The Steamer, the Bridge, and the Snag Heard ‘Round Hancock

Just one day before the grand dedication of the brand-new Houghton-Hancock Bridge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a near-disaster reminded everyone that no matter how strong a structure is, it’s the little things—like communication—that keep things running smoothly.

On the evening of June 24, 1960, the 435-foot steamer J.F. Schoellkopf approached the lift bridge spanning Portage Lake. Captain Albert Wilhelmy dutifully signaled for the vertical lift to rise, allowing his vessel to pass safely underneath. But nothing happened. The bridge didn’t budge.

Collision Avoided!

Acting quickly, Captain Wilhelmy ordered the engines reversed and dropped anchor to avoid a collision. His quick thinking likely saved lives and the brand-new bridge. But the dropped anchor snagged two of the six Michigan Bell telephone cables running along the lakebed. The anchors ripped them from place and cutting service to around 1,000 Hancock-area customers. The steamer ultimately ran aground in the shallow water.

The bridge operator later claimed he never heard the ship’s whistle. Whether due to equipment malfunction or human error, the incident caused a flurry of finger-pointing and some last-minute scrambling before the dedication ceremony.

Fortunately, disaster was averted. The Schoellkopf was cut loose, towed back into the channel, and sent on her way. Repairs were swiftly made to the telephone lines, and the much-anticipated bridge dedication moved forward the next day, June 25, 1960, as scheduled.

Engineering Brilliance

The Houghton-Hancock Bridge was—and remains—a marvel. Built at a cost of $11 million, it was the heaviest vertical lift bridge in the world at the time. Its dual-level design allowed car traffic on both levels, with the lower level dedicated to trains. When raised, boats could pass underneath while vehicles continued to flow over the upper deck—a feat of mid-century engineering brilliance.

Despite the chaotic night before, the bridge stood strong and proud at its dedication, ushering in a new era of connection for Michigan’s Copper Country.

Learn more about the rich history of the Western Upper Peninsula.