The Twin Queens of the Lakes

The S.S. Spartan and the S.S. Badger were part of a $20 million expansion program by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad. Also part of this expansion program were the moderization of the Pere Marquettes 21 & 22. The "Twin Queens" were built at a cost of $10 million, and were powered by two Skinner Unaflow steam engines for a combined 7000 h.p. (they were the last coal-fired steamers of substantial size built in the United States).

They were built by Christy Corporation of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin in 1952. They measure just over 410 feet in length, with a beam of 60 feet. Throughout their career, the have sailed for the C & O Railroad and Michigan-Wisconson Transportation, with the S.S. Badger also sailing for Lake Michigan Carferry Service.

The S.S. Spartan was laid up in the fall of 1979 and has not operated since. The S.S. Badger is still making crossings during the summer months to Mantowoc, Wisconsin!

S.S. Spartan, under contruction.

Under construction from the air.

S.S. Spartan, launch! Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

Being christened (S.S. Spartan). Bob Vande Vusse Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

S.S. Spartan on her maiden voyage. L. Hanley

S.S. Badger being launched, with the S.S. Spartan in the background. 30 k Chesapeake and Ohio
Historical Society

Underway, port side (S.S. Spartan). Bob Vande Vusse. Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

Lounge, 1952. Lyle Hanley 31 k

Dining room, Lyle Hanley 35 k

View inside of the pilot house of the Spartan. Lyle Hanley

S.S Spartan. R. Nash.

Car deck of the S.S. Spartan, lit up at night. Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

Unloading the S.S. Spartan, night time. Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

Boiler room, S.S. Spartan. Lyle Hanley

Crews galley, S.S. Spartan. Lyle Hanley

View from the stern looking into the car deck of the Spartan (1950s). Lyle Hanley

The new "Twin Queens of the Lakes", S.S. Badger on the left, S.S. Spartan on the right.

S.S. Badger under way, starboard view. 19 k Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

Stern view, with passengers enjoying the breeze. Chesapeake and Ohio Historical Society

S.S. Spartan stuck between the outer lights at Ludington. Str. 41 backs along side to free her (Feb. 1963). Captain Carl Ohman (Spartan) and Captain Hery Gates (City of Midland). Anomynous

S.S. Spartan entering the icy channel. Lyle Hanley

S.S. Spartan, port side (Chessie). M. Hanley

S.S. Spartan from Pere Marquette Lake. M. Hanley

S.S. Spartan in lay-up, 1990. Ray Bawal, Jr.

Ariel view, Badger on the left & Spartan on the right. M. Hanley 23 k

Badger taking on freight. Dan Bissell

Heading into the channel, the S.S. Badger with her new colors. M. Hanley 25 k

Ship's wheel, S.S. Badger. M. Hanley

The Spartan's bow at sunset, by Mike Modderman

Skinner Unaflow steam engine, S.S. Badger. M. Hanley