July 21, 2005             

Editors note, the following is an editorial  from the Great lakes Nautical Society obtained from an interview and photographic session by Jeff Churill, Carol and Jim Clark.

Our assignment on the J.W. Westcott Co. mail station.

Photo shoot of our visit: The people of  J.W.Westcott CO.

Detailed photo shoot: J.W. Westcott II

Company website: www.jwwestcott.com

Historical Photos: Westcott history.

 Paul gave us a in depth tour of the mail facility pointing out how all the mail and other items are sorted out for delivery to the various vessels transiting the Detroit River.

 In addition to the obvious postal deliveries there are parts needed to keep the vessels in working order, supplies and some special deliveries.  This particular day there was a large arrangement of flowers, we are sure it brightened someone's day. Many have heard of the flower lady from the Harsans Island area. She sends flowers on holidays and special occasions  to the passing freighters, and has done so for the last 10 -12 years now.

Completing the tour of the station, our shoot began.  Captain Len Tanner escorted us aboard the J.W. Westcott II to begin our feature.  In the distance we could see the Mesabi Miner scheduled to meet the J. W. Westcott II and pick up David Hines (lower center), third assistant engineer who has been with the Interlake Steamship Company for about a year.  Circling around, to meet the Mesabi Miner (lower right) on her starboard side, a gang plank was lowered to receive David.  Boarding safely, it was first assistant engineer John Hall (lower left) time to climb down the gang way and boards the Westcott II..

 John Hall has been with Interlake Steamship Company for seventeen years.  John was all a-glow because he was a happy sailor going home.

 Paul narrates, being in this business for as many years as he has, the shipping industry has made many changes.  One Thousand foot ships have arrived on the scene carrying as much freight as seven of the smaller vessels which has cut down on the river traffic. 

  A typical watch back in the 70's, traffic would be about 40 boats per day and today's typical watch would be approximately 21. Up until a couple of years ago, this station would run with a 3 man crew, a dispatcher, deck hand and boat operator.  With the fluctuating economy we were forced to cut cost by eliminating the deck hands.  Just this past year, things have picked up and we were able to put on another deck hand to help out and allows the Westcott Company to be open daily from 9 to 5, on the afternoon shift and graveyard shift they are still down to a two man crew, so they lock up the building and go out to service the ships and come back.  

 We are now joined by Captain Greg Leigh (top right), who will be the marine pilot for the Blue Wing , (a salty),which travels between the Welland Canal and Port Huron.  Captain Leigh has been with Canadian Pilots for 11 years, upon interviewing him one certainly could tell he truly enjoys his profession and when asked stated "Is there any other job worth going to?" Our interviewer Jim Clark stated that's dedication "and Captain Leigh replies no that's love".

   Captain Tanner called out already for departure, and again the life jackets were put on, but this time we climbed aboard the pilot boat, Huron Maid (below).  This boat, though very different from the mail boat J.W. Westcott II, is equipped with more hand rails for increased stability and the deck is much higher easier and safer for boarding purposes. Depending on the load of the vessel  these Pilot captains climb anywhere from 30 to 60 feet to board their ship.  Captain Leigh is boarding the Blue Wing and has a 30 foot climb and we will be picking up captain Allen Gindroz (lower right) who has been a marine pilot with the Welland Canadian Pilots for 11 years and was a Lake Ships Pilot 18 years prior.

 Arriving back at dock side, the Detroit River was kicking up with some three foot waves, but captain Tanner brought the Huron Maid in like the true professional he is.

  Entering the office we now had the honor of meeting James Hogan (lower right), the general manager and relative of the founder of the J. W. Westcott company. 

  Sitting on the credenza was a model of the J. W..Westcott II built by one of the other captains of the company. We started talking about models and how his Grandpa was into building model railroads. The walls had many pictures of steam locomotives, left by his Grandpa. 

  Mr. Hogan remarked, "In a company like this, everyone has several titles and job responsibilities, we all do what is necessary to get the job done". 

  Our appreciation and gratitude are extended to the kind people at the Westcott Company, Captain Len Tanner, Sharon Loudermilk, and Paul Jagenow. for allowing this article to be produced.  Thanks so much. Big salute to the Westcott crew!!