LOOKING BACK IN TIME
by Dave Ponke

The town of Marine City was actually named "Marine," and was officially incorporated as a village in 1865. Most historical records indicate that the "first" village president was Valentine Saph, elected in 1867. In 1876, L.B. Barker took the position in the village.

It was the year 1879 when the rechartering took place, and the village was re-titled Marine City.

The history of the area extends beyond the town being known for maritime activities and a well-known port years ago. The first church ever built in St. Clair County, records indicate, was named the Catholic Church at Cottrellville. It was located on the banks of the St. Clair River, about two miles south of Marine City. Constructed in 1849, it was only 60 by 30 feet in size. Nearly 200 families joined its congregation, and the structure was enlarged in 1866 by tacking on two wings and a steeple.

Today, many churches still dot the residential streets of Marine City and most have been there for over a century. The well-known Rev. Joseph Pritchard organized St. Mark's Episcopal Church, which was built in 1866 on Main Street.

Various shops, sundries and parlors lined busy Water Street downtown a century ago. Residents of the village were able to have breads and pies delivered to their homes by local bakers at the turn of the century. Horses pulled the cart to its destination, as this was a more economical means than the automobile back then.

Today, a spectacular view of the St. Clair River provides a look at passing freighters and other vessels. Visitors and residents alike can be seen strolling the banks of the river almost daily.

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The historic excursion steamer Tashmoo was named after "Tashmoo Park," on Harsen's Island. The recreational park was founded on the North Channel Island, situated in the St. Clair River southeast of Algonac, in 1897.

The Tashmoo would dock in the city of Detroit and provide excursion trips to the park for visitors. According to historic itinerary from the local library, stops included Algonac, Port Lambton and Sarnia, Ontario, St. Clair, Stag Island and Marine City.

The Tashmoo was considered by many to be "the most beautiful vessel to ride the Great Lakes." It measured 311 feet in length and was powered by a "direct connected inclined triple expansion paddlewheel," and could muster 2,500 horsepower using coal-powered engines. It carried up to 4,000 passengers, and had three decks. Fine dining was provided on board, and menu selections included fish and chicken for dinner and pancakes with maple syrup (10 cents).

Visitors to Tashmoo Park enjoyed the carnival-like setting, and children rode the ferris wheel. Concession and games abounded.

The Tashmoo was even given heartfelt nicknames by some, which included "The Tash" and "The Queen of the St. Clair River."

In 1936, however, when returning from a moonlight cruise to Sugar Island in the south part of the Detroit River, it grazed an underwater obstruction. The vessel was able to hobble the final few minutes of travel at Amherstburg, Ontario, where the 1400 passengers left the ship. Minutes later, she sank, while docked in about 15 feet of water.

When salvage crews attempted to raise the Tashmoo, the keel broke, and the boat's history ended there. In 1985, the Tashmoo was included in the National Maritime Hall of Fame in New York, but her legend lives on.