The story of one of the Great Lakes most famous and mysterious shipwrecks that answers the questions:
Why did explorer LaSalle build this ship? Was it for the fur trade or for exploration? Or was there another purpose for her and did this have anything to do with her disappearance?
On August 12, 1679 the ship, Le Griffon, sailed north out of the Detroit River. On board was Catholic priest, Fr. Louis Hennepin, who named the lake they were entering after the saint whose feast day fell on that date – St. Claire.
Presenter: Robert McGreevy, a former Grosse Pointer and noted marine artist and historian, who was employed as a designer at Chrysler (best known for sculpting the iconic Ramcharger hood ornament), has also created drawings and paintings of Great Lakes ships for more than 40 years. Mr. McGreevy’s 2011 book, Lost Legends Of The Lakes (Thunder Bay Press), includes the story of the Griffin, along with his drawing and painting of the ship.
The lecture will be available on the Grosse Pointe Historical Society’s YouTube channel in the weeks following.
What: Bicknell Lecture: Vanished with a Trace: What Really Happened to the Ship ‘Le Griffon’ ?
When: Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Where: Cook Schoolhouse (20025 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI)
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
More info
https://sites.google.com/uls.net/bicknell-lectures/home
Le Griffon disappeared in 1679: the Great Lakes greatest shipwreck mystery!
