Message Boards - Blogs http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/ Steamboats.org forum - steamboats - paddlewheelers - river cruises - river history en Thu, 02 Sep 2010 17:11:34 GMT vBulletin 15 http://www.steamboats.org/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Message Boards - Blogs http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/ Mississippi Belle update. http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/bob-steber/107-mississippi-belle-update.html Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:59:27 GMT Just wanted to let those of you who are interested know that the Mississippi Belle (now the Philadelphia Belle) arrived here at Penn's landing in Philadelphia yesterday. The newspaper article said that she will be up and running next year after undergoing a $2 million interior renovation. ]]> Bob Steber http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/bob-steber/107-mississippi-belle-update.html Photo collections and history in general http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/bob-reynolds/105-photo-collections-history-general.html Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:33:06 GMT In a recent thread on the discussion board, several have spoken of old boat photo collections. There is another thread seeking information on... In a recent thread on the discussion board, several have spoken of old boat photo collections. There is another thread seeking information on soemone who lived and worked as a clerk on a steamboat in the 19th century. All these things point up the need for all of us to label and identify old photos and even put with them some narrative about the people, places, objects and events taking place in them. Otherwise, they will have absolutely no meaning to those who find them in only a few years.

My Dad and I have been working on something similar for the last several years. We have tried to write down anecdotes of our own lives and those of relatives of whom we have pictures, as well as chronicle the homes we've lived in, cars, pets, the list goes on. My Dad and I are both interested in geneology, but if you have no info on someone other than "born 1832, died 1899 in Nashville, Tenn." it really doesn't tell anyone much. I would love to have known what my ancestors did for a living, why they chose that. Why did they move from Virginia to say, Arizona? Was it for their health? Were they seeking fortune or a land grant? Did they fall in love with someone who enticed them to move? Were they running from the law or something/someone else? Why did uncle Fred choose to be a Methodist preacher while one brother went into medical school and another was a farmer? Why did Bob travel to Russia to adopt a baby? This type of information really makes history come alive for future generations!

Most of us knew at least one of our grandparents on one side or another, and remember stories they told us. Pictures we may have of them and their surroundings are important to us, but will they mean anything to our grandchildren? Likely not, unless we have some narrative to go with them to bring them alive.

We all have fun on steamboats.org, sleuthing and trying to figure out why this was, what that was. Make it easier on future generations by telling what they are looking at! Those of us who are past 40 can now see that in 50 more years, few would believe that a dial telephone used to look like it did or a big console TV was a television set! Or a typwriter..what was THAT thing, Grandad?

Label stuff and write stuff down for your kids, their kids and their grandkids. They will thank you. ]]> Bob Reynolds http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/bob-reynolds/105-photo-collections-history-general.html Delta Queen Hotel: Special Deals for Steamboaters http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/104-delta-queen-hotel-special-deals-steamboaters.html Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:13:17 GMT The Delta Queen Hotel at Chattanooga offers a very attractive Special Rate for past passengers and crew members: $49.00 per night plus tax. This is... The Delta Queen Hotel at Chattanooga offers a very attractive Special Rate for past passengers and crew members: $49.00 per night plus tax. This is the rate per stateroom, not per person and is for standard or deluxe cabins, i.e. not the smaller bunk-bed cabins.

When making a reservation, just mention you're a past passenger or former crew member. The special $49.00 is only valid from today until end of August 2010.

This is not only a fantastic rate for enjoying our beloved Delta Queen for a couple of nights but also gives you the chance to support the good work Harry Phillips and his team is doing on the Delta Queen, keeping her in a good shape and preserving her for - well, potentially - a revival on the rivers.

Check www.deltaqueenhotel.com or call (423) 468.4500 for availiability and don't forget to mention you're a past passenger/crew member when booking. The $49.00 rate is not a published rate on the hotel's website. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/104-delta-queen-hotel-special-deals-steamboaters.html Delta Queen Culinary History http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/103-delta-queen-culinary-history.html Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:00:32 GMT A new book is featuring the culinary history of the Delta Queen from 1927 to 2008. The author has not only collected 125 original Delta Queen recipes... A new book is featuring the culinary history of the Delta Queen from 1927 to 2008. The author has not only collected 125 original Delta Queen recipes but has also interviewed many former Delta Queen chefs, crew members and passengers.

