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In the Footsteps of Capt. McSorley of the Edmund Fitzgerald

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  • čas přidán 21. 11. 2023
  • I have always been fascinated with Captain Ernest McSorley, who went down with the Edmund Fitzgerald when the 729-ft. ore carrier sank in a horrific storm on Lake Superior Nov. 10, 1975. And for that reason, Capt. McSorley is immortalized in history as being the Master of the largest ship that ever went down on the Great Lakes; yet as noteworthy as he is in history, so little is known about the great man who is among the brave 29 crewmen who rest at the bottom of Superior. We know he was Canadian-born but grew up along the St. Lawrence Seaway in Ogdensburg, New York before he moved to Toledo where his career as a Great Lakes ship captain flourished. Toledo was always important in the career of the Mighty Fitz; she spent more time here unloading ore than anywhere else. And, she wintered in Toledo during the off-season. And, Toledo became the hometown of Capt. McSorley. For that reason alone, I feel a great kinship with the Captain, as I am born and bred in Toledo...and still live here. In fact, my first home was right across the street from McSorley's house, though I didn't know it at the time. I also spent a cold, brutal winter dredging on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Ogdensburg, NY...again, not knowing at the time that McSorley grew up there. At any rate, my fascination with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald certainly includes its most central character...the Captain. Come with me, the History Mystery Man, as I embark on a hometown journey to discover as much as I possibly can on McSorley's life in Toledo. We'll see where he lived, talked to another ship captain who worked on the Fitz under McSorley and go inside his last residence here in Toledo...all that and so much more. Thanks for your support...enjoy the show! #HistoryMysteryMan #EdmundFitzgerald #CaptainMcSorley #LakeSuperior #GreatLakes #greatlakesshipping #ShipWrecks

Komentáře • 225

  • @Seafarer62
    @Seafarer62 Před 8 měsíci +25

    Outstanding video and gives the best biography of Captain Ernest McSorley. I didn't know his widow survived him by so many years. The story goes that McSorley was in a hurry to get home because she was in ill health. The fellow who served as 3rd mate with McSorley was an interesting portrait as well. So sad looking back at the entire Fitzgerald story. McSorley was a risk-taker but then again, so was Capt. Bernie Cooper of the Arthur M. Anderson. So did those foreign vessels that were leaving Whitefish Bay at the time of the Fitzgerald sinking. It is Monday morning quarterbacking now, but McSorley and Cooper should have stayed on the southern end of Lake Superior. They would have made Whitefish Bay hours earlier. Instead, the track of the storm changed and the Fitzgerald ended up being in the worst place at the worst time.

    • @tmayer0009
      @tmayer0009 Před 8 měsíci +4

      They went North because the storm was to hit the southern part, like our weather forecasters today they didn’t get it right although the technology is better now. The Wilfred Sykes anchored behind the island and we must also remember that the Roger Blough left behind them also.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      You're absolutely correct in your assessments. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...HMM

    • @stynger007
      @stynger007 Před 8 měsíci +2

      Having lived in Sault Saint Marie, the hub of 3 lakes- it was and still is nearly impossible to predict which way the winds will blow. Agree with your comment , you are right . The trajectory changed and unfortunately it is not easy to reroute a 729 foot freighter,

  • @jeffvandenberg8422
    @jeffvandenberg8422 Před 8 měsíci +5

    Amazing video. I'm a huge fan of thr Fitz and Captain McSorley.

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +3

      I sailed on the lakes I met a old captian that knew mcsorley... he call him ernie on the radio I believe wen they talked that was cool when I said you know him?? He said yes ..ernie how ya doin...and another old sailor they gave him The name moonlighting mcsorley he.s he walk away and smile

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      You and me both Jeff...thanks! HMM

  • @adventuresanytimeanywhere7886
    @adventuresanytimeanywhere7886 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Awesome video. I love everything that has to do with the Big Fitz and it's on my bucket list to visit the exhibit at the shipwreck museum. The music you chose for the video is amazing

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      I'll see you there...at Whitefish Point! Thanks for watching...HMM

  • @catdiesel7143
    @catdiesel7143 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Love you’re videos 👍if Captain Mcsorley can see this you’re # 1 most respect for you and all the crew on the Fitz❤

  • @robwiggins6319
    @robwiggins6319 Před 8 měsíci +6

    Very good story! Nice research. Crazy how you were close to knowing him but never knew it.

