“Vanished with a Trace: What Really Happened to the Ship, Griffon” by Robert McGreevy (Bicknell 22)

On August 12, 1679, the Griffon sailed north out of the Detroit River. On board was Sieur de la Salle, as well as Catholic priest Fr. Louis Hennepin, who named the lake they were entering after the saint whose feast day fell on that date – St. Claire. Not long after this event, the ship disappeared, never to be seen again. This is the story of one of the Great Lakes most famous and mysterious shipwrecks: the Griffon. This presentation will answer a number of questions: Why did explorer la Salle build this ship? Was it for the fur trade or for exploration? Or was there another purpose for her and did this have anything to do with her disappearance?

Our presenter is Robert McGreevy, a former Grosse Pointer and noted marine artist and historian, who was employed as a designer at Chrysler (best known for sculpting the iconic Ramcharger hood ornament), has also created drawings and paintings of Great Lakes ships for more than 40 years. Mr. McGreevy’s 2011 book, “Lost Legends of the Lakes” (Thunder Bay Press), includes the story of the Griffon, along with his drawing and painting of the ship. “Lost Legends of the Lakes” can be purchased from McGreevy’s website, at https://www.mcgreevy.com/shop/lost-le....

About the Bicknell Lecture Series:
In 1987, Dr. Frank Bicknell, a long time Grosse Pointe resident and well-known Detroit Medical Center urologist, celebrated his 80th birthday. His daughter and son-in-law established the Grosse Pointe Historical Society's Bicknell Fund to mark his milestone birthday. This fund established the Dr. Frank Bicknell Lecture Series; all Bicknell Lectures are free of charge and open to everyone.