For nearly 80 years a piece of Flathead Valley History has been sitting at the bottom of Somers Bay, but thanks to sonar technology divers have discovered the wreckage of the Kee-O-Mee, and have recovered artifacts.
“This is just the beginnings. They’re still bringing things up out of Somers Bay,” said Gil Jordan, Executive Director of the Museum at Central School and Northwest Montana Historical Society.
Jordan says in his 12 years this is the most exciting thing to come his way.
“We get lots of fun stuff that comes into the museum but this is one of the most exciting things to come our way.”
The boat was built and launched in 1928, by John Sherman who owned the Kalispell Auto Company.
“A 64-foot pleasure cruiser that had bathrooms and hot and cold water and state rooms and lovely deck up top for entertainment and so forth,” Jordan said.
They sailed up and down Flathead lake for more than eight years.
“The largest private cruise boat that was on the lake at that time. They put in two brand new diesel engines and on the tryout cruise, a spark ignited some diesel fuel and set the boat on fire.”
For nearly 80 years the boat has been sitting at the bottom of Somers Bay, undisturbed. But now thanks to its discovery divers have been able to identify it as the lost Kee-O-Mee using artifacts retrieved.
It is soon expected to be part of the history of the Flathead Valley exhibit.
“Probably within the next few months to six months we hope to have it here for next summer’s tourist season.”
It will cost about $1,000 to complete the exhibit’s installation.
Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purpose only. This may not be construed as a news item or advice of any sort. Please consult the experts in that field for the authenticity of the presentations.
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Source: KPAX