  • @ohnoohyeah3205
    @ohnoohyeah3205 Před 8 měsíci +4

    We'll honk at cha on our drive from Raleigh NC to Detroit MI. Keep em coming, very interesting

  • @railfankasey
    @railfankasey Před 8 měsíci +8

    As a northern NY native (Norwood) that grew up in the Ogdensburg/Massena area, finding out he was from Ogdensburg made the story of the fitz way more interesting. I've always been so fascinated by the ships. I've been up close to them on the narrow parts of the river. Thanks for all this! You, captain Darrell and others make these videos so interesting!

    • @andrewflynn1022
      @andrewflynn1022 Před 8 měsíci

      I love your vids but comparing your little tug boat is liker comparing my 5⁰0 foot charter boat to the Titanic. So let's keep to the fitz

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      You're always welcome; thanks for taking the time to watch. I'll bet McSorley was in Nig's Tavern a time or two! HMM

    • @andrewflynn1022
      @andrewflynn1022 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Exactly

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      The Great Lakes tug I worked on was 150-feet long. The oil barge we were pushing or towing was another 450-feet. I did not compare the tug I worked on to the Fitz. Have you ever worked on the Great Lakes?@@andrewflynn1022

  • @johndalton45
    @johndalton45 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I could listen to that old captain tell stories for hours.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Me too. I'd like to reel him back in for more interviews. HMM

  • @nw8000
    @nw8000 Před 8 měsíci +4

    What a very understanding Lady she is

  • @darlenejohnson8864
    @darlenejohnson8864 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Thanks so much for showing this. The more I hear and read of the ship and crew the more fascinating the story.

  • @Blrtech77
    @Blrtech77 Před 8 měsíci +4

    As always a very well researched and awesome video. Thanks for sharing and caring!

  • @rogerozdarski2935
    @rogerozdarski2935 Před 8 měsíci +8

    Thank you HMM!
    Keep digging, these videos are so interesting.
    Keep looking into this story.
    I do believe that the spirit of the Captian is still in his home.
    I worked 2nd shift in a high school and we have had several spirts in the building. Including see several.
    Thanks again.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      You got it Roger. The spiritual world is a bizarre place to ponder. Thanks again, friend...HMM

  • @to8860
    @to8860 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Good stuff as always!!

  • @JohnnyLaps
    @JohnnyLaps Před 8 měsíci +6

    This was excellent Don.
    One of your better pieces,thanks!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      Thanks Johnny...so appreciated. HMM

    • @JohnnyLaps
      @JohnnyLaps Před 8 měsíci +2

      @@HistoryMysteryMan it's me.. Hi John from Philadelphia..hope your thanksgiving was great Don

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      Hey there Johnny. I love the Independence Hall area in Philly...go Eagles!@@JohnnyLaps

  • @pyra7698
    @pyra7698 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Please have an in depthe interview with Captain Mike Capser. He is an incredibly competant Captain. He has so many stories to tell!!lease have an interview

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 4 měsíci +1

      I've been trying but so far he's not been willing. I'll keep trying though...thanks! HMM

  • @margaretadami6358
    @margaretadami6358 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Wow, so very interesting. I enjoyed every moment of this video. Gordon’s song was a masterpiece!! He didn’t skimp on the lyrics either, so it’s hard to remember the words there were so many verses. I just love the whole heartfelt, but terrifying story.

  • @shawndavis8438
    @shawndavis8438 Před 8 měsíci +5

    Another great video, sir! I've always been fascinated with the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald since my 3rd Grade Teacher showed the class a post card of the Fitzgerald, and I've been intrigued by it ever since. The stories from Capt. Darrell were fun and very interesting. And it's so great to hear stories about Capt. McSorley. He seemed liked a very interesting individual. If only him and the crew could have made it home

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks again, Shawn. The world would certainly be different had they made it home...HMM

  • @rileybridgham1963
    @rileybridgham1963 Před 8 měsíci +4

    I love these videos, and as always great content about the Captain, you and captain Darrell make these video really interesting.

  • @donmcnally9063
    @donmcnally9063 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Great as always!

  • @mustangmike4078
    @mustangmike4078 Před 8 měsíci +7

    Great job HMM! I pass Captain McSorely's quadplex nearly every day and every time I give a nod to the old captain as I drive by. I don't think a time goes by that I fail to think of him as I pass. This is some fantastic work you're doing in not only keeping the legend alive but also uncovering and answering questions like the fact that all the hatch clamps couldn't be fastened without need of a sledge hammer to open them. That's significant information to say the least. You're doings great work though my friend!

