Of all the many steamers that came to our harbor as the years passed on,
and there were many, the "Badger State" of the Union Line of Buffalo,
N. Y., gave us the longest service, running for ten years into Beaver
Harbor, never once missing a trip and most always on time. Capt.
Alexander Clark was master. No matter what the weather might be, how
heavy the gale, the good ship "Badger State" never failed us. Thousands
of barrels of fish were shipped on her to city markets, bringing the
merchants' goods and merchandise. She also carried our summer mails and
being a popular boat was always filled with passengers. From the spring
of 1873 to the summer of 1883 the "Badger State" was a faithful friend.
No one but those who reside on an island can appreciate the steamboat
service or what it means to the people. We learn to love the boats, the
sound of the whistle even in the midnight hours was music in our ears
and brought cheer and comfort to our hearts.