The Ironton Ferryman: The Story of Sam Alexander and the Ironton Ferry of Charlevoix, Michigan

Travel 15,000 miles without ever stepping more than 1,000 feet from your front door. It sounds like an impossible riddle, but in 1936, Ripley’s Believe It or Not proved it to the world when they discovered Captain Sam Alexander, the legendary helmsman of the Ironton Ferry.In The Ironton Ferryman, Captain Bob Goodenough balances deep historical research with a heartfelt family archive to paint a vivid portrait of Sam Alexander—the man who commanded the narrows of Charlevoix, Michigan, from 1890 to 1941. From his early childhood working near the iron furnaces of the Ohio River to navigating the cold, exposed scows across the Michigan currents, Sam’s life was inextricably tied to the evolution of American transit.This rich historical tapestry does more than map the path of a singular ferryboat; it chronicles the vibrant heartbeat of a changing nation. Through a meticulously crafted timeline of local and national events, you will sit on the deck beside Captain Sam as he talks strategy, weather, and daily news with iconic figures of history—from the elite families of the Loeb experimental farms to a traveling Ernest Hemingway on his wedding day.Inside this beautifully illustrated historical biography, you will discover:The raw origins of the Ironton narrows, evolving from Odawa Indian canoes to hand-cranked wooden scows and modern diesel-electric engines.The incredible, life-saving moment Captain Sam used a pike pole to rescue passengers from a car that plunged over the ferry chain into Pine Lake.A treasure trove of archival imagery and vintage documents preserved in collaboration with the Charlevoix Historical Society.An exclusive appended memoir, Childhood Memories at the Blue Belle, offering a nostalgic look at the golden summers of old Charlevoix-the-Beautiful.Whether you are a maritime history buff, a lover of Michigan lore, or looking for an inspiring slice of classic Americana, The Ironton Ferryman is a captivating journey across the waters of time. Step aboard, drop the ramps, and experience the timeless legacy of a northern paradise today. Read more