  • @rpcclo
    @rpcclo Před 5 měsíci +2

    Great video sir. You have done a masterful job bringing the Fitz and her crew to life. It feels like we know them.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Thanks...your feedback feels great! I appreciate you...HMM

  • @chaspruitt2610
    @chaspruitt2610 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Looking forward to watching, thank you!! 👍🏼

  • @williemcglown8001
    @williemcglown8001 Před 8 měsíci +2

    outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @michaelnault5905
    @michaelnault5905 Před 8 měsíci +5

    That's more than I knew about McSorely. When the Anderson went back out. None of those boats had been reinforced as self unloaders. Meaning the hulls bucked and hogged visibly in high seas.

    • @chuckg6039
      @chuckg6039 Před 8 měsíci +2

      And the Anderson had just been lengthened at Fraser Shipyards in Superior, WI earlier in the year the Fitz went down.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Interesting stuff; thanks for sharing it here. HMM

  • @RobertSchildt-vt8yw
    @RobertSchildt-vt8yw Před 8 měsíci +4

    As always some more fascinating stories!!
    Keep them coming

  • @AndrewJones-cx6kl
    @AndrewJones-cx6kl Před 8 měsíci +6

    I absolutely love your opening theme. The music is so so fitting

  • @tmayer0009
    @tmayer0009 Před 8 měsíci +6

    I’m so glad you are doing this, I know so little about him. Thanks HMM!
    I think that’s neat about his apartment and the gentleman that had served with him was awesome also. Too bad none of his children are living so we could learn more about him.
    4 ships left the Duluth area and only 3 made it.😪
    Keep digging @History Mystery Man for more info on him, maybe one day someone will come forward with new information on his story

  • @timrayburn2461
    @timrayburn2461 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Outstanding video,thank you

  • @critterscute3642
    @critterscute3642 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Great video following Capt. McSorley’s history. Nice of the current resident to let you in so you could share that with us. I’ll never look at a door handle the same way again lol. Can’t wait to hear those other stories of yours too!

  • @ryansalyers5515
    @ryansalyers5515 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Great video!

  • @ajbaumgart4774
    @ajbaumgart4774 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Thanks again good sir for another amazing great video job well done I've been fascinated with the Edmund Fitzgerald and it's tragic story ever since my 3rd grade science teacher played the gordon lightfoot song and had news paper articles and even a book with pictures of both the wreck and when it saild i was hooked ever since that day out of the whole class i think i was the only one who really was touched by the story the most I'll never forget that day have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving coming up thanks again for the great video i really enjoy them

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks again AJ. Love your story about your 3rd grade science teacher...thanks for sharing it here. HMM

  • @20thCenturyManTrad
    @20thCenturyManTrad Před 8 měsíci +3

    Really an amazing tour, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks...it sure was a great Thanksgiving...so grateful. HMM

  • @spirg
    @spirg Před 8 měsíci +4

    Another High Roller , who met disaster , Titanic , Fitzgerald, Andrea Gail, Titan...RIP to all..

  • @j0hndunphy300
    @j0hndunphy300 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Great video thanks for doing these videos I was eleven years old when the ship went down being from Minnesota I have had a life long interest captain Mike was Great 😊

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks...so appreciated. I'm going to visit Duluth and Superior in 2024...HMM

  • @John-uv7zp
    @John-uv7zp Před 8 měsíci +1

    That lady was nice cool video thank y’all

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Yep...she is awesome. So grateful she was so open to let me have a look. Thanks for watching...HMM

  • @boydbeasley3751
    @boydbeasley3751 Před 8 měsíci +23

    It's ashame that Captain McSorley didn't make it. It was going to be his last trip before retirement. If memory serves me correct the 1rst mate was going to retire also.

    • @bluerazor7049
      @bluerazor7049 Před 8 měsíci +10

      What's more heartbreaking is that Ernest's wife, Nellie was crippled by arthritis and a stroke and he assured her that he was going to come as soon as he retired to care about her. It must've been so heartbreaking for her when she heard that her husband was tragically killed..

    • @bluerazor7049
      @bluerazor7049 Před 8 měsíci +5

      I don't know about Jack McCarthy but Capt, Darrell's uncle Ralph was to retire too.

    • @jacktfowler246
      @jacktfowler246 Před 8 měsíci +5

      That is correct, Jack McCarthy was to retire along with Captain Mcsorley. They were good friends, having worked together many years.

    • @bluerazor7049
      @bluerazor7049 Před 8 měsíci +6

      @@jacktfowler246 Yeah, so Ernest, Jack and Ralph would have all retired if the ship had made it..what a tragedy that it never did.

