Captain

Alfred Parker Park

Alfred Parker’s life was a testament to hard work, perseverance, and dedication to the Put-in-Bay community.

• Born in 1910 on a South Bass Island grape farm, Parker’s early years were shaped by vineyard work and fishing trips to Starve Island.
• Left school after eighth grade to support his family, working at Rittman’s Market before joining Miller Boat Livery.
• Navigating Challenges & Building a Legacy
  
• Became a skilled skipper, working for Newman Boat Line and later the Erie Isle Ferry Company.
• Founded Parker Boat Line, introducing Lake Erie’s first 100-foot ferry.
• Served as a township trustee for 32 years, mentoring and uplifting his community.

The island honors Parker’s legacy by allowing a park to bear his name. His epitaph reflects his deep love for the lake:

“HE LOVED THE LAKE.”