Former Mackinac Bridge and Island Worker Makes Visit

Jim Sheehan (right) visited with Mackinac Island friends and family in July. With him are (from left) Marv, Tienne, and Caroline May.

Jim Sheehan of southern California visited family and friends on Mackinac Island in July. He was a carriage driver for Grand Hotel, worked for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours, Horn's Bar, and the Mackinac Island Police Department in the 1940s. In 1948, Mr. Sheehan won a Golden Gloves title. To train for it, he ran on Mackinac Island beaches and sparred with friends and residents.

He also worked as an ironworker during construction of the Mackinac Bridge.

During his recent visit, Mr. Sheehan, now 80, visited his daughter and summer resident, Fran Koehler of Naples, Florida, and with friends Marv May, Bud and Bill Chambers, Snapper Bazinaw, Smi Horn, and Wayne Jungman.

At left: Mackinac Bridge ironworker and Mackinac Island worker Jim Sheehan stands with a team of horses on the Island in 1945. (Photographs courtesy of Mary Sheehan-Dizon)