiler Data

Type: scotch      Number: 4
Size: 13' 6" x 12', 175 psi, Date of Build: 1910
Place of build: Toledo, Ohio  Builder: Marine Boiler Works

Comment:

1. Car decks were designed to carry automobiles but loading ramps never built.
2. September 1, 1919 - A switchman was killed in the yard at Manitowoc, Wisconsin while the ANN ARBOR NO 6 was being loaded. This caused a delay of four hours in her sailing time.
3. 1924 Building foundation and installing ash guns pumps.  Building crew's quarters below deck and preparing quarters on upper deck for passengers.
4. In 1934 the ANN ARBOR NO. 6 collided with the steamer N.F. LEOPOLD in a heavy fog.
5. Auth Docket #225 4-25-1936 to install emergency generating and lighting set , money advanced to Ann Arbor Boat Company.
6. Authorized to install fire detecting and sprinker systems 2/18/1937
7. Replace hand operated life boat equiptment and swinging boat davits with mechanical operated equipment, authorized 1/3/1938
8. March 2, 1938 - Harold Lillie, crewmember of the ANN ARBOR NO 6, stepped onto the apron as the carferry was approaching and fell into the water and suffered a broken neck.
9. March 14, 1959 - The ANN ARBOR NO 6 returned to service as the ARTHUR K ATKINSON after an extensive re-fit.  Tranverse bulkheads divided hull into 8 water-tight comparts beneath main decks.  Wing tanks capacity 60 tons each for trimming ship.  Holds two fresh water tanks 3000 gallons each, and one sewage tank 2000 gallons.  State room capacity approxomitely 40 passengers.  Deck capacity approxomitely 360 passengers.  Galley had cold storage room and one ton ice machine.  Converted from steam operation to diesel powered by two V-12 engines with variable pitch screws..
10. As Arthur K. Atkinson: collided with 10th street bridge, Manitowoc, Wis., April 29, 1973, causing as estimated $20,000 damages to the bridge.
11. On Aug. 18, 1973 cracked crankshaft in the port-side diesel.  Was then tied up in the east ferry slip for several years, returned to service Aug. 8, 1980.
12. Aground about three hours on July 6, 1981, at Manitowoc, Wis., before being released by a tug with possible propeller and shaft damage.
13. The Atkinson was launched in 1917 as the Ann Arbor No.6, and last operated in 1982. She received her current name after a 1959 repowering. Her most recent owner was Scotlund Stivers, who at one time proposed using the vessel as a floating tire recycling facility. After sitting idle at Ludington for many years, the Atkinson was towed to DeTour around 2002
14. Certification allowed to expire in 1972 and stored out of service at Frankfort.  Officially retired June 13.
15. Long-idle ferry Arthur K. Atkinson sold to metal recycling firm
16. 12/7/2011 - Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. - Reid Metals of Dafter, Mich., near Sault Ste. Marie, is the successful bidder on the long-inactive Lake Michigan ferry Arthur K. Atkinson. The vessel was sold Tuesday morning by court order on the steps of the Chippewa County Courthouse in Sault Ste. Marie. The winning bid was $100,000. The new owner has 45 days to tow the vessel from the old Interlake dock at DeTour, Mich., to the MCM Marine dock in Sault Ste. Marie, where it is expected to be cut up for scrap, with work beginning immediately.  12/21/2011 - The long-inactive, former Ann Arbor Railroad carferry Arthur K. Atkinson arrived at the MCM dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Tuesday afternoon under tow of the MCM tugs William C. Gaynor and Mohawk. They departed the old Interlake dock at DeTour, where the Atkinson had been laid up for several years, around 9 a.m. Scrapping of the Atkinson is expected to begin shortly, following asbestos removal, and should be done by spring.