News and Views of the Underwater Archaeological Society of P.O. Box 11752, Chicago, IL 60611 [email protected] Vol 21, No. 1 Online in full color at www.uaschicago.org Winter 2012 UASC Surveys Northerly Island UASC Salutes Award Winners

Scott Reimer, Dan & Cindy Howard, Joan Forsberg and Bob Gadbois all won major awards this year, with Joan receiving 2 prestigious honors. Scott received the Diver of the Year award at the ICSSD President's Night Banquet, where Dan and Cindy Howard won the Humanitarian of the Year honors. Joan Forsberg received the coveted UASC Photos by Gene Hasiak, Scott Reimer, Claire Gadbois award as well as being honored by the Women UASC members lead by Chuck and Margo Miller Divers Hall of Fame. (See related articles on page 5.) braved stormy weather and waterspouts on Saturday September 24th 2011 to aid the Council of Upcoming UASC Presentations Skin and Scuba Divers and the Chicago Park District Our World Underwater will see two presentations in a survey of the waters just east of Northerly each by UASC members John Bell and Nancy Island, in support of possible plans to expand the Boucha. Other contributions to OWU will be made island into an enlarged recreational area including by Bob Gadbois & Larry Boucha, AV, Michael islets surrounding a lagoon containing a central Angelo Gagliardi, Art Salon Curator, John Bell & wreck dive site. The Northerly Island expansion Cris Kohl, Emcees, Joan Forsberg, Todd project was designed by Architect Jeanne Gang, Hitzeman, & Eric Vaandering, Room Chairs, and who will be the featured speaker at the UASC of course Jim Gentile, Principal Organizer. meeting on March 25. Continued on page 5. See page 6 for more presentations in early 2012. 2012 Meeting Dates Inside This Issue Jan 25 – Ralph Frese Feb 29 – Project Plans President’s Corner & UASC Info ...... 2 Mar 28 – Jeanne Gang Apr 25 – Tom Lutz Calendar of Events ...... 3 May 30 June 27 July 25 Aug 29 Sept 26 Oct 24 Nov 28 Review of 2011 Speakers...... 4 Meetings are held the last Wednesday of every Continuation of Page 1 Articles ...... 5, 6 th month except December on the 8 floor of the Helix UW Olympics, Buc Slate, Future News ...... 6 building, 310 S. Racine at Jackson. Refreshments at 6:30, Business at 7:00, Guest Speaker at 8:00. Summary of Active Projects ...... 7 Note the October meeting is the 24th, not the 31st. Membership Application ...... 8 Page 2 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Winter 2012

UASC Mission Statement President’s Corner The Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago What makes UASC special? In my mind the ( UASC ) is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization answer to that question has always been “The dedicated to the study and preservation of Illinois’ Projects.” It certainly isn’t just the SCUBA diving shipwrecks and other underwater cultural resources. or the history or the research or the monthly The UASC conducts shipwreck site surveys which speakers either – There are many fine groups employ field drawings, underwater photography, and around Chicago who are interested in all those video recording. Field survey work is augmented by academic historical research. The Society attempts things and meet once a month to hear someone talk to preserve sites by studying the effects of natural about it. No, what makes us special are the divers and biological forces as well as the impact of human who dive with a purpose, along with the historians, activity on shipwrecks. It advocates responsible use researchers, authors, video editors, speakers, of submerged cultural resources. educators, and the teamwork to bring it all together Membership is open to everyone. The Society into a polished report, presentation, DVD, or show. presents the opportunity to meet, work together, and socialize with others who share similar avocational This is why I plan to focus on our projects in 2012, interests. It allows members to apply their diving or keeping the spotlight on the projects and their other skills to group projects that produce site leaders, and doing everything I can to identify and maps, published surveys, technical drawings, and eliminate whatever barriers are preventing our educational programs. projects from moving forward smoothly. The UASC shares the results of its work with the community through publications, museum exhibits, However I also plan for us to all have a lot of fun and presentations to interested public and private along the way, as well as keeping an eye on our groups. educational objectives, both in terms of educating Through its work, the Society hopes to add to the our members and educating the public. I’m looking body of archaeological data available to historian forward to a series of training picnics this summer, and maritime enthusiasts of future generations. It also seeks to enhance the enjoyment and value of organized by our new Training Coordinator and local sport diving. Social Chair, as well as tie-ups, camping trips, educational workshops, NAS graduates, and many Key Contacts fine public presentations and outreach activities. Officers ...... [email protected] President ...... John Bell, [email protected] There are other projects in the works, so keep an Vice President ...... Bob Rushman, [email protected] eye out, and stay safe. John Bell, UASC President. Secretary ...... John Gerty, [email protected] Treasurer ...... Bob Gadbois, [email protected] Archivist / Historian ...... Jim Jarecki, [email protected] ICSSD Liaison ...... Claire Gadbois, [email protected] Membership ...... Scott Reimer, [email protected] Newsletter ...... Delphine Pontvieux, [email protected] Outreach Coordinator..... Gene Hasiak, [email protected] Project Leaders .... John Bell, Don Doherty, Michael Gagliardi, Jim Jarecki, Tony Kiefer, Greg Lane, John & Ruth Loftus Refreshments ...... Dan Kasberger, [email protected] Safety Officer ...... Chet Childs, [email protected] Social Chair...... Todd Hitzeman, [email protected] Speaker Coordinator ...... Jim Jarecki, [email protected] Survey Coordinator ...... John Gerty, [email protected] Trustees ...... Dave Truitt, Valerie Van Heest, Kurt Anderson Webmaster ...... Jack Bolous, [email protected]

