Books by Frederick Stonehouse

Books Available (In order of Publication) 

Went Missing Redux - I wrote the original back in 1993. This is a greatly expanded version focusing on those ships still missing that I find most fascinating.  the book takes a detailed look at nine of the "went missing" ships, including the BANNOCKBURN, HUDSON, MANISTEE, ALPENA, HENRY B. SMITH, W.H. GILCHER, LAMBTON, ADELLA SHORES, INKERMANN and CERISOLES and tries to piece together rational explations for their loss and offer suggestions for their final resting places. (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan 2008, 200 pages, soft cover, 16.95).

Haunted Lake Huron - This is a continuation in theme of the original Haunted Lakes books (Haunted Lakes I and II and Haunted Lake Michigan) but  focuses only on Lake Huron. Sometimes called the "forgotten" Great Lake, Huron can hold her own in tales of ghosts along the shore, haunted lighthouses and spectral ships. Included is a complete chapter on the ghosts of Mackinac Island and tales from Sarnia to Manitoulin and beyond. Additional books are in the works for Lakes Ontario and Erie. The series will provide a great opportunity to really look a the folklore and "things that go splash in the night"  unique to the different lakes.  (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 2007, 208 pages, soft cover, 14.95)

Great Lakes Crime II, More Murder, Mayhem, Booze and Broads - This is volume two of the original book published in 2004. It may not  have been the Spanish Main, but pirates did sail the Great Lakes as did all manner of thieves and bloodthirsty murders. The great Sweetwater Seas had their fair share of criminal activity. Captains sank their ships to obtain the insurance money and honest lightkeepers were "done in" for their meager savings. Throughout Prohibition the Great Lakes were the back door to America's  thirst for alcohol. Hundreds of boats hauled millions of gallons of illegal booze over the Lakes to wet the dry throats of honest citizens. Lakeshore dance halls, roadhouses and speakeasies, provided the perfect place for folks to toast "wine, women and song."  Bullets often flew as bootleggers and government agents fought it out on the Inland Seas. On shore and sometimes afloat, female companionship was always available, for a price.  Relive the tales of murder, rum running and shady ladies in this great book. ( Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2007, 218 pages, soft cover). 

They Had to Go Out - Edited by John Galluzzo (I am a contributer) - Between 1878 and 1915, the surfmen and keepers of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, forerunners of today's Coast Guard, rescued more than 186,000 people from certain death in the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific, along with the Gulf Coast, Great Lakes and Ohio River. They battled hurricanes and nor'easters, raging surf and howling winds, rowing in wooden boats to save people they'd never even met. They lived up to the motto that historically has been attached to them: They had to go out, they didn't have to come back. They Had to Go Out represents an unprecedented gathering of talented historians working in the field of Coast Guard history from the pages of Wreck and Rescue Journal. Included are the works of Dennis L. Noble, Frederick Stonehouse, Ralph Shanks, Maurice Gibbs and John Galluzzo. The stories within, while representative of the service as a whole, reaching from Massachusetts to Michigan to Washington, cover but a small part of the true-to-life stories of bravado and selflessness of the men of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, shedding light on perhaps the most exciting  aspects of America's maritime hisotry. (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2007, 200 pages, soft cover). I also wrote the forward to the book.

Haunted Lake Michigan - Within these pages are chilling tales of lost mariners and cursed ships, sea monsters, UFOs, ghostly echoes of Prohibition-era murders and a deliciously horrible host of other hauntings on, in and around Lake Michigan. This book blends traditional stories with previously unpublished accounts of spooky and strange occurrences. The second in the series started by Haunted Lake Superior and in the tradition of Haunted Lakes and Haunted Lakes II. Did you know there are three haunted World War II submarines on Lake Michigan? The book features many tales that really "twist" your imagination and open doors to a world we often ignore. (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 2006, 200 pages, soft cover, 14.95)

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, (new 30th anniversary edition)( Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 288 pages, hardcover $24.95, softbound $16.95).  The original edition was published in 1977 and has since gone through 20 printings and four editions. This edition is a major update, with new data and photographs included. The previous editions have been described of the "gold standard" of Fitzgerald books against which all others are compared. Perhaps this one should be more accurately described as the "platinum standard! For collectors, a limited number are being published in a special "Limited Edition Hardcover" instead of the normal trade paperback.