    • @brentrussell780
      @brentrussell780 Před 8 měsíci +2

      Maybe capt mcsorley shouldnt have got himself and his men all killed then overloaded in a storm with a ragged boat. Not uncommon for an over confident old fart to get himself in such a position.

  • @penelopejoann
    @penelopejoann Před 8 měsíci +4

    I love this. I wonder if the tenant/landlord there would help in putting up a historic landmark plaque on Captain McSorley’s last known residence before the ship sank? We have those all over my hometown here in Grass Valley, CA at people’s residences and at local businesses. I live in the Sierra Foothills where the gold rush occurred, near Coloma CA. In fact, I was a house keeper previously and used to clean many historic buildings and refurbished Victorian era homes. It’s a way to build community and boost the local economy. They might have to put up a fence, plant trees, and/or section off the plaque to protect the tenant’s privacy, and the living/local history is something greatly revered and respected so I don’t think people would object too much. Neat to see this and hear the story of the shaking door knob too 😊

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      You know...that's a great idea. I know if I owned that building, I'd just do it...source of pride. Thanks for sharing your stories here, Penelope.

  • @georgeadams8230
    @georgeadams8230 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Very good video and thanks for going the extra mile. So many stories untold.

  • @normanlacy3390
    @normanlacy3390 Před 8 měsíci +3

    419 in the house lived my whole life on the mighty maumee

  • @nickf6752
    @nickf6752 Před 8 měsíci +2

    I could imagine the work that goes into this video, thanks for sharing always great to learn new things about the Fitz history.

  • @matthewclark8474
    @matthewclark8474 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thanks! I live in the finger lakes region of ny. I absolutley love your edmund fitzgerald videos. What an amazing story!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci

      Thanks for your donation Matthew! Sooo appreciated. I love the Finger Lakes area...so beautiful. Happy holidays...HMM

  • @TheClintmeister
    @TheClintmeister Před 8 měsíci +1

    There memory lives on by the tales we tell and tell again!! Mind blown, great video, great research too!!

  • @wgrimm88
    @wgrimm88 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Amazing video….i used to live in Superior WI so the Fitz is a huge deal to me also

  • @jakekallenborn6732
    @jakekallenborn6732 Před 8 měsíci +2

    These videos are so fun. You're doing a great honor to the Fitz and her crew.

  • @user-ey1ev5hn8f
    @user-ey1ev5hn8f Před 7 měsíci +1

    Love your content

  • @chrislewis6488
    @chrislewis6488 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Another great upload 👌

  • @jefferymatthew2776
    @jefferymatthew2776 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Thank you for taking the time to put this together it was very well done.

  • @jodyvillalobos357
    @jodyvillalobos357 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Wow, what an awesome video!!! Thanks for doing it HMM!!!

  • @darrellwalton938
    @darrellwalton938 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Great video! I wonder if his spirit visited the Middletown when I was shipkeeping. He sailed on the Middletown during his career.

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +1

      I was on the old Middletown I was a wiper. My chief was Charlie able

  • @BonnieDragonKat
    @BonnieDragonKat Před 8 měsíci +7

    I have driven past his last home alot. I am not surprised to hear he is still around. I wonder if he's ever been seen looking out the front windows?

    • @sarahpitman4525
      @sarahpitman4525 Před 8 měsíci +1

      he's seen more than you think

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Good question. I was there on the night of Nov. 10 and filmed the house at night. Maybe I should run that video? Thanks Bonnie...HMM

    • @kevinluzier799
      @kevinluzier799 Před měsícem +1

      @@HistoryMysteryMan please do!

  • @bradparker9664
    @bradparker9664 Před 7 měsíci +2

    I'm pretty new to the channel, but have a longstanding interest in all things Fitzgerald. Your interview with the gentleman who served with CAPT McSorely is pure gold! With regard to the resident of the last McSorely residence and the shaking door knob, I've encountered enough things that do not have explanations in anything related to modern science that I believe she encountered something inexplicable and possibly other worldly. I am thus far extremely impressed with your quality and content...this video being a prime example if going above and beyond the norm to make the most comprehensive ANYTHING I have seen on the great Captain. Keep up the outstanding work.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci +1

      Thanks Brad...so glad you found my channel. And I so appreciate your compliments regarding the video on Capt. McSorley...helps keep me inspired to keep going. And yes, many things in this world are unexplainable. I've never seen a spirit, but I would never rule it out. Thanks again...HMM

