The GLSPS sponsored their Annual 2013 S.S. Meteor Preservation Project and it was very successful.
Once again we completed another preservation and stabilization project. We completed thirty two tasks this year.
At first we thought the weather was going to be a factor in what we could accomplish during the weekend project. As the weekend became closer, the weather had a sudden turn as if someone was listening to our concerns that we may possibly postpone or cancel the project this year. Two weeks prior on a scouting trip to the Meteor, we witnessed a huge 5 foot tall drift in front on the ships main entrance. As amazing as it might sound, the weather cooperated with us and it turned out to be one of the warmest project weekends in the nine years the GLSPS has been in charge of this project. This year was the only year I ever remembered that there was still ice in the harbor and being the warmest project weekend at the same time.
Because the weather was cooperating and it was warm enough for paint to dry fairly fast, we focused mostly on the outside tasks. Much painting needed to be performed and other tasks such as tightening the three ships mast support cables. The broken band around the smoke stack was repaired. Doors leading to the outside that had worn hinges were repositioned so that they could be sealed again.
The forward deck rails were bent in many areas. The team of Joe and Mike Musial straightened all of the railings again to make it look wonderful. A coat of primer and white paint was also applied by Gunner David and Renee Flacksbarth.
Many areas of the ship were allowing water to seep into the ship. We searched out three major areas that were leaking. Re-sealed them, painted primer then later a final coat of painted was applied to the areas such as the bow bits and the forward turret.
If you would like to read and learn more about this dynamic preservation project, please click on the "2013 Project Reports" and click on S.S. Meteor Project. You can also view many photos taken of this year's project and past projects by clicking on the "Photo Page List". As we mentioned before, this project is the largest project the GLSPS ever been involved in. The GLSPS has been in charge of this annual project for the last nine year's. It is always the last weekend in April. Please mark your calendars early.
The nine year's of this project has showed a substantial difference in the cosmetics of the ship both outside and inside. Large gaping rust holes around the rear turret were cut out and new metal welded in place by Craig and Kari David. (Kari doing most of the grinding). The Meteor has had a new lease on life and looks many years younger. Please help us continue keeping her looking young.
If you would like to participate in this project, please don't hesitate to do so. You do not have to be a diver or a member of any organization. You just need to be a friend of the S.S. Meteor Museum Ship. Please bring your skills and talents.
Thank you to all 55 to 75 plus people that join us every year. We really appreciate your talents and Support.
A special thanks to Sara Blanck, Director of the Superior Public Museums for all the help and support she gives us to make this project such a success. We would also like to thank Grandma's Sport Garden for supplying lunch to all the volunteers.
I hope to see you on the next project.
Phil Kerber
GLSPS President
S.S. Meteor Preservation Project Chairman
pkerber@glsps.org