Photo courtesy the Delta County Historical Society Thanks to a dedicated reader, the Daily Press has obtained more information about the “Remember When?” photo published on Oct. 15., shown at right. In the photo, dated Jan. 31, 1953, three men enjoy riding in the “Walrus,” a propeller-powered boat on the ice of the bay. The Walrus was originally built for ice rescues, as planes were frequently flown to locate fishermen caught on ice floes that broke away from shore. The craft was 14 feet long, had a 6-foot beam, an 18-inch free board, a 65 horse-power air-cooled engine, seated three, and had ample room for storage. It was built by Pioneer Aviation, located at 18th Ave. South in Escanaba, by Fred H. Sensiba, field manager at the local airport, and Allen Burkardt, airport mechanic. In addition to Sensiba and Burkardt, Pioneer Aviation was also operated by Walter Arntzen and John Thorin. Burkardt is pictured at far left, and it is believed Sensiba is sitting in the center. The third passenger has not been identified.

Photo courtesy the Delta County Historical Society

Thanks to a dedicated reader, the Daily Press has obtained more information about the “Remember When?” photo published on Oct. 15., shown at right. In the photo, dated Jan. 31, 1953, three men enjoy riding in the “Walrus,” a propeller-powered boat on the ice of the bay. The Walrus was originally built for ice rescues, as planes were frequently flown to locate fishermen caught on ice floes that broke away from shore. The craft was 14 feet long, had a 6-foot beam, an 18-inch free board, a 65 horse-power air-cooled engine, seated three, and had ample room for storage. It was built by Pioneer Aviation, located at 18th Ave. South in Escanaba, by Fred H. Sensiba, field manager at the local airport, and Allen Burkardt, airport mechanic. In addition to Sensiba and Burkardt, Pioneer Aviation was also operated by Walter Arntzen and John Thorin. Burkardt is pictured at far left, and it is believed Sensiba is sitting in the center. The third passenger has not been identified.