  • @ripperace
    @ripperace Před 8 měsíci +5

    Great content about the captain. I know it’d be even harder to find out about other crew members who we never even seen pictures of. The whole story is fascinating. Oh, yeah, nice Cousteu flag behind you.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks...my step dad was the pilot on the Calypso when it sailed through the Great Lakes during its Fitzgerald expedition. HMM

    • @ripperace
      @ripperace Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@HistoryMysteryMan really? Wow! I’ll bet he had a story or two just on that alone! I was always fascinated by the Cousteu’s work over the years.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Yep...I have a photo of the two of them pictured together...thanks!@@ripperace

  • @kristopherjones126
    @kristopherjones126 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Love your stuff sir. Keep up the good work :-)

  • @josephbrewer5523
    @josephbrewer5523 Před 7 měsíci

    Thank you so much for these terrific videos on the Edmund Fitzgerald! I stumbled upon them by accident and I'm glad I did. I will be sure to tell others to watch them.
    Joe Brewer
    Fishers, IN

  • @sandygibson4584
    @sandygibson4584 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Very nice of the lady to let your tour McSorley's former residence😊

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci

      Absolutely! So grateful...thanks for watching, Sandy...HMM

  • @trinity7776
    @trinity7776 Před 7 měsíci

    Excellent work Don. I only saw the mighty Fitz once passing through the Soo locks but there is something about that ship and crew that continues to fascinate me as it does yourself. I remember after she went down reading the accounts in the Detroit News and thinking about Capt. McSorley and what an old timer he was and now I am 66 years old and approaching my final lap. All the best to you and your family sir. God Bless, Alex

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci

      Thanks Alex...greatly appreciated. Coming up on 64, I know my time is more limited too. It's a sobering thought, but it's all we got...what time we have left. Carry on ole friend...and stop by anytime. HMM

  • @toddgilmore8412
    @toddgilmore8412 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Great video and story. I loved how you demonstrated your deep respect for his position as Master. He would have been under a wide variety of pressures as Master of the Fitz. Very interesting how he started on the Lakes and worked his way up to being the youngest Captain during his era. I've often wondered where he would have went to Nautical School or the equivalent training?

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 5 měsíci

      Thanks...not sure on where he got his nautical school training. Much of the training in those days was hands on experience...but yes, he would have had to pass Coast Guard exams at some point to receive his Master's license. HMM

  • @jimflys2
    @jimflys2 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Fascinating episode. Thanks for sharing. Lake Superior lover from Wisconsin here. It's ice vold even in August when we've camped there many times. It is almost unswimable. But I do anyway.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks. I'm going to visit Duluth and Superior in 2024! HMM

  • @Play_fare
    @Play_fare Před 6 měsíci +1

    I’ve just discovered your channel recently and have been bingeing through videos. During my teen years I lived in Burlington, Ontario, practically right across the bay from the steel mills of Hamilton. I wa fortunate enough to see some of the “classic” designed ore carriers as they navigated the narrow channel from the lake to Hamilton Harbour. A highlight was waiting at the lift bridge and getting a pretty good closeup of these giants motoring through. It is also spurred a life long fascination with ships, especially lakers, which also included the legends and tragedies such as the Fitz. For those who may not be aware, Spencerville, where Captain McSorley was born, is practically a hop, step, and a jump from the St Lawrence River, just north of Cardinal and Prescott which were on the old Galop Canal that existed before the St Lawrence Seaway Project completely changed shipping and the landscape in the area. I can imagine a young Ernest watching the canallers moving up and down the locks, loading and unloading cargo and becoming fascinated by the whole operation and the life of the people around the waterfront, a place of action and importance. You can still see parts of the old canal today though the rapids they were intended to bypass have been partially blown up and then flooded out with the Seaway Project.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      Super interesting commentary; thanks for sharing it here. Growing up along the St. Lawrence Seaway no doubt contributed to McSorley's fascination with the maritime industry. Thanks for finding my channel...and thanks for taking the time to watch. HMM

  • @zeikinkorea
    @zeikinkorea Před 8 měsíci +2

    This is pretty good information. I bought a book on Amazon last year about the Fitzgerald and brought it with me to Korea. I never heard of this tragic story until I viewed it on CZcams about 5 years ago. Watched the 45 minute documentary again and will read the book for the first time 👍

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks...so appreciated. Are you still in Korea? HMM

    • @zeikinkorea
      @zeikinkorea Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@HistoryMysteryMan Still am 👍

  • @beberle9641
    @beberle9641 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Excellent job Don. Thanks for all your hard work finding all this information about the Great Captain off a workhorse of a ship. Happy Thanksgiving HMM and all✌️🤠🦃

  • @bobvalentine8927
    @bobvalentine8927 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Very good videos

  • @robc4941
    @robc4941 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Blows my mind that he sailed for 40+ years and he was an hour away from shore and didn't make it.

