St. Marys Challenger

[Lou Gerard]

Dick Biondi celebrated 50 years on radio with a special show on May 2nd. I'm listening to him as i'm typing this. They are dedicating a street in Chicago for him on June 29th.

[Sarguy]

I remember Dick Biondi being on the radio in the very early 60s,I grew up in Windsor Ont. and we could tune in WLS late at night,hard to believe that he is still around nearly 50 years later.I m glad that he is because after all this time the man is an icon from a world gone forever.

[Lou Gerard]

Thanks so much for the compliments! It's alot of fun and i'm recently retired so I have more time to chase boats. My late dad and I started chasing boats on the Calumet River about 37 years ago. Port Huron was one of our favorite spots. After he passed away I got away from it but I've been back at it for the last 3 years or so.
My dad used to produce small die cast waterline great lakes ships that sold at Dossin and Vemillion museums. Glad I have a sampling of them yet.

[Rob]

I agree with everyone else and have been admiring your work as well. Your coverage of the Calumet has been spectacular to say the least!

[G-Tug Minnesota]

I second the hail on the great pics Lou!
I grew up on the southeast side and Dad worked on the tugs at 92nd and Ewing Ave. (My uncle was a porter for Oglebay Norton.)
These days, I'm landlocked in the middle of the country so it's good to see the old neighborhood and the boats.

Smooth seas.

- - Terry

[John]

That's pretty cool. I really do like all the great pictures you've been sending in of activitey in the Calumet River, great stuff. Please keep up the great photography Lou.

[Lou Gerard]

Last night on Oldies WLS-FM DJ Dick Biondi dedicated a song to the crew of the St. Marys Challenger which was in Lake Calumet unloading. The song was none other then "Proud Mary". Neat to hear. He said the ship was almost as old as he was!