The S.S. Ste Claire represents great memories for thousands of people and is loved ubiquitously. Before cell phones, the internet, and Facebook; there was a time when people could take a 90-minute excursion ride on a steamer to an amusement park called Boblo Island.  

The most significant memory for most people, however, was not the island itself, but rather the boats that ferried passengers to the islands. There were two boats named the Ste. Claire and Columbia. Sadly, the boats were laid up and forgotten in 1991. Over the years, the ravages of many winters had left both ships in a state of serious disrepair. The Maximus Corporation is a Michigan based corporation restoring the historical steamer S.S. Ste. Claire for operations on the Detroit River. The preservation of this vital part of Michigan’s history is the primary objective.