The UASC Wreck Checker is published quarterly by the Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago. ©2012 UASC. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in the Wreck Checker are not necessarily those of UASC. Don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook ! Winter 2012 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Page 3 Calendar of Events January 25 - Meeting - Speaker: Ralph Frese, Early Chicago Maritime History February 16 - ICSSD Club Appreciation Night, Mr. Beef & Pizza in Mount Prospect February 17-19 – Our World Underwater - www.ourworldunderwater.com February 20 – Joan Forsberg speaks at Chicago Scuba Meetup, Caliente Bar & Grill, 7:00 P.M. February 25 – Chicago Maritime Festival - www.chicagomaritimefestival.org February 25 – Shipwreck Festival, Ann Arbor, MI February 25 – Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Travel Show, Brooklyn Center, MN February 29 - Meeting - Annual Project Plans & Recruitment Presentations March 10 – "The Research & Discovery of Great Lakes Shipwrecks" Workshop, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 P.M. March 10-11 – Boston Sea Rovers Clinic – Danvers, MA March 23-25 – Beneath The Sea, Secaucus, NJ March 25 - ICSSD Underwater Competition, Pavilion Pool Complex, Elk Grove Village, noon to 5 March 31 – Shipwrecks!, Welland, Ontario March 28 - Meeting - Speaker: Jeanne Gang, Architect for Northerly Island and Aqua Tower April 10 – Joan Forsberg to be the keynote speaker for the Chicago Maritime Museum's Annual Dinner. April 13-14 - Ghost Ships Festival - www.ghost-ships.org April 12 – Public Lecture “Titanic Explorer” by Emory Kristof, Mundelein Auditorium April 14, 15, 19, 20 - GLHS/MAST Nautical Archaeology Workshop and Training, Toledo/Gibsonburg, OH April 21 – Histories and Mysteries Beneath The Inland Seas, Holland MI, MSRA April 25 - Meeting - Speaker: Tom Lutz, Author “Shaping Chicago” May 30, June 27, July 25 - Meetings July 29 - Jim Haigh Memorial Dive, Haigh Quarry August 29 – Meeting September 26 Meeting - Speaker: Peter Hirthe, President of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society October 13, 20, or 27 - ICSSD President's Night Banquet and Raffle October 24 - Meeting ( 31st is Halloween ) November 17 – Shipwrecks and Scuba, Huron, OH November 23 - 100th Anniversary of Rouse Simmons sinking November 2-3 – Gales of November, Duluth, MN November 14-17 – DEMA Show, Las Vegas, NV November 28 - Meeting - Elections, and Project Status Review Meeting November 30 Christmas Tree Ship Arrives ( December 1st Main Event ) - www.christmasship.org December – UASC / LOUP Holiday Party

