Storms and Sand – A Story of Shipwrecks and the Big Sable Point Coast Guard Station

Storms and Sand
208 Pages
ISBN 978-0-9854636-9-4

Storms & Sand: A Story of Shipwrecks and the Big Sable Point Coast Guard Station, by Stephen, Grace, and Joel Truman, gives an overview of the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service and tells in detail the story of Grande Pointe Au Sable Life-Saving Service Station, which later became known as the Big Sable Point Coast Guard Station. Storms and Sand describes courageous struggles in rescuing Lake Michigan shipwreck victims. The stories tell of many varied circumstances; such as sinking ships, boats stuck on sandbars, and vessels on fire, where the keeper and crew of the life-saving station were called upon for help.

Over several years, at the Chicago branch of the National Archives, the authors read every entry in the station’s logbooks from 1876 to 1937. They also obtained pertinent documents from the National Archives in Washington. In addition, they researched other aspects of the region’s local history, putting the life-saving station in a regional context, relating to the shipping and logging industries and life in the sparsely populated area.

There is very little written about the Life-Saving Service and Coast Guard history, which played such an important role in our maritime heritage. Storms and Sand helps to fill that void and would make a great read for anyone interested in Michigan history.

Stephen Truman

About Stephen Truman (Grand Rapids, Michigan Author)

Stephen Truman

Steve Truman grew up in a small town near Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a fourth generation Michiganian. He has a special interest in U.S. Life-Saving Service history and collects photographs of Great Lakes Life-Saving station buildings and personnel. Steve is an avid researcher who perseveres until he finds a credible answer to his question. He is a member of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association and a lifetime member of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for S.O.S. Vermilion, a nonprofit organization formed to preserve the 1876 Vermilion Point Life-Saving station building on Lake Superior.

Grace Truman

About Grace Truman (Co-Author)

Grace Truman

Grace Truman grew up in Michigan's upper peninsula and has loved lighthouses since childhood. She is a graduate of Michigan State University. Grace is a lifetime member of the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association and served on their Board of Directors for four years. She is also a member of the U.S. Life-Saving Service Heritage Association. Grace currently serves on the Board of Directors for S.O.S. Vermilion, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Vermilion Point Life-Saving station on Lake Superior.

Joel Truman

About Joel Truman (Co-Author)

Joel Truman

Joel Truman is a Michigan native and graduated from Grand Valley State University. In his free time, he enjoys various creative endeavors.