Edward J. Berwind

The “Blanche Hindman," was originally built in 1924 as the “Edward J. Berwind.” The steel propeller vessel was built by Great Lakes Engineering Works of River Rouge, Michigan. Throughout the vessel’s sixty plus year history, it experienced numerous ownership and name changes. Originally, she was owned by the Franklin Steamship Co. (H.K. Oaks, Mgr.), of Cleveland, Ohio. They owned her until 1930, when ownership transferred to the Franklin Steamship Co. (Bethlehem Transportation Co., Mgr.), also of Cleveland. On June 11, 1936, she collided with Canadian vessel “Ayecliffe Hall” sixteen miles west of Long Point, Lake Erie, resulting in the Canadian steamer’s sinking. From1941until 1974, she was sold to M.A. Hanna Co., Mgrs., of Cleveland. (Franklin Steamship Co., 1941-1945; Hanna Ore Co., 1943-1945; Hanna Coal & Ore Corp., 1945-1959; Hanna Mining Co., 1959-1974). She was renamed “Matthew Andrews” in 1963. In September 1965, the vessel ran aground near the Soo Locks, but was released the following day. From 1974 until 1978, she was owned by Hindman Transportation Co., Ltd., of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. Upon acquiring ownership, she was renamed “Blanche Hindman” in 1974 and registered with Canadian registration number 327382. On June 3, 1977, the vessel ran aground on the St. Clair River. She was purchased by 1978 Quebec & Ontario Transportation Co., of Thorold, Ont; they owned her until 1984. She was renamed “Lac Ste. Anne” in 1979. Lastly, she was owned by Transport Desgagnes, Inc. (Groupe Desgagnes, Inc., Mgrs.) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The vessel was eventually scrapped during the winter of 1985-1986 by Port Colborne Marine Terminals of Port Colborne, Ont