ECHL Toledo Walleye

Piece Of Toledo's Rich Maritime History Comes To Huntington Center

January 7, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release


(Toledo, OH) - The Toledo Walleye are pleased to announce in conjunction with the Toledo Port Authority, that a new goal horn has been installed at the Huntington Center in downtown Toledo.

Listen to the horn: http://www.youtube.com/user/toledowalleyehockey'feature=mhum

Making her maiden voyage on October 9th, 1911, the S.S. Willis B. Boyer, then S.S. Col James M. Schoonmaker, began her career loading a record cargo of coal at Toledo's riverfront docks. As the "World's Largest Bulk Freighter" and "Queen of the Lakes" at the time of the Titanic, the Schoonmaker immediately set records in iron ore, coal, and rye cargoes.

Her elegant enormity, luxurious accommodations, and technological superiority would establish her as one of the most historic vessels ever to sail the Great Lakes. In turn, it was only fitting that she return to Toledo 75 years later, to become the city's "flagship."

Undergoing various changes throughout her career, the Schoonmaker/Boyer had but two voices. Her original triple chime steam whistle which sounded from 1911-1951, and that of the twin Leslie Tyfons which were installed during her repowering from coal to oil in 1952. Mounted atop the vessels smokestack and sounding at decibel levels heard for miles around, these steam horns were unmistakable around the lakes.

Having been silenced since the vessel's retirement in 1980, one Leslie 300 Tyfon was recently converted from steam to air and restored by boilermakers at the Toledo Shipyard. Utilizing 140 psi of blowing pressure this historic freighter's trademark blast will be heard again.

It is with great pride that the .S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship and the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority present the Toledo Walleye with the vessel's Leslie 300 Tyfon to be sounded in celebration of the team's goals and victories.

Paul C. LaMarre III, Executive Director of the S.S. Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship says "It is an honor that the "voice" of the Boyer will sound again in the presence of hockey fans, as a salute to our team, and in recognition of our region's rich maritime heritage."

The Toledo Walleye will be back at home Friday, January 7th at 7:00 PM vs. the Reading Royals at the Huntington Center. Tickets are on sale for that contest and all remaining home games. Fans can call (419) 725-WALL or visit www.toledowalleye.com for more information.

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ECHL Stories from January 7, 2011


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