  • @user-bb3si8bj5p
    @user-bb3si8bj5p Před 8 měsíci

    Fantastic work. Thanks for this. I like many others heard about the Fitz via Gordon Lightfoot. Ive been devouring all I can learn since.

  • @robbieterminie8571
    @robbieterminie8571 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Thanks!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci

      Thanks for your generous gift Robbie...so appreciated. Happy holidays! HMM

  • @robertayers9424
    @robertayers9424 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Only from the HMM will we get the great information and background. Thanks again! As I've said previously, you tell the story people don't even know, they want to hear.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Thanks Robert. I always appreciate your pointing this out; I know you've said it before...HMM

  • @user-sp8zj8xh6k
    @user-sp8zj8xh6k Před 6 měsíci +1

    Thank you for taking the time to create such entertaining and informative videos on the Fitzgerald. I cannot get enough of the information Captain Darrell provides. Have there been any attempts to interview Terrence Tysall and/or Mike Zee the only two divers known to have dived on the Fitzgerald?

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      I'd love to interview both...any idea how I can reach them? Thanks...HMM

    • @user-sp8zj8xh6k
      @user-sp8zj8xh6k Před 6 měsíci +1

      @@HistoryMysteryMan I don't have any idea how to reach them. I was really hoping your did. Your videos are wonderful, please keep them going. I have learned so much.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      Thanks! Greatly appreciated.@@user-sp8zj8xh6k

  • @stynger007
    @stynger007 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Wow what s story! Thanks HMM more ship vids pls, the Titanic was good- ever consider covering the wrecks from the war?

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 7 měsíci

      Covering the wrecks from the wars (1 and 2) would be great content for sure; thanks for the idea. HMM

  • @DavidSilva-fq7nt
    @DavidSilva-fq7nt Před 8 měsíci +1

    This was very interesting. I always wonder what they went through that day. Thank You.

  • @craighanks429
    @craighanks429 Před 4 měsíci +2

    Not to disparage the reputation of Captain McSorely but he did say that he didn’t give a damn about the shape the Fitz was in as long as she got them down to the end of the last trip of the season & he could retire, then the Fitz would go into a massive refit. Unfortunately the captain rolled the dice after he had to have known after Caribou the ship was taking on tons of water & she was overloaded (again) anyway. Having the reputation of another “foul weather” skipper, Captain McSorely got more than he bargained for with THIS storm instead of sheltering the ship behind the large island off Canada’s north shore. He might have avoided Caribou & sailed safely past the next day in calmer weather. It IS too bad the entire crew lost their lives on a gamble that the over-abused Fitzgerald would make it to Whitefish Bay in the shape it was in.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 4 měsíci

      Thanks Craig...you make some compelling points. I've never read anywhere that Capt. McSorley "didn't give a damn about the shape the Fitz was in as long as..." We may never know. He rolled the dice for sure, but he rolled them many times over the decades. I like your commentary; it makes a lot of sense. HMM

  • @joemd7775
    @joemd7775 Před 8 měsíci +2

    HMM, the NOAA chart for Lake Superior lists the depth of Chummy Bank as 7 fathoms (42ft). I'm trying to find its depth from an actual Canadian chart, though I've read a Canadian Great Lakes Hazards to Navigation document that said it is 8 fathoms. I've been thinking that the Fitz went over it; and that it was the beginning of a series of unfortunate events for the Fitzgerald on that tragic day.
    Also, I enjoy hearing about your Tug Boat experiences on the Great Lakes; I find that information very interesting. Thank you for these wonderful videos.
    Happy Thanksgiving from Michigan.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks Joe...so appreciated. And thanks for your information! HMM

  • @ronyantz7349
    @ronyantz7349 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Good info HMM

  • @kevineich5029
    @kevineich5029 Před 8 měsíci +3

    The marriage license lists 2054 Talbot St. but the house shown was 2056 Talbot St.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +2

      Right. The 2054 address is wrong. There is no 2054 Talbot...goes from 2052 to 2056. It's listed as 2056 in the City Directory archives. Thanks...HMM

    • @kevineich5029
      @kevineich5029 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Probably a typo on the marriage license by whomever filled it out. I love your videos on the Fitzgerald, McSorely, interviews with Darrel and Tom Walton, etc.!@@HistoryMysteryMan

