36 years
I knew that today was November 10th and, therefore the anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. I was gonna blahg about a lot of mundane things today. Like how, after being outta town last weekend, it has taken me all week to get even some of the laundry folded and put away. And how many times I have gotten home from work and had to walk to the Plum Market in the dark to get some grokkeries so I could cook dinner. And how we had [beautiful] snow today for the first time (I think).
But then Dogmomster posted a video on facebook that reminded me about the day the Fitz went down. Our beach was somewhat decimated by that storm. All of our logs and other beach debris ended up down by Doelle’s and the post-storm beach was kind of like a moonscape. I am beyond trying to detail that tonight and I didn’t have any access to the internet back then, so I can’t link to anything (it was 1975). My brother [who loved the lake boats] was in high school then and he had a multi-band radio in his bedroom and it picked up ship communications. He listened all night to the Arthur Anderson (which was behind the Edmund Fitzgerald) calling for the Edmund Fitzgerald. No answer.
The video is below. It’s long but it’s Gordon Lightfoot. You know you love Gordon Lightfoot. Thank you Dogmomster for finding this.
November 10th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
I remember. I remember the story of a new Coast Guard Ensign given credit to buy a dishwasher at a place named Roger’s Home appliance. Years later, a coast Guard commander came back and said I appreciate the fact someone took a chance on me back then, I’d like to return the favor. Would you like to be on board of the US – Canadian memorial at sea we are doing for the Fitzgerald? My uncle said thank you very much, but no. However, my boat watcher sister in-law, who is very much afraid of the water, would really like to. That is how my mother got on board of the joint US Coast Guard – Canadian memorial at sea.
God speed to all the sailer’s of the Great Lakes.
November 10th, 2011 at 11:02 pm
Thanks so much for this remembrance. Gordon Lightfoot is amazing, and his lyrics honor both the crew and the power of Gitchee Gumee.
November 10th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
I do love Gordon Lightfoot! Snow already? I’m hoping that ours all falls in the mountains this year. (none down here)
November 11th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Love, love, love Gordon Lightfoot. I have every single one of his vinyls. And this song is especially poignant. Glad to hear that those of you who were really close to this event consider his song worthy.
November 11th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
Thank you for this historical jewel.