Poisson Family on Reeds Lake - the Captains of the steamboats

From 1883 through 1956 the Poisson Family owned and operated their steamboat excursion business and boat livery on Reeds Lake. Captain John Honore Poisson and his spouse Philomena purchased property on the west shore of the lake circa 1883. The SS Florence was the first steamboat. The smaller Sport was on hand to help run the business. Steamers that followed: SS Major A.B. Watson, SS Hazel A (purchased from the Michael McCarthy estate), and the SS Ramona. Patriarch John passed in 1901. His sons Joseph and Charles took over the business. Charles took over from Joseph circa 1907 when the latter left to set up his photography studio, become one of Grand Rapids' pioneer motorcycle dealers and lastly become involved in establishing many neighborhood movie theaters.

Captain William "Bill" Poisson, a son of Captain Charles "Charlie" Poisson was the last captain of the SS Ramona. The Ramona plied Reeds Lake from 1923 through the 1955 season. Charles died in February 1956. Bill handled the sale of the family property on the lake as well as the Ramona. He closed his boat livery by fall of 1955.

Subject in photo: Captain Charles "Charlie" Poisson