Page 4 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Winter 2012

UASC’s 2011 Guest Speakers January - Rich Gross, historian with the Great Lakes Exploration Group (GLEG), presented “In Search of the Long Lost (and Found?) Le Griffon, a vessel built by the French explorer La Salle.” Lost in 1679, it is believed to be the oldest shipwreck in the Great Lakes. Rich provided a detailed survey of the history of the ship and of the French explorer who directed its construction. He also demonstrated why he believes they have really found Le Griffon. February - Joan Forsberg presented "Booze, Bullets, and the Buccaneer," straight from its World Premiere showing at the Our World Underwater Friday Night Film Festival. Afterwards, John Gerty showed a very interesting NAS II presentation on the 12th Street Beach Wreck, which he worked on in conjunction with Cris Kohl and Joan Forsberg. March - Jack Hadfield, retired licensed stationary engineer and Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, also a board member of The Fire Museum of Greater Chicago and of The Marine Navigation and Training Association, has spent many hours researching and tracing the life and service of several fireboats in Chicago, beginning in the late 1800s. From his research and passion for these proud vessels came the very complete presentation "History of Chicago Fire Boats." April -- Brendon Baillod, President of the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association, trustee of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and director-at-large of the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History, is one of the western Great Lakes most respected authorities on maritime history and shipwrecks. In his presentation "How to Research & Search for Lost Shipwrecks,” Baillod talked about his successful 10-step plan and the methodology he has used to research and find lost ships such as search-grid techniques. He also discussed how to use available resources to find relevant information about a particular wreck. May -- Jack Scott, a veteran professional illustrator who has assisted on numerous archaeological finds in the US and abroad, shared his techniques and secrets for drawing shipwrecks and their artifacts. In his presentation "Shipwreck & Artifact Drawing Techniques," Jack demonstrated how anyone can become a better artist with surprising results thanks to tried-and-true techniques. June -- Dan Howard, of DJ's Scuba Locker in Lyons, Ill, presented his four-part training program called "Haigh's Underwater Archaeology Site & Training Course.” The course aims to educate and certify recreational divers on the techniques of underwater survey work. To complement the classroom and pool training, Dan also built an open water training site at Haigh Quarry in Kankakee and has developed a number of innovative underwater surveying tools for underwater practice. July -- Dave Hall, a scuba diver since 1980, explained how his passion for underwater videography as a hobby quickly turned into a successful career. For UASC members, he presented some excellent videos of the Material Service Barge, Tacoma and Car Ferry #2, which are all subjects of past and current UASC survey work, amongst other breathtaking high-definition footage. August -- Valerie Van Heest, Founder of UASC, spoke of the famous shipwreck the Thomas Hume, from the moment it was built to the day it sank and what is left of the wreck today. September -- John Gerty, a UASC member, made a presentation about various locations in Alaska, parts of Russia and the Bering Sea. October -- The focus of this month's meeting was to let all UASC Project Leaders present their underwater archaeology field reports for their respective projects. November -- Joan Forsberg presented "Shipwreck Tales of Chicago.” Our esteemed Past President, Winner of the 2011 UASC Award for dedicated service, world-famous author/editor and member of the Women Divers' Hall of Fame, regaled UASC members with tales of many shipwrecks around Chicago waters, including many old favorites and others which were unfamiliar to most.

Photos by Dan Kasberger Winter 2012 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Page 5 Northerly Island Survey ( Cont'd ) Joan Forsberg New WDHOF Trustee UASC Past President Joan Forsberg was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Women Divers Hall of Fame in November 2011. Since her induction into WDHOF in 2010, she has been actively involved in many of the organization's projects and committees. See www.wdhof.org for information about the fantastic work that this group is doing.

Bob Gadbois Middle Coast Award Winner On the day of the survey one team of boat divers Bob Gadbois collected soil samples and one conducted a visual needs no formal inspection of the island retaining wall, while a CPD introduction, for lifeboat helped keep boat traffic out of the area. In everyone knows he the meantime, three shore divers collected photo and is a long-standing video documentation of the underwater breakwall UASC member, in east of the twelfth street beach. addition to being the association’s Boats: Count Your Blessings ( Don Doherty most beloved captain ) and Diving Belle ( John Bell captain ). treasurer since Divers: Bob & Claire Gadbois, Robert Hughes, 2001. Clearly, we John Gerty, Bill Messner, and Scott Reimer. are not the only ones who love him and value his Surface Support: Bob Foster ( CPD ), Diane dedication: case in point, he was awarded the Middle Gulczynski, Gene Hasiak, Chuck & Margo Coast Award during a ceremony held during the Miller, Chicago Park District Lifeguards. Previous Friday Night Film Festival at Our World Underwater work: Chet Childs & Sam Frank, underwater in February of 2011. In other news, Bob retired in photography, and John Bell, John Gerty, and Dean July after 41 years with CBS. Congratulations, Bob! Nolan, sidescan sonar.

Page 6 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Winter 2012 UASC Presentations ( cont'd ) Buccaneer Dive Slate Released The Chicago Maritime Festival will see The Buccaneer has been UASC’s dedicated project presentations by John Bell, Joan Forsberg, and for several years now. The ex-Coast Guard Gene Hasiak. In addition, Gene Hasiak and John rumrunner chaser ‘Dexter,’ as it once was called, & Ruth Loftus will conduct the Shipwreck became a bona-fide shipwreck on June 18, 2010, Detectives children’s activity, Bob Gadbois and after it was scuttled as a new dive site 8 miles off of Dan Kasberger will provide support, and Tom and Chicago in 70 feet of water. Within days of its Chris Kastle are in charge of the whole show. sinking, the “Buc” became a very popular destination for scuba divers of all levels. The official Joan Forsberg will be the featured speaker at the dive slate of the ship was officially released last February Chicago Scuba Meetup meeting, and the February by John Gerty at OWU. keynote speaker for the Annual Dinner of the Chicago Maritime Museum. The UASC Booth will be on display at OWU, CMF, and Ghost Ships, where UASC will have at least one presentation.

