A Conversation with Arni Foss

The Inland Mariners Oral History Series, No. 9:

Arni Foss is the third generation in his father's family to sail on the Great Lakes. In this part of the interview Arni talks about his grandfather Howard's start on the Str. J. A. Campbell in 1939, followed by his father Douglas who began in 1945 on the Str. A. A. Augustus. Arni began by working on the Washington Island ferry boats, and after nine years in the Coast Guard he eventually went to work full-time for Interlake Steamship Co. Arni currently sails as a Third Mate for Interlake.

Ships Arni has worked on during his Great Lakes career:

1980: Robert Noble, Eyra Bakki, Voyageur, C. S. Richter (Washington Island Lines)
1981 - 1989: United States Coast Guard
1989: Robert Noble, Eyra Bakki, Voyageur, C. S. Richter, (Washington Island Lines)
1990 - 91- Wilfred Sykes (part-time relief)
1992 - 1995: Robert Noble, Eyra Bakki, Voyageur, C. S. Richter, Washington (Washington Island Lines)
1995: tug/barge Karen Andrie, Herbert C. Jackson
1996: Paul R. Tregurtha
1997: Kaye E. Barker, Lee A. Tregurtha, Charles M. Beeghly
1998: Paul R. Tregurtha, Kaye E. Barker, Elton Hoyt 2nd
1999: Kaye E. Barker, James R. Barker
2000: Paul R. Tregurtha, Charles M. Beeghly
2001: Kaye E. Barker (84 days)
2002: Pere Marquette/Undaunted, Charles M. Beeghly, Mesabi Miner
2003: Herbert C. Jackson
2004: Mesabi Miner, Charles M. Beeghly, Lee A. Tregurtha
2005: Paul R. Tregurtha, Charles M. Beeghly, Herbert C. Jackson, Mesabi Miner
2006: Kaye E. Barker