Little Seneca, Illinois, was nowhere near the fighting front, but even then, participated in a big way sending troops and their shipyard was kept busy constructing LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks). After completion, these ships would go down the Illinois River to the Mississippi River and on out to the Gulf of Mexico.
From 1942 to 1945, the Seneca Shipyard built 157 LSTs. The first, the LST-197, was finished Dec. 13, 1942. Every single LST was delivered on schedule, something the shipyard was quite proud of. LST-1152 was the last one, delivered June 18, 1945.
Thirty-nine gallons of champagne was used for christening.
There are still people living in Marseilles and Seneca who worked at the ship yard.
The original shipyard is located on Shipyard Road by the Illinois River. Just turn at the LST Park.
The World War II Homefront. --DaCoot
Showing posts with label Seneca Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seneca Illinois. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
No LST Festival for Me
I had been considering driving south to Seneca, Illinois, for their LST Festival, those letters standing for the old World War II stalwart, Landing Ship Tank. Those poor numbered and nameless ships made to transport tanks, vehicles and soldiers to beaches in amphibious operations; so important at D-Day and the Pacific operations.
Due to a major vehicle breakdown on the 2003 Chevy Malibu which required all new tires, a brake job, new windshield wipers and an oil change. It is still at the Chevy place and won't be ready until noon, too late to start a hundred mile trip.
I'll just have to go boating, to Round Lake Beachfest, work around the house and enjoy the gazebo, patio, deck and front porch. Oh, the sacrifices.
However, we plan to visit Seneca and find out what we can about the LST shipyard and visit it if possible (I know there is an LST Park in town). Then, we can drive along the Illinois River and IM Canal and out to Starved Rock. That would make a nice two-three day vacation.
As the song says, "You can't always get what you want."
No LSTs for Me. --DaCoot
Due to a major vehicle breakdown on the 2003 Chevy Malibu which required all new tires, a brake job, new windshield wipers and an oil change. It is still at the Chevy place and won't be ready until noon, too late to start a hundred mile trip.
I'll just have to go boating, to Round Lake Beachfest, work around the house and enjoy the gazebo, patio, deck and front porch. Oh, the sacrifices.
However, we plan to visit Seneca and find out what we can about the LST shipyard and visit it if possible (I know there is an LST Park in town). Then, we can drive along the Illinois River and IM Canal and out to Starved Rock. That would make a nice two-three day vacation.
As the song says, "You can't always get what you want."
No LSTs for Me. --DaCoot
Monday, June 14, 2010
Thinking About Heading to Seneca, Illinois, Saturday
I came across the announcement that this city was was having the Seneca Shipyard Days Festival June 16th to 19th.
They will be celebrating their World War II heritage when many LSTs (Landing Ship Tank) ships were launched from 1942 to 1945. These ships provided a valuable service for the US war effort. I have really become interested in these vessels since I toured the one home ported in Evansville, Indiana back in March.
They will have bands, food booths, arts and crafts and a carnival midway.
I figure it is about a two to three hour drive away from here.
Until I read this, I didn't know any LSTs were built in Illinois. Once launched, these ships went down the Illinois River to the Mississippi.
Last month, I wrote about World War II submarines that were built in Manitowac, Wisconsin.
But, then again, we just got back from a 1, 249 mile, six day Midwest jaunt that went through three states and a considerable drive along Route 66. And next week, i will be at the Lincoln Highway National Conference in Dixon, Illinois five days.
Seriously Considering a Trip. --Cooter
They will be celebrating their World War II heritage when many LSTs (Landing Ship Tank) ships were launched from 1942 to 1945. These ships provided a valuable service for the US war effort. I have really become interested in these vessels since I toured the one home ported in Evansville, Indiana back in March.
They will have bands, food booths, arts and crafts and a carnival midway.
I figure it is about a two to three hour drive away from here.
Until I read this, I didn't know any LSTs were built in Illinois. Once launched, these ships went down the Illinois River to the Mississippi.
Last month, I wrote about World War II submarines that were built in Manitowac, Wisconsin.
But, then again, we just got back from a 1, 249 mile, six day Midwest jaunt that went through three states and a considerable drive along Route 66. And next week, i will be at the Lincoln Highway National Conference in Dixon, Illinois five days.
Seriously Considering a Trip. --Cooter
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