For those who have traveled to South Bass Island (commonly referred to by the name of the village Put-In-Bay) aboard the Jet Express, you have perhaps had a sighting of what looks like the bow of a cargo ship perched on a rocky ledge. It’s no mirage or trick of the eye! It is the Benson Ford, more specifically the pilot house and crew quarters. The Benson Ford was a working freighter for years on Lake Erie, but when cargo shipping declined, the ship’s story took quite a turn. So, how do you move a cargo ship onto an island cliff? How much of the actual ship is on land? Can you be the captain of this ship for a day? Let’s observe!
Built in 1924 by Great Lakes Engineering Works out of Michigan, the Benson Ford was meant to transport iron ore, coal, and other raw materials to Henry Ford’s factories (yes, THAT Henry Ford). Part of the Ford Motor Company Fleet and named after Ford’s grandson, she was state of the art for her era. Reporting at 612 ft. long, the vessel was powered by diesel propulsion engines rather than coal steam, and able to carry 15,000 tons of cargo. The ship was vital to the tactic Ford was notorious for, the control of every phase of manufacturing raw material into a complete car. The iron ore carried on board was mostly from Minnesota mines, on its way to steel plants in Michigan and Ohio. Passengers who were carried on the route were treated to luxurious quarters and rich detail.
The Great Lakes can be quite challenging for ships to traverse! Quickly changing weather, storms capable of besting freighters, and shifting depths can create harsh waterways. The Benson Ford weathered the lakes for over 50 years, with a few teeth grinding moments. The ship did run aground not once, but twice in channel waters.
Decommissioned in December 1981 as operational costs mounted and new shipping technology developed, it was thought the ship would next be used as a barge. The Benson Ford never sailed again. Her next residence was at the Ontario Stone No.4 Dock in the Cuyahoga River, sitting for roughly two years while much consideration was given for the next phase. The new owner, Frank Sullivan, eventually opted for less conventional use.
In his opinion, it would be much more cost-effective to use the ship as a residence rather than any cargo hauling. There was quite a sight on Lake Erie in July of 1986, as a barge called Thor 101 approached South Bass Island carrying the enormous structure of the forecastle deck of the ship. The forecastle measured 62 ft. by 59 ft.! Using a crane atop the barge, the section was raised 18 feet high to nestle onto the island. Talk about slow and steady!
If you can imagine it, the forecastle section of the ship results in a 7,000 square foot (and 4 story!) place to call home. The fancy walnut overlayed state rooms, galley, and lounge that enveloped former passengers in comfort were all preserved. The original portholes, navigational equipment, and metal stairwells were also worked into the design. The rest of the 612 ft. ship was scrapped in Port Colborne, Ontario.
Sullivan had carved out plans to operate a bed and breakfast out of the structure in 1992 but was denied by the Put-in-Bay Township Zoning Board. Frustrated by the conclusion of the petition, Sullivan moved to put the ship house up for sale through an auction in 1999. 128 bids later, it came to be in the hands of the current owners, the Kasper family, who promptly reinstated the name Benson Ford.
The chance to see this marvel for more than a glimpse from a ferry does come around occasionally! The current owner offers tours in the summer – this year taking place on June 14 and August 9. The cost of the tour is nominal, as you get to satisfy your curiosity about this captivating home while also giving to a good cause. The owner of the ship house donates proceeds to fund community developments on South Bass Island. Captain’s hat optional, but as the pilothouse still boasts the helm, that may be a photo-op one wouldn’t want to pass up!
Don’t get FOMO if you are landlocked, distance doesn’t have to sink your curiosity. Take a virtual voyage instead! The 3D tour doesn’t miss a feature of the inside of the ship house as it provides access to each floor from numerous viewpoints. In addition, the “Shiphouse Cam” treats viewers to taking in immaculate sunrises and lake songs, as if you were outside on the deck. For your daily ration of grog, there has been a spirit produced in honor of the Benson Ford. The premium vodka is handcrafted in small batches. It comes in quite a memorable package! Shiphouse Vodka, created by the owner, comes in a glass bottle shaped exactly like the front half of the ship.
For nearly 40 years, the Benson Ford has sat overlooking the shores of Lake Erie. It paints the picture of how technology will always be evolving but symbolizes the preservation of past icons. More than a bragging right for our locale, or simply a point of architectural interest, it is a nod to modernism and innovation. The structure draws thoughts from a departed age of maritime commerce and industrial might. Through the telling of her story, the stories of former passengers and crew, the legacy stays afloat. The Benson Ford reminds us that the past doesn’t have to sit still. It can find a second act; one I encourage you to explore from your screen or set sail in person!
