We had a number of questions last week about the Ranger III, and if we had any shots of Ranger I and Ranger II. Bob Wetton sent us these for our regular Sunday Shoebox Memories feature.

It's a little hard to read the boat names. I'm curious which is which?

Charlie; They were from left to right the NPS Ranger and NPS Beaver.

Great pix !! How old are these Rangers and where are they now ?

Most interesting picture! What year was this photo taken? Where was the dock located? What powered these boats (gas, diesel)? How many passengers did they carry? How many knots could they push? I love old pictures!

Gee some interesting questions. I,m not positive but I believe the photo was at Mott Island on Isle Royale, and probably in the late 30s. I think I recall that they were put up for bids also in the late 30s or early 40s. Where they ended up I don't have a clue. And I would think they were gasoline powered.

Very interesting shoebox shot!
Considering their small size and the fact there were no satellite weathercams to draw on, one has to admire the courage of those who went over to Isle Royale on the Ranger and the Beaver back in the 1930's.
I crossed over once in the current much-larger Ranger during a fierce gale and it was a rollercoaster ride to say the least.

Hey dere, RCW. I sure liked the old pics, Kiitos oikean paljon. That is, "Thank You very much!" in Finn, y'know. What memories!

Still need a photo of the Ranger II circa '40's, '50's. Lot bigger than the Ranger I. Anyone?

Hi! I remember my dad talking about Rangers I and II but I don't remember the name Beaver comming up. My dad, mom and grandpa worked at Isle Royal back in the 30's and 40's and would take the boats to the island. I don't know which one of the Rangers it would have been.
Bob Wetton has sent in a few pics. Is he from Dallar Bay? And is Bob any relation to Chet Wetton, would be quite old now if he is still living. I think Chet was an electrician at what was St. Joseph Hospital in Hancock back in the mid 1960's. I worked at that hospital back then and worked with Chet once in awhile.

Hey all, here is more info on the Ranger III and also a little blurb on the Ranger II. http://www.oakland.edu/boatnerd/pictures/rburdick/fleet/rangerIII.htm

Keep up the great work!!

Is this the Bobby Wetton who has a wife named Shirley? Well if it is just wanted to say Hi from Memphis tn. I am Jackie Jackmans daughter Judy and I remember your visits to our house . do you keep in touch with my mother Evelyn?

As a young girl, I spent alot of time on Isle Royale and enjoyed hiking on the island. My dad, now deceased, retired from the NPS in 1980, and had worked in the engine room of both Ranger II and Ranger III. I recall how proud he was of the engine room and each winter he would have to tear the engines down for overhauling. The floor was so clean, you could eat off of it-dad's very words. Dad had the best of two worlds, being able to fish every other night and being home with the family when he wasn't on the island. Of course, the schedule was different back then. Capt. Greenleaf was in charge when dad started on Ranger II and he stayed with our family during deer season and was a remarkable man and had years on the water. Many fond memories and how lucky I am to have shared this time with dad and the island.

I was just researching a little more on the history of the rangers and came across this site. My great-grandparents are Irene and Russell Greenleaf. Unfortunately my great-grandmother passed away yesterday at 95 and it sort of sparked this search. Since my great-grandpa was captain so long (I believe 40 years) I have some good pictures if anyone needs them and would also love to hear any stories anyone might have.