When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
1909 Original RPPC — S.S. Hazel A. Steamboat, Reeds Lake, Michigan — World's Fair Electric Launches
An exceptional early real photo postcard documenting the historic S.S. Hazel A., a passenger excursion steamer operating on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The photograph captures a bustling waterfront landing with passengers boarding the steamer, smaller excursion launches, dockside ticket facilities, and visitors dressed in early 20th-century fashions.
Historical Highlights
Identified Vessel: S.S. Hazel A., built in 1893 by Grand Rapids businessman David Moses Amberg and named for his daughter, Hazel.
Shipwreck History: The vessel sank in 1901, returned to service in 1905, and was ultimately lost again in the 1920s. Its submerged hull was documented during a 2015 Grand Valley State University shipwreck survey.
World's Fair Advertising: Prominent signage reads "WORLD'S FAIR ELECTRIC LAUNCHES," with additional advertising offering 10¢ excursion rides. An important connection to the early electric passenger-launch industry associated with the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition.
Historic Transportation: The image documents steamboat tourism, electric-launch advertising, and resort-era passenger transportation in western Michigan.
Personal Provenance: The sender, Grace, writes directly on the photograph that she is somewhere aboard the pictured boat and jokes that a powerful magnifying glass would be needed to find her.
Postal History: Postmarked Holland, Michigan, October 1909, with an original green 1¢ Benjamin Franklin postage stamp.
Recipient: Mrs. Frank Van Gorder, Cleveland Avenue, Elmira, New York.
Condition: Very Good (VG). Original photographic postcard with attractive period detail, light age toning, minor surface marks and corner wear. Handwritten correspondence appears along the front margin. Please review photographs for exact condition.
Size: Approximately 3.5 × 5.5 inches; not independently measured.
Format: Original Real Photo Postcard (RPPC), divided back.
Catalog Number: 0NY00124
A distinctive crossover collectible for enthusiasts of Great Lakes maritime history, historic shipwrecks, Michigan amusement parks, early electric transportation, World's Fair memorabilia, and original photographic postcards.