Steel on the Bottom, Selected Great Lakes Steel Shipwrecks  ( Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 224 pages, soft cover, $16.95). It has been a while since I did a "straight" shipwreck book so here it is. Included are the true stories of the HENRY STEINBRENNER, CARL D. BRADLEY, ARLINGTON, PERE MARQUETTE 18, CEDARVILLE, MONROVIA and PRINS WILLEM V among others.  Steel on the Bottom is under consideration as a 2006 Michigan Notable Book.  Steel on the Bottom has been selected for consideration as a 2007 Michigan Notable Book. Each year, the committee selects up to twenty of the most notable books published about Michigan or by a Michiganian, or set in/on the Great Lakes.

Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, edited by James R. Marshall - (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 2005, 120 pages, soft cover) "Beneath the waves of this inland sea called Lake Superior lie the ships that no longer sail. Within their pages are their stories, told by some of the finest, most respected maritime authors on the Great Lakes - Frederick Stonehouse, Dr. Julius Wolff, Jr., Kenneth J. Vrana, Thomas Holden, C. Patrick Labadie, Paul von Goertz - brought together by James R. Marshall, himself a lauded Great Lakes writer and owner of Lake Superior Magazine. Added to the stunning, uncommon underwater photography with maps and additional graphics, this book delves into the mysteries that lie beneath the fresh-water waves of the world's largest lake." About have of the material from the Shipwreck of the Mesquite, Death of a Coast Guard Cutter, is included in Shipwrecks of Lake Superior.

Women on the Lakes, Untold Great Lakes Maritime Tales II - (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2004) The original Women on the Lakes, published in 2001 focuses on stories of remarkable women who in some way, "worked" the Great Lakes. Included were stories of vessel captains, "deep sea" divers, lighthouse keepers and ship cooks among many others. Reception of the book was excellent and and this book is a continuation of the theme. 183 pages, soft cover.

Touring Marquette is a joint venture between the Marquette Maritime Museum, Peter White Public Library, Marquette County, Marquette Country Visitors and Convention Bureau and Avery Color Studios.  The text and photos were provided by the maritime museum and library. Pam Christensen, Director of the library and I split the actual writing of the booklet, although neither name appears anywhere in it. Touring Marquette is intended to be pocket guide to "stuff" in the city. It is not an historical guide as such, but certainly there is much history in it. Mostly the purpose is to inform residents and visitors alike about key places, objects and structures. For example, it covers the Lower Harbor ore dock, lighthouse, Coast Guard Station, county courthouse, various historic buildings, parks etc. It is only available at various locations stores in the city or drop me an email and I am sure we can work out a deal. 50 pages, soft cover, 5 by 6 inch format. $4.00.. 

Great Lakes Crime - Murder, Mayhem, Booze and Broads (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2004) It may not  have been the Spanish Main, but pirates did sail the Great Lakes as did all manner of thieves and murders. The great Sweetwater Seas had their fair share of criminal activity. Captains sank their ships to obtain the insurance money and honest lightkeeper were "done in" for their meager savings. Throughout prohibition the Great Lakes were the back door to America's  heartland. Hundreds of boats hauled millions of gallons of illegal booze over the Lakes to wet the dry throats of honest citizens. Bullets often flew as bootleggers and government agents fought it out on the Inland Seas. On shore and sometimes afloat, female companionship was always available, for a price.  Relieve the tales of murder, rum running and shady ladies in this great book. 214 pages, soft cover.

Wreck Ashore, the United States Life-Saving Service on the Great Lakes, (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 2003), From the mid-1780s until the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was responsible for the safety of the seas. Despite the personal danger or difficulty, the life-savers invariably accomplished the mission. The deeds of the life-savers became the stuff of legends as was their motto: "Regulations say we have to go out, they don't say anything about coming back.". From stormy shipwrecks to catastrophic disasters, the life-savers were always there, rescue on their minds. For the first time, this book details the Great Lakes exploits of this dedicated agency of the government, filling a void in the annals of  our history. Of all of my books, this is the one I am most proud of! 213 pages, 8 1/2 by 11 format, soft cover.

Cooking Lighthouse Style, Favorite Recipes From Coast to Coast, by Frederick Stonehouse. (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2003) This text features over 100 recipes contributed by lighthouses from throughout the United States. Included are recipes from the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts as well at Great Lakes. The book is set up in a unique fashion, a one page history of the lighthouse coupled with a recipe linked to it so there is something for everyone, lighthouse buff and gourmet! Recipes include: Death by Chocolate Cake for Execution Rocks Lighthouse, Key Lime Pie for Key West Lighthouse, Artillery Punch for Alcatraz Island Lighthouse, Door County Fish Boil for Pilot Island Lighthouse and many, many more. I never thought I would ever do a cookbook but this one was a tremendous amount of fun and shows how good maritime history can be combined with popular culture.

