Big Lucas Loading a Package Boiler, 1975

Big Lucas Loading a Package Boiler, 1975

This image shows “Big Lucas”, the Toledo Port Authority’s gantry crane, loading a 108 ton (216,000 pound) package boiler onto the deck of a vessel in 1975. The image was likely taken from the “pilot house” of the brother crane, “Little Lucas”, which was helping with the loading of this boiler. “Big Lucas” was installed in 1962 and the Port Authority ran a student contest to “Name That Crane.” The name was chosen by 9-year-old John Larimer. “Big Lucas” has been a popular subject of photographs over the years. Click here to see a postcard image of “Big Lucas” and “Little Lucas.”

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