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Thanks Kevin...so appreciated. HMM@@kevineich5029

  • @ligmasack9038
    @ligmasack9038 Před 8 měsíci +4

    Looks like you met the Captain in the Parking Lot of Tony Paco's!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      That's a big 10-4! Had lunch with him there! Thanks...HMM

  • @normpaddle
    @normpaddle Před 8 měsíci +3

    Great research and very interesting. Wondering if that first residence or 2nd, if you talked to the owners and if they knew who once lived there?
    Thanks

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      I did not talk to the owners of 2nd and 3rd residence, but if I see them out sometime, I won't hesitate to share the story. Thanks...HMM

  • @barrybark3995
    @barrybark3995 Před 8 měsíci +3

    what a fantastic video! [by the way did you get in touch with the mcsorley grandson ?who was in the comments on that earlier vid ,if so what did he say?

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      I did not, but I'd love to speak with him. Did I miss his comments? HMM

    • @barrybark3995
      @barrybark3995 Před 8 měsíci +1

      @@HistoryMysteryMan his comment [he remembered crying] is about halfway down in the comments on the 1st vid you did with the newspaper guy who served on the Fitz as a teenager

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      10-4...thanks.@@barrybark3995

  • @keebz75
    @keebz75 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Very cool info!
    I’ve been wondering where that white house was in Ottawa hills! Now I got it!
    The first house you showed was somewhat in my old neighborhood! Very cool info!
    Only houses I couldn’t find was the one you lived across from and the ranch before that house. Any info would be great!
    I’ll be making my rounds to them houses soon. Just to say I’ve seen his houses. Just cuz I guess. Haha

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      That third house if pretty easy to figure out...thanks! HMM

  • @joeanderson9852
    @joeanderson9852 Před 8 měsíci

    🙏🙏

  • @Bald_Cat2007
    @Bald_Cat2007 Před 8 měsíci +3

    I hope you don't mind me asking, what's the name of the music that you use in the intro

  • @WIJoe1
    @WIJoe1 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Actually the home port was Milwaukee, WI

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci +1

      Milwaukee was only on the stern because the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company was based out of Milwaukee, but the Fitz never went to Milwaukee, but once. It unloaded in Toledo (her regular run from Duluth or Superior) and lived in Toledo in the off-seasons. It was in Toledo so much, that she was nicknamed the "Toledo Express".

  • @craighanks429
    @craighanks429 Před 4 měsíci +2

    I feel bad for McSorely & crew. So NEAR & yet so far. They were victims of years of abuse done to the Fitz. If McSorely wouldn’t have been so hesitant to shelter out of the storm. They seemed to be afraid to “play it safe” & end up maybe looking bad as a captain in the eyes of the company. I blame Oglebay Norton for that & it took a tragedy like the Fitz to get them to finally relax those attitudes. You gotta hand it to the Arthur Anderson though, that old gal is one tough ole bird!!

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 4 měsíci

      Back in the day, there was a lot more pressure on Captains to get their cargo there on time, every time. Now, in bad weather, companies, with prodding from the insurance companies, are A-OK with the ships going to anchor to wait out the storms. The Anderson is an amazing story; I can't wait for the day that I get to go aboard. Thanks again, Craig...stop by anytime. HMM

  • @markwinnicki8802
    @markwinnicki8802 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Hey don I was listening to Gordon lightfoot s wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on CZcams were it shows the boat and lyrics and in the comment section the one comment was from a guy saying captain mcsorely was his great uncle you might be able to contact him through the comment section u der the video he might be able to shed some light about him

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      Thanks Mark. I think I saw that comment too...and I responded but I never heard back. I also reached out directly to Capt. McSorley's niece (his brother's daughter) but she never responded either. I so wanted to tap her brain for this very video, but I eventually I went without. HMM

  • @Play_fare
    @Play_fare Před 6 měsíci +1

    Not sure if you’ve investigated the McSorley family in the area of Eastern Ontario where he was born. The McSorley name in a Google search shows the family/extended family still very present in and around the Ottawa area. The family name Black (his mothers maiden name) is similarly quite prevalent in the area.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      Wow...that's really interesting. I'd love to travel to the area and investigate. Thanks for the information! HMM

    • @Play_fare
      @Play_fare Před 6 měsíci +1

      Intersections of people and places in time are endlessly fascinating. It really feeds the “what ifs” about major events. Change any one variable, even slightly, and the outcomes could be very different. Also these side connections help to paint a broader picture. Maybe be it is this inner need we have to in some way connect with history that drives our interest.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 6 měsíci

      Well said. So true...and so interesting. If I would have turned right instead of left, my entire world would have flowed in a different direction...@@Play_fare

  • @bennickell8477
    @bennickell8477 Před 8 měsíci +1

    There was a chief engineer on another great lakes vessel that had the last name McSorley I'm not remembering exactly what the ship's name was but I remember wondering if that's any relation to Ernest.

