Ralph Misener bulk freighter, Sault Ste. Marie 1972

This authentic 1970s color photograph, captured in 1972, documents the Ralph Misener bulk carrier navigating the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Owned by Scott Misener Steamships Limited, this Canadian laker was a distinctive sight on the Great Lakes, known for its unique self-unloading equipment visible on the deck. The archival image shows the vessel’s white forward superstructure and dark blue hull against the industrial backdrop of the locks, which facilitate maritime commerce between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. In the foreground, the concrete pier features a small yellow maintenance vehicle and a lock attendant’s station. The International Bridge is partially visible in the distance under a heavy, overcast sky. While the ship was eventually sold and renamed several times before being scrapped in the early 2000s, the Soo Locks remain a vital, active piece of American and Canadian infrastructure. This factual record preserves a significant moment in Great Lakes maritime history during the early seventies. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.