New book dives into history of Great Lakes ship architect

  • The cover of “The Great Lakes Ships of Frank E. Kirby” LILY COLE
    The cover of “The Great Lakes Ships of Frank E. Kirby” LILY COLE

    LANSING

    Anew book, “The Great Lakes Ships of Frank E. Kirby”, explores the life of a prolific Midwestern naval architect whose vessels once carried passengers who are still alive today.

    Kirby was a naval architect in the early 20th century who designed steamboats such as SS Milwaukee Clipper, SS Columbia and SS Ste. Claire. Though no longer operational, these three ships are the only Kirby boats sti…