Story Ideas

Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island, Ohio

Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial 2013: A pivotal battle that forged the course of the young American nation, fought on September 10, 1813 near the Lake Erie Island of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, where Commodore Oliver H. Perry led the American naval fleet to victory against British ships. In 2013, we will commemorate the Bicentennial of the battle with dozens of public events, including tall ships, military and battle ship reenactments, Perry's Memorial events, live entertainment, and more. Miller Boat Line is the proud sponsor of the Niagara Tall Ship on it's visit to Put-in-Bay during the Bicentennial Celebration.
Birding: The Lake Erie Islands are centered along a major North American migratory path, making for excellent spring and fall birding. More than 492 bird species have been identified on South Bass Island, including a pair of bald eagles nesting on Middle Bass Island. For information on events and tours contact Lake Erie Islands Black Swamp Conservancy, Put-in-Bay.
Freshwater Studies: In the harbor of Put-in-Bay stands sentry the six acre Gibraltar Island, home of Stone Lab. Operated by Ohio State University, this lab is the nation's oldest freshwater biological field station and each year welcomes hundreds of students and educators for credited biology courses. During summer, the public is invited to tour.
Battle of Lake Erie and the War of 1812: "We have met the enemy and they are ours..." So wrote Commander Oliver H. Perry after his decisive naval victory over Great Britain during the War of 1812. The battle was fought near West Sister Island, about twelve miles northwest of Put-in-Bay, and helped secure the Northwest Territory for the United States. 2013 marks the Bicentennial, with dozens of events scheduled around the shores of Lake Erie including events at the Battle epicenter - Put-in-Bay.
What's in a Name: The name "Put-in-Bay" is probably derived from our secure harbor, a place where a ship can "put into the bay" for refuge from temperamental Lake Erie storms. Also, a 1700's map created by the British, names the harbor "Pudding Bay" perhaps because it is shaped like a pudding bag, commonly used in the ship's galley (kitchen).
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial: The world's most massive Doric column and the country's fourth tallest National Monument, stands 352 feet high. Operated by the National Park Service, you can take an elevator to the top for a 360 degree view - on a clear day you can see about 55 miles with views of the islands, Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo and Ontario, Canada. The Monument celebrates 100 years since its construction including a ceremony on July 4, 2013 when the Masons recreate the laying of the cornerstone.
More Ideas: Explore ruins of the historic Hotel Victory in the South Bass Island State Park, Put-in-Bay School (currently with 88 students), Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum, Ohio's oldest family owned winery: Heineman's, Saint Paul's Episcopal Church history tours, Put-in-Bay Yacht Club home of the annual Inter-Lake Yachting Association sailing races, classes for kids including: art, bible camp, eco camps, Wild Tuesdays, swimming sailing and more. There are over 1,700 shipwrecks in Lake Erie with over 60 being around Ohio's Lake Erie Islands.
Anniversaries: This year, 2013, marks some big anniversary celebrations at Put-in-Bay. The Battle of Lake Erie commemorates 200 years, Perry's Victory & International Peace Memorial celebrates it's 100 year anniversary and Heineman's Winery turns 125 years old.
Put-in-Bay Events
The Restless: Take a Sunset or Harbor Cruise on Put-in-Bay's vintage tugboat. The all wood 38-foot historic vessel was built in 1938. Visit Put-in-Bay Cruises for details.
Personalized Media Visits: We'll be glad to arrange your customized media visit of Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island and Gibraltar Island. Contact Julene Market (Owner/Marketing) at lakeeffects@aol.com, Ryan Whaley (Public Relations) at ryan@greendoormediaworks.com, or Katrina Reed (Communications) at katrina@millerferry.com. We can arrange transport, contacts and suggest venues. Ideas include History, Breweries and Wine, Recreation and Outdoors, Caves, Family Fun, Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial, Perry's Monument, Entertainers, Church Tours, Food, Nature and Eco Tours, Arts and Music, Kayaking, Put-in-Bay School, Winter Island Life and more.

Miller Boat Line and Islands - Quick Facts

Of Ohio's 262 miles of Lake Erie Shoreline, 43.2 miles are island shoreline. (Source; "Resources of the Lake Eire island Region. Cooper / Herdendorf).
Miller Boat Line is the only scheduled means of transporting freight, cars and commercial vehicles to the islands of Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass. It is the only scheduled service to Middle Bass Island.
Since its beginning, Miller Boat Line has been family owned. Started in 1905 as a fishing charter, water taxi and ice harvesting business, the company has grown to become the largest ferry service on Lake Erie.
William (Bill) and MaryAnn Market bought the boat line from Mary Miller in 1978. As a tribute to the founders and the company's long standing reputation in the ferry service, the name "Miller" remains today.
Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island, Ohio are located halfway between Cleveland and Toledo in the western basin of Lake Erie.
Miller Boat Line employs 95 people during peak season. Several employees have been working for the company for more than twenty years.
In 2010 the Miller Boat Line began using a more environmentally friendly biofuel in its passenger vessel, the William Market. They are one of the only passenger ferry services in the nation using this type of alternative fuel.
Put-in-Bay is three and a half miles long, about a mile and a half wide.
Year round Put-in-Bay population is about 450 and Middle Bass is 45.
Approximately 750,000 people visit the islands of Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island, Ohio each year.
Put-in-Bay School on Catawba Avenue, which ranked number ten in Ohio for Standardized Tests in 2012, is home to 88 students (2012-2013) with fourteen full time and two part time teachers. Four students from Middle Bass Island commute via motorboat or plane daily to Put-in-Bay for classes. The Senior class consists of seven students that will be graduating in 2013.

For all press inquiries, please contact

Julene Market
Miller Boat Line
PO Box 239
Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456
email: lakeeffects@aol.com
Telephone: 419-285-2421 ext.23
Fax: 419-285-2032

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