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.
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.
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,
Binge watching your Fitz videos while recovering from Covid. I grew up in the 70's, but didn't know much about the ship until a few years ago, Thanks for making my sick days brighter by sharing this history
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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.
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..
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.
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.
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
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 😊
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
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
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 😊
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.
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 RUclips about 5 years ago. Watched the 45 minute documentary again and will read the book for the first time 👍
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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✌️🤠🦃
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
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 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.
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
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.
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
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
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".
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 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
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!!
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
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.
Hey don I was listening to Gordon lightfoot s wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on RUclips 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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
He was known be a professional. And that's the type of relationship he had with the crew. He was fairly quiet and not a talker. His predecessor was more lively, Captain Pulcer. He was respected for his long career on the lakes and most of the captains knew McSorley well. The only one that ever spoke out of term about him was the captain of the Sykes.
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
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
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
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.
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
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"!
@andrewflynn1022 You wasted your time joining RUclips 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!
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
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.
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.
You're absolutely correct in your assessments. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here...HMM
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,
Binge watching your Fitz videos while recovering from Covid. I grew up in the 70's, but didn't know much about the ship until a few years ago, Thanks for making my sick days brighter by sharing this history
You're welcome! Thanks for choosing the History Mystery Man! HMM
Love you’re videos 👍if Captain Mcsorley can see this you’re # 1 most respect for you and all the crew on the Fitz❤
Thanks...super rewarding compliment...so grateful! HMM
Amazing video. I'm a huge fan of thr Fitz and Captain McSorley.
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
You and me both Jeff...thanks! HMM
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!
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
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
Exactly
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
What a very understanding Lady she is
That's what I thought! Thanks...HMM
I could listen to that old captain tell stories for hours.
Me too. I'd like to reel him back in for more interviews. HMM
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.
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
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
Thanks again, Shawn. The world would certainly be different had they made it home...HMM
So happy to subscribe; thank you for this reverent tribute❤😊
Thanks Joey...so grateful for your comment and subscription! HMM
Very good story! Nice research. Crazy how you were close to knowing him but never knew it.
Thanks Rob...HMM
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.
You got it Roger. The spiritual world is a bizarre place to ponder. Thanks again, friend...HMM
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
I'll see you there...at Whitefish Point! Thanks for watching...HMM
We'll honk at cha on our drive from Raleigh NC to Detroit MI. Keep em coming, very interesting
And I'll honk back! Thanks...HMM
outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks William! HMM
I absolutely love your opening theme. The music is so so fitting
Thanks so much for showing this. The more I hear and read of the ship and crew the more fascinating the story.
Thanks Darlene...so appreciated. HMM
As always a very well researched and awesome video. Thanks for sharing and caring!
You're welcome; thanks for watching...HMM
Looking forward to watching, thank you!! 👍🏼
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
Thanks again...so appreciated! HMM
Good stuff as always!!
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!
Thanks again! I appreciate your continued support! HMM
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!
Keep them coming. Love the videos
Thanks again, Mustang Mike; I super-duper appreciate your support! HMM
Thanks John! HMM@@johnnersinger9771
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.
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..
I don't know about Jack McCarthy but Capt, Darrell's uncle Ralph was to retire too.
That is correct, Jack McCarthy was to retire along with Captain Mcsorley. They were good friends, having worked together many years.
@@jacktfowler246 Yeah, so Ernest, Jack and Ralph would have all retired if the ship had made it..what a tragedy that it never did.
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.
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.
Thanks Margaret...so appreciated! HMM
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
Thanks again AJ. Love your story about your 3rd grade science teacher...thanks for sharing it here. HMM
I love these videos, and as always great content about the Captain, you and captain Darrell make these video really interesting.
Thanks Riley...HMM
This was excellent Don.
One of your better pieces,thanks!
Thanks Johnny...so appreciated. HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan it's me.. Hi John from Philadelphia..hope your thanksgiving was great Don
Hey there Johnny. I love the Independence Hall area in Philly...go Eagles!@@JohnnyLaps
Great video sir. You have done a masterful job bringing the Fitz and her crew to life. It feels like we know them.
Thanks...your feedback feels great! I appreciate you...HMM
Great as always!
Thanks again, Don...HMM
Amazing video….i used to live in Superior WI so the Fitz is a huge deal to me also
Thanks. I'm going to visit Superior in 2024! HMM
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 😊
Thanks...so appreciated. I'm going to visit Duluth and Superior in 2024...HMM
Outstanding video,thank you
You're welcome; thanks Tim! HMM
Really an amazing tour, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thanks...it sure was a great Thanksgiving...so grateful. HMM
As always some more fascinating stories!!
Keep them coming
Sure will Robert...thanks. HMM
Thanks! I live in the finger lakes region of ny. I absolutley love your edmund fitzgerald videos. What an amazing story!
Thanks for your donation Matthew! Sooo appreciated. I love the Finger Lakes area...so beautiful. Happy holidays...HMM
I could imagine the work that goes into this video, thanks for sharing always great to learn new things about the Fitz history.
Thanks Nick...so appreciated. HMM
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
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
Another High Roller , who met disaster , Titanic , Fitzgerald, Andrea Gail, Titan...RIP to all..
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 😊
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.
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.
And the Anderson had just been lengthened at Fraser Shipyards in Superior, WI earlier in the year the Fitz went down.
