Launching the Badger, Sept. 6, 1952

The SS Badger was launched on September 6, 1952 at the docks of Christy Corporation in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. In the background is her sister ship, the SS Spartan, which had been launched on Jan. 4, 1952 with little fanfare. Since the two ships were identical, executives at the C&O Railroad wanted to hold a launching ceremony together. The Spartan began its service out of Ludington, Michigan in October, 1952 while the Badger began its service March 21, 1953.