Guest Speaker: Bruce Kopytek

Bruce Allen Kopytek presents "The D&C Lake Lines and the Fabulous Luxury Liners of the Great Lakes" at a special guest speaking engagement sponsored by Melody Hill Resort & Marina.  Take a look at the fascinating world of steam travel in the first half of the twentieth century, when majestic luxury liners were a regular sight on this, one of the world’s great waterways.  

Our very own Steamer Dewey is actually the Alabama No. 4 -- a converted lifeboat from the SS Alabama, a steamship that cruised the Great Lakes from 1910-1946. Learn the story of the SS Alabama, the genius naval architect that directed the design and construction of these vessels, the businessmen that commissioned and operated them, and the passengers who enjoyed the sumptuous comforts they provided to travelers. Look back in amazement at a glittering world of steam, speed, and luxury that has all but disappeared from our lakes and rivers today—and along the way, enjoy a greater understanding of these forgotten wonders of our maritime heritage.

The program will take place at The Museum at Lassen's Resort on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM.  Registration is required. Admission is free for members or $5 payable online for guests. 

Members, log in to your online account to complete your registration from your membership portal and recieve your discount.  Not a member yet? Join online today (or renew) and then you'll be able to login and register for free.

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Bruce Allen Kopytek, born in Hamtramck, Michigan, nurtured his love of history while achieving two degrees in Architecture from the University of Detroit. He built a career that lasted forty-five years and resulted in a number of significant buildings spread throughout the world. In retirement, Bruce launched Editions BK, LLC, in 2022 to publish books on topics that have fascinated him throughout his life, remembering the high standards bestowed upon him by his parents, who taught him faith, education, accomplishment, and culture above everything else.

After writing several books for other publishers, this volume comes after the wild success of his Hudson’s: Detroit’s World Famous Department Store, now in its third printing. His wife Carole has been his ever-supportive partner in all these endeavors and the couple lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan. When not at home writing and designing, Bruce is most likely poking around some very old (and beautiful) place in Europe. At home, he is often to be found laughing at the antics of the couples’ two crazy twin cats named Gigi and Mimi.