They call her Mackinaw

"The Mackinaw" is an old Ice breaker with a past as large as the ship herself. Built as a ship that could carry supplies during the harsh winter months of World War II she later became a coastguard ship that served the Great Lakes. I stopped by the ship one day and had the occasion to speak to the man who served as captain for many years. He shared how much he treasured those years aboard the ship and his time roving the icy waters of the Great Lakes. I asked him the name of the ship. "They call her Mackinaw" he said. I will never forget the look on his face. It was so clear that he had found his purpose on this boat that now serves as a museum. I came back a few days later and set up on a nearby dock and painted just one small section of this storied vessel.