Interesting stuff; thanks for sharing it here. HMM
Very good video and thanks for going the extra mile. So many stories untold.
Thanks George...HMM
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 RUclips about 5 years ago. Watched the 45 minute documentary again and will read the book for the first time 👍
Thanks...so appreciated. Are you still in Korea? HMM
@@HistoryMysteryMan Still am 👍
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?
he's seen more than you think
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
@@HistoryMysteryMan please do!
Great video! I wonder if his spirit visited the Middletown when I was shipkeeping. He sailed on the Middletown during his career.
I was on the old Middletown I was a wiper. My chief was Charlie able
Very good videos
Thanks again, Bob...HMM
There memory lives on by the tales we tell and tell again!! Mind blown, great video, great research too!!
Thanks...so appreciated. HMM
These videos are so fun. You're doing a great honor to the Fitz and her crew.
Thanks Jake...so appreciated! HMM
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.
Thanks. I'm going to visit Duluth and Superior in 2024! HMM
Great video!
Thanks Ryan...so appreciated! HMM
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.
Thanks...my step dad was the pilot on the Calypso when it sailed through the Great Lakes during its Fitzgerald expedition. HMM
@@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.
Yep...I have a photo of the two of them pictured together...thanks!@@ripperace
Love your stuff sir. Keep up the good work :-)
Very nice of the lady to let your tour McSorley's former residence😊
Absolutely! So grateful...thanks for watching, Sandy...HMM
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
Thanks Joe...so appreciated. Stop by anytime...HMM
419 in the house lived my whole life on the mighty maumee
I'm a lifelong 419er too! Thanks...HMM
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.
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
Thank you for taking the time to put this together it was very well done.
Thanks again, Jeffery! HMM
Wow, what an awesome video!!! Thanks for doing it HMM!!!
You're welcome; thanks Jody...HMM
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?
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
Another great upload 👌
Thanks Chris! HMM
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.
Thanks Robert. I always appreciate your pointing this out; I know you've said it before...HMM
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✌️🤠🦃
Thanks Brian...I appreciate you! HMM
That lady was nice cool video thank y’all
Yep...she is awesome. So grateful she was so open to let me have a look. Thanks for watching...HMM
Thanks!
Thanks for your generous gift Robbie...so appreciated. Happy holidays! HMM
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
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
Fantastic work. Thanks for this. I like many others heard about the Fitz via Gordon Lightfoot. Ive been devouring all I can learn since.
Thanks! HMM
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?
I'd love to interview both...any idea how I can reach them? Thanks...HMM
@@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.
Thanks! Greatly appreciated.@@MarkMimnaugh
This was very interesting. I always wonder what they went through that day. Thank You.
Thanks David! HMM
Looks like you met the Captain in the Parking Lot of Tony Paco's!
That's a big 10-4! Had lunch with him there! Thanks...HMM
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
I've been trying but so far he's not been willing. I'll keep trying though...thanks! HMM
Love your content
Thanks...so appreciated. HMM
Good info HMM
Thanks again, Ron...HMM
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.
Thanks Joe...so appreciated. And thanks for your information! HMM
Blows my mind that he sailed for 40+ years and he was an hour away from shore and didn't make it.
Yeah...it's hard to process that one. Thanks...HMM
Wow what s story! Thanks HMM more ship vids pls, the Titanic was good- ever consider covering the wrecks from the war?
Covering the wrecks from the wars (1 and 2) would be great content for sure; thanks for the idea. HMM
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
That third house if pretty easy to figure out...thanks! HMM
The marriage license lists 2054 Talbot St. but the house shown was 2056 Talbot St.
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
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
Thanks Kevin...so appreciated. HMM@@kevineich5029
Another chapter of The Big Fitz
On the way Rand...thanks!
Just like the Captain of the Titanic. His last voyage before retirement. 🙏
Man that's hard to process...so close to what they earned.
I hope you don't mind me asking, what's the name of the music that you use in the intro
Actually the home port was Milwaukee, WI
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".
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?
I did not, but I'd love to speak with him. Did I miss his comments? HMM
@@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
10-4...thanks.@@barrybark3995
🙏🙏
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!!
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
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.
Not sure who that was, but I am sure that person you referenced is no relation to Capt. McSorley...thanks! HMM
what dock did the fits dock at in toledo
Usually the ore docks by the mouth of the river
Hey don I was listening to Gordon lightfoot s wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald on RUclips 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
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
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.
Wow...that's really interesting. I'd love to travel to the area and investigate. Thanks for the information! HMM
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.
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
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.
Was ernest mcsorley a. Nice guy
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
Great story...thanks again! HMM
He was known be a professional. And that's the type of relationship he had with the crew. He was fairly quiet and not a talker. His predecessor was more lively, Captain Pulcer. He was respected for his long career on the lakes and most of the captains knew McSorley well. The only one that ever spoke out of term about him was the captain of the Sykes.
Stove is late 1980's minimum, probably early 1990's.
Thanks for that info! HMM
What is the flag you have in your background?
Great question! That's an original flag off Jacques Cousteau's ship Calypso...thanks for asking. HMM
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
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
The captain is McSorley missed. 🙏
For sure...thanks. HMM
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
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
Oh ok I was. Just curious
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.
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
We are sick of hearing about your experience on a tug boat
Duly noted...
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!
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"!
@andrewflynn1022
You wasted your time joining RUclips 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!
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