UASC Retains Olympic Title The UASC team, led Coming Up In Future Issues this year by the Underwater Detectives – This key UASC outreach fearless team captain activity has reached hundreds of kids at CMF shows Dan Kasberger, and in classrooms everywhere. We will look at how brought home the this program is expanding and where it goes next. gold for the second The Bucaneer – Do you know what condition the year in a row. The U/W Competition, organized by Buc is in after 2 years on the bottom? We’ll take a the Illinois Council of Skin and Scuba Divers look, along with an in-depth look at the history of (ICSSD), took place on March 13th in Elk Grove, Il. this ship during its time as the Dexter. The UASC team was composed of members Don Spotlight on Projects – Future issues will select one Doherty, Mike Brutlag and Dan Kasberger. or two projects to cover in-depth, including plenty of Rumor has it that other dive clubs in the competition historical background, working photos, sketches, and have amped up their training in preparation for the hopefully info on final reports and presentations. 2012 Olympics. GO UASC!

Winter 2012 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Page 7 A Summary of UASC Projects The heart of UASC is its projects, and there are currently a good number and variety of active ones. Some of these projects can use divers, some need help with research, and some offer opportunities for writers, artists, photographers, videographers, and more. Here is a brief description of each project, along with a contact for those wishing to get involved or just learn more about what great things we do at UASC: Car Ferry No. 2 – This wreck site Material Service Barge – This is is approximately 350 feet long by a very popular wreck site on the 80 feet wide and mostly flat. south end of the lake, and one of Survey work has been ongoing for the first self-unloaders, designed to 5 years, and there are still plenty travel under Chicago’s low bridges of opportunities to explore here. without opening them. There are Leaders: John & Ruth Loftus. several interesting swim-thrus. Leader: Jim Jarecki. Car Ferry No. 2 Reference Grid – A series of markers are being Sidescan Sonar Survey – This placed on the wreck, and distances project involves scanning as many between them carefully measured. shipwrecks in the southern Lake The resulting reference grid will Michigan area as possible using serve as the basis for future low-cost consumer-affordable surveys and an educational sidescan sonar units. To date 140 environment. Leader: John Bell. recordings have been made, yielding good images of over a dozen shipwrecks plus some Flora Hill – The Flora Hill was a structural features along the lake 130-foot long steel freighter that bottom. Leader: John Bell. sank in 40 feet of water in 1921. Silver Spray – The Silver Spray is Current work on this project th centers around the composition of a near-shore wreck around 49 hundreds of still frames from street. This wreck site is video into a single large image. accessible as a shore dive, or even Leader: Michael Angelo Gagliardi. a snorkel or an ordinary swim. You can see it sticking up out of the water as you drive by on LSD. Leader: Greg Lane. Val’s Wreck – Discovered by A&T Recovery and named after UASC founder Valerie van Heest, this mystery wreck lies scattered across an unusual area of 's bottom. The lure of its remains could lead to a bigger story. Leader: Don Doherty. Zion Schooners – This new survey project at the site of the wrongly named Zion Schooners has discovered a small steam barge carrying wood cargo. Research and survey work on this mystery ship is ongoing. Leader: Tony Kiefer. Page 8 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago “Wreck Checker” Winter 2012 Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago New Member Application Form UASC annual dues cover the calendar year from January 1 to December 31. Please complete the information below, and submit this form along with the appropriate dues amount to the Underwater Archeological Society of Chicago, P.O. Box 11752, Chicago, IL 60611. Your timely response helps your society grow and prosper. Name(s): Address: Phones: (H) (W) (C) E-mail:

Interests – Check all that apply: □Learning U/W Archaeological Techniques, □Researching Maritime History, □Wreck Diving, □Shipwreck Drawing, □Shipwreck Surveying, □Boating, □U/W Still Photography, □U/W Videography, □Exhibits, □Membership Recruiting, □Public Relations, □Shows I prefer to receive my newsletter: via e-mail ( preferred ) via U.S. Postal Service Membership Type: Individual ( $35 ) Family ( $50 ) Dues Payment: Included Already paid - Information update only. Note: Family memberships may use either a single form or multiple forms with a single payment.

Underwater Archaeological Society of Chicago P.O. Box 11752 Chicago, IL 60611

FIRST CLASS MAIL