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Not sure who that was, but I am sure that person you referenced is no relation to Capt. McSorley...thanks! HMM

  • @isaacmiller9931
    @isaacmiller9931 Před 8 měsíci +3

    what dock did the fits dock at in toledo

    • @shanecapser
      @shanecapser Před 8 měsíci +1

      Usually the ore docks by the mouth of the river

  • @matthewmcnulty698
    @matthewmcnulty698 Před 8 měsíci +3

    Was ernest mcsorley a. Nice guy

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +2

      Yes.. I sailed on the lakes ...guyd thst knew him... he was quiet never got into long conversations....I sailed with oldtimers that knew him one engineer called him moonlighting mcsorley....he said he just smiled and walked away lol

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Great story...thanks again! HMM

  • @markmurray7031
    @markmurray7031 Před 6 měsíci +1

    At the end of the day it's the captain's fault. He overloaded it and he took it into the storm. It all reeks of short-sighted complacency all based on nothing more than a roll of the dice to begin with. People seem to loose sight of this fact.

  • @literallyshaking8019
    @literallyshaking8019 Před 8 měsíci +1

    What is the flag you have in your background?

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Great question! That's an original flag off Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso...thanks for asking. HMM

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +1

      I met a old captian that knew him..he called him ernie ... i asked him you knew the captian of the fitz..he said yeah ...ernie how ya doin... when they spoken on the radio...at times...that was cool to hear and I was on the Joseph l block old engineer said we called him moonlighting mcsorley...I asked what he say??? He just smiled adn walked away....that sound like mcsorley quiet guy never got into long conversations....cool that I had my own experience of him from older sailors

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Those are very cool stories; thanks for sharing them here. I always wondered what his voice sounded like. I asked the ole Captain I interviewed, but he couldn't recall. I often wonder if there are radio transmission recordings of him that exist today?@@beedalton9675

  • @rapman5791
    @rapman5791 Před 8 měsíci +1

    The captain is McSorley missed. 🙏

  • @Somewhere_In_The_Barn
    @Somewhere_In_The_Barn Před 8 měsíci

    Stove is late 1980's minimum, probably early 1990's.

  • @matthewmcnulty698
    @matthewmcnulty698 Před 8 měsíci

    Oh ok I was. Just curious

  • @daveyshambles01howtosandgaming
    @daveyshambles01howtosandgaming Před 8 měsíci +1

    He was the one who sank his ship, he would overload and run it flat out, he was also a bit of a show off

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +1

      Actually no... he never loaded her with 30.000 tons. That was previous captians he was a heavy weather capitan....and the loading tonnage was controlled mainly by dispatch and the steel mill put in a order..goes to dispatch... I sailed the lakes as a wiper and convayorman. Sadly it'd called meeting the quota...to a outsider or a non sailor it's much more than you would know...if your a mariner then you know the deal

  • @andrewflynn1022
    @andrewflynn1022 Před 8 měsíci +1

    We are sick of hearing about your experience on a tug boat

    • @HistoryMysteryMan
      @HistoryMysteryMan  Před 8 měsíci

      Duly noted...

    • @purplechris9480
      @purplechris9480 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Let time I looked, these videos are about the Maritime Industry. Who better to share experiences with except from someone e who Worked in them!

    • @darrellwalton938
      @darrellwalton938 Před 8 měsíci +3

      Seeing this is a channel on the Great Lakes Shipping business, who better to share insights with, other than someone who, "Walked the Walk", giving us the right to "Talk the Talk"!

    • @AvengerII
      @AvengerII Před 8 měsíci

      @andrewflynn1022
      You wasted your time joining CZcams to "share your joy" with the rest of humanity.
      Seriously,
      it's been 2 years since you signed up. Where's YOUR video? I'm sure YOU have plenty to share that won't sicken the rest of us!

    • @beedalton9675
      @beedalton9675 Před 8 měsíci +4

      Go take your hate somewhere else...if your not a sailor..I love his stories. Were tired of comments like yours...people that never sailed don't and never know the life we go threw 7days a week 8 to 14 hours or more.....have if you don't like swipe left