My Summer at the Lighthouse,  A Boy's Journal by Frederick Stonehouse and illustrated by Susan Myer. (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan 2003). My Summer tells the exciting story of a young boy's summer at a lighthouse. He learns everything needed to operate the lighthouse from his lighthouse keeper grandfather. An exciting shipwreck rescue caps off his summer adventures. The illustrations by Susan Meyer are truly captivating. 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch format, hard cover.  $17.95.

 Final Passage, True Shipwreck Adventures, by Frederick Stonehouse, narrated by Luke the Dane and illustrated by Susan Myer. This book brings to life true stories of actual Great Lakes shipwrecks, rescues and lighthouses through the eyes of Luke the Dane, captain of the GRIFFON, the first ship to disappear on the Great Lakes. I am especially excited because it is my first effort at producing a book for young readers. I especially enjoyed bringing Luke back to life to tell the stories. I feel he is one of  the forgotten men of Great Lakes history.  The illustrations by Susan Meyer depicting the various stories are wonderful and captivating. 8 1/2 by 11 inch format, hard cover. $17.95.

Haunted Lakes, Great Lakes Ghost Stories, Superstitions and Sea Serpents, (Lake Superior Port Cities, Duluth, Minnesota, 1997) They may be called "folklore," "intriguing stories," or simply "weird stuff," but Frederick Stonehouse's stories of the Haunted Lakes have a basis in fact, because those who told the tales actually believed them. These stories range from  ghosts on ships and in lighthouses to sea serpents and underwater spirits; from ships that "talk" to their captains to specters who dwell on the shore. This is a not-so-serious investigation of truly believed superstitions and stories that have become a part of the lore of the Great Lakes from the early 1700s until present. Collected and set aside during years of the author's historical research, they are a part of the maritime tradition of the Great Lakes. 198 pages, soft cover.        

Haunted Lakes II, More Great Lakes Ghost Stories, (Lake Superior Port Cities, Duluth, Minnesota, 2000) Spirits, sea serpents and superstitions. The inland seas of the Great Lakes hold just as many spellbinding ghostly tales as the salt-water seas. One book simply couldn't carry all of the hauntings of these massive lakes - so now comes Haunted Lakes II, sequel to the popular Haunted Lakes. Once again noted maritime author Frederick Stonehouse complies the mystifying tales of ghosts on boats, under water and in lighthouses, of underwater creatures and shipboard superstitions in and entertaining collection gathered from true believers. This is the perfect companion to the first Haunted Lakes and is destined to become a Great Lakes classic in its own right. 190 pages, soft cover.

 Women and the Lakes, Untold Great Lakes Maritime Tales, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2001) From deep sea diver to ship's captain, lighthouse keeper and rescuer, women fill virtually every job of the Great Lakes maritime trade - both past and present. This book relates many untold stories of these remarkable women and their impact on the Great Lakes and sailors lives. Storms, fogs, sickness, rescue - these valiant and sometimes heroic women did it all - many times better than their male counterparts who were alongside. In this book you will relive the history and stories of these truly remarkable women. The women featured should be an inspiration to all of use who treasure Great Lakes history. This was a Michigan Week 2001 selection. and a Michigan Notable Book for 2002. 187 pages, soft cover.

 Lighthouse Keepers and Coast Guard Cutters, Heroic Lighthouse Keepers and the Coast Guard Cutters Named After Them, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 2000) Within these pages are stories of fourteen famous and heroic lighthouse keepers ranging from coast to coast and the new United States Coast Guard Cutters named after them. Travel from Maine to California and hear the stories of the lightkeepers and what they did to inspire the Coast Guard to honor them. There are tales of storm and shipwreck, desolation and loneliness, blinding fog and booming cannon, lifeless bodies buried under rubble and wave, sturdy ships and blown out sails. The book covers the life and times of the keepers, how they did their jobs, their daily routine and the lamps and lenses that kept the light burning bright. And finally it is about the ships themselves, the company that designed and built them, how the Coast Guard will use them and the vessels they are replacing. Three cheers for the Coast Guard for joining two proud traditions and keeping the lights of courage and duty burning so bright! 266 pages, soft cover.

