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The Katherine V
Built on the shores of Lake Huron in Rogers City, the Katherine V launched in
1929. The historic fishing tug enjoyed a 42-year career on the water.
From 1928, when built and launched on the shores of northern Lake Huron until retirement in 1970, the wooden gill net fish tug christened the Katherine V weathered
both environmental and economic storms. Her 42-year career holds the story of one of
Michigan’s oldest industries.
Serving a once thriving Great Lakes commercial fishing business, the Katherine V
was dry docked by its rapid decline. After being laid up, the Katherine V continued to
battle for the preservation of her integrity.
Authors Frank and Nancy Prothero coined the Katherine V as the “Lone Survivor,”
and claim she is the last remaining example of the large, wooden fish tugs that once
plied the waters of Lake Huron.
Donated and brought to the Besser Museum in 2003, continuous efforts have gone
into conserving the vessel and building an educational exhibit about Northeast Michigan’s fisheries heritage. Great gains have been accomplished toward this goal over the
past few years thanks to the help of some very dedicated volunteers who share a similar
heritage and passion for the Great Lakes fishery and the Katherine V.
Now listed as a flagship destination on the Michigan Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage
Trail, the Besser Museum continues to seek funding through grants and private donations to complete the Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Exhibit.
Many volunteers, including Alpena High School teacher John Caplis and Tuffy
Cross, pictured here, are working to restore the Katherine V and develop a
Great Lakes Fisheries Heritage Exhibit. Students in a Shipwreck Alley class
taught by Caplis volunteer as well.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 ~ Besser Museum 50th Anniversary - 7