The Benzie County patriot July 28, 1976
An introduction to new management
In a sort of ceremony Saturday evening ConRail now managing the Ann Arbor Railroad and Carferries, introduced itself and its purpose to the news media and representatives of various local governments and the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce while aboard the ferry Viking.
Bert Strohl, a representative of ConRail, introduced by master of the ceremonies Don Wickham, pointed out that the goal of ConRail is to get the Ann Arbor system into a situation where it can again be a self supporting business. (At the present it is being partially supported by state subsidies.)
Strohl explained that ConRail hoped to accomplish this with good management.
A luncheon was served to all visitors in the galley of the Viking, the only one of the remaining two Ann Arbor carferries left in operation.
After the luncheon Port Captain Bill Bacon conducted a tour of the Viking which allowed those attending to become better acquainted with the ship and its design for cargo carrier, passenger service, seaworthiness and ice breaking.
The Viking makes twice daily, unscheduled sailings between Frankfort and Kewaunee, Wisc. and in doing so connects two of the most scenic resort areas in the Midwest, Michigan's lovely Leelanau Penisula which features the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and beautiful Crystal Lakes, and Wisconsin's famous Door Peninsula.
For Auto Travelers between the two states it offers a convenient and relaxing mode of alternative transportation with deck chairs available on the warm sunny days and a protected, heated passenger area for those not so warm and sunny days. Meals are offered at a reasonable price.
The Viking is unscheduled but usually leaves Frankfort close to mid-morning, leaves Kewaunee at mid-afternoon and returns to Kewaunee again early in the evening.
The Viking was commissioned in 1925 and rebuilt in 1965. It is a diesel powered craft and the only US carferry equipped with a bowthruster and stablizing tanks.
She has a capacity of 312 passengers, 15-30 automobiles, six semi-trailers and 26 rail cars. Under full speed she can manage 18 knots.
The ship is 360 feet long and 56 feet at the beam, her widest point, and weights 2,713 tons. She carries a crew of 35.