 Great Lakes Lighthouse Tales, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 1998) This book tells the story of the exciting human side of lightkeeping. It describes the deadly storms, killing fogs, and numbing loneliness those who "kept the lights" endured. Stories of wreck and rescue, death and sacrifice, all thread their way through the pages of this remarkable tribute to the "wickies" of a bygone era. The book speaks of the courage of the old time keepers and their families, not just in rescuing shipwreck victims but also in the tenacity of their daily lives. Lighthouse Tales will appeal greatly to anyone interested in the wonders of the Great Lakes, historians, sailors, lighthouse fanatics and people looking for a roaring good story. 191 pages, soft cover.

Dangerous Coast: Pictured Rocks  Shipwrecks, Frederick Stonehouse and Daniel R. Fountain, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 1997) Dangerous Coast tells the maritime history of one of the most shipwreck-strewn areas in the Great Lakes: Superior's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Schooners, steamers and other historic craft all met their end in the lake's frigid waters. Some are still undiscovered, waiting for the diligent searcher to find their secret. Tales of wreck and rescue, terrible disaster, murder, treachery and selfless sacrifice, all echo along the lonely shores. Anyone interested in tales of the Inland Seas; sailors, hikers, divers or just plain adventures, will find this book a wonderful read. Profusely illustrated with rare photographs and underwater sketches, it is the perfect guide to the maritime history of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Includes GPS/LORAN numbers as appropriate and many descriptions of wreck conditions from diving reports. 243 pages, soft cover.

 Lake Superior's Shipwreck Coast, Maritime Accidents from Whitefish Bay to Grand Marais, Michigan, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 1985), This book is a fascinating look at the many shipwreck, life-savers and lighthouses along the shoreline known as the "Graveyard of Lake Superior." It includes material relating to the early U.S. Life-Saving Stations as well as the many shipwrecks they assisted in. Excellently illustrated with many rare photographs. A short chapter on the Edmund Fitzgerald is part of the book. 275 pages, soft cover..

Went Missing, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 1993), This book recounts the details of the Great Lakes vessels which have been lost with all hands for unknown reasons. Lacking the sophisticated navigational and communications equipment of today, the late 1880s and early 1900s saw upwards of three thousand ships hauling freight and passengers throughout the Great Lakes. During this early maritime history, many ships departed port but failed to arrive at their destination. Went Missing looks at the disappearance of over thirty such ships and tries to pierce together the sketchy information surrounding the losses. Come aboard with Great Lakes historian Frederick Stonehouse as he explores the unanswered questions of where, why and what could have happened, speculating as to the fate of the ships and crews that Went Missing. 222 pages, soft cover.

Out of Print - Many are available through various used book outlets (click title for Amazon.com)

The Wreck of the EDMUND FITZGERALD, (Avery Color Studios, Gwinn, Michigan, 1999 - Fifth Edition) "This is without a doubt the definitive work on the topic. Far more evidence, fact, history and research than can be possibly imagined has been complied into one book. Frederick Stonehouse has put forth every plausible theory and its trail of evidence in such a manner that the reader is free to draw his own conclusions. In my opinion, there is no author better qualified . . . than Frederick Stonehouse." Bruce Jenvey, Great Lakes Cruiser, November, 1995. 247 pages, soft cover.

Wreck Ashore, the United States Life-Saving Service on the Great Lakes, (ORIGINAL EDITION OF BOOK, SEE LIST FOR CURRENT EDITION) (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 1994), From the mid-1780s until the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, the U.S. Life-Saving Service was responsible for the safety of the seas. Despite the personal danger or difficulty, the life-savers invariably accomplished the mission. The deeds of the life-savers became the stuff of legends. From stormy shipwrecks to catastrophic disasters, the life-savers were always there, rescue on their minds. For the first time, this book details the Great Lakes exploits of this dedicated agency of the government, filling a void in the annals of history. Of all of my books, this is the one I am most proud of! A new edition was released by the publisher in June 2003. 213 pages, 8 1/2 by 11 format, soft cover.

Encyclopedia of American Literature of the Sea and Great Lakes, Jill B. Gidmark, editor (Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut, 2001).

Shipwrecks of Lake Superior, edited by James R. Marshall - (Lake Superior Port Cites, Duluth, Minnesota, 2005, 120 pages, soft cover).