Delta Queen - A Culinary History 1927 - 2008
The History and Recipes of the Legendary Delta Queen Steamboat
by Cynthia Lejeune Nobles

Delta Queen: A Culinary History 1927-2008 is the result of more than three years of research, including a host of interviews with former crew members, chefs, and passengers. The book relates the history of the legendary steamboat, from the early years in California, including her stint with the U.S. Navy during World War II, on through her journey from the West Coast to New Orleans and on to Cincinnati, and her decades of travel on the rivers of America’s heartland. Illustrated with more than 150 historical and full-color photographs and 125 recipes for favorite dishes and drinks served on board the Delta Queen, this beautiful volume depicts the classic elegance and memorable dining that all of her former passengers will remember.

With gold stamping on the front cover and enclosed in a special slip case, a limited edition of 350 copies of the hardcover book will be signed by the author and numbered. Advance orders will be accepted by the publisher, and numbered copies will be issued in accordance with the postmark date on the order.

The price for this special limited edition of Delta Queen: A Culinary History 1927-2008 is US$47.50 per copy plus $7.25 for shipping and handling (U.S. orders). ISBN 978-0-89730-254-8.

Send check or money order for $54.75 (payable to American Food History Press) to R.J. Berg Publisher, P.O. Box 30225, Indianapolis 46230-0225. For additional information, please contact the publisher at rjberg@americanfoodwayspress.com or at 317.251.4640.
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]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/103-delta-queen-culinary-history.html Videos of Whistles in Operation http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/richard-weisenberger/102-videos-whistles-operation.html Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:27:27 GMT YouTube - Whistles, Steam and Air (http://www.youtube.com/group/steamairwhistles) If you like to see whistles in operation or have your own... YouTube - Whistles, Steam and Air

If you like to see whistles in operation or have your own videos of whistles, I invite you to join my video group "Whistles, Steam and Air". ]]> Richard Weisenberger http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/richard-weisenberger/102-videos-whistles-operation.html <![CDATA[We're Losing our Steamboats: Let's Keep their Voice Alive]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/richard-weisenberger/101-were-losing-our-steamboats-lets-keep-their-voice-alive.html Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:19:53 GMT I invite everyone with a passion for the steam whistle to join me at Return Real Whistles to the Rails | Facebook (http://tinyurl.com/26b9g39) and... I invite everyone with a passion for the steam whistle to join me at
Return Real Whistles to the Rails | Facebook and learn more about the latest developments in whistle design.

It is a group dedicated to reintroducing real whistles to today's railroads through recent improvements in their technology. It can apply to the shipbuilding industry as well. Whistles are not INHERENTLY the inefficient sound signals that most still think of them as, but through proper engineering of their design parameters can be made to compete with current air horns and sirens in terms of acoustical watts out/mechanical watts in.

The normal operating medium would be air. Although they still sound like whistles, the use of steam to power them is but an option to fully restore the old traditional sound.

Sure, whistles require much more CFM than air horns, but they DO NOT require the customary high pressures to produce high acoustical output. Current mechanical sirens also use low pressure at a high flow rate, yet no one seems to question how they achieve high output. ]]> Richard Weisenberger http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/richard-weisenberger/101-were-losing-our-steamboats-lets-keep-their-voice-alive.html Race for the Silver Antlers http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/100-race-silver-antlers.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:53:33 GMT On April 28, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will race for Silver Antlers instead of Golden Antlers as it has been tradition... On April 28, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will race for Silver Antlers instead of Golden Antlers as it has been tradition since 1963 when the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen first raced on the Ohio River at Louisville, KY.

Part of the Great Steamboat Race between the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will be a crew competition including a tug of war and an obstacle course before the two boats actually race on the river.

During the race they boat crews have to retrieve a VIP passenger from the shore and a buoy flag from the river. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/100-race-silver-antlers.html <![CDATA[Captain Larry "Buford" Wilkinson passed away]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/99-captain-larry-buford-wilkinson-passed-away.html Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:58:22 GMT Former Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen crew member Captain Larry "Buford" Wilkinson passed away this morning at a hospital in Vicksburg, MS. He suffered from congestive heart failure, after his condition had been growing worse over the last couple of days.

Born on December 20, 1962, Capt. Wilkinson began work on the Delta Queen more than 20 years ago as a deck hand and worked his way up to serve as Captain. Capt. Wilkinson was one of the most noted and loved former Delta Queen Steamboat Co. crewmembers of all. He has been a very good friend to many and one of the special steamboat family members. And as Capt. Mike Williams just wrote in an e-mail, the Delta Queen is holding him close to her heart for ever.

On his Facebook page, Capt. "Buford" participated in "What Poem Are You?" - he selected Shakespear's 18th sonnet which we'd like to quote in memoriam Capt. Larry "Buford" Wilkinson:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/99-captain-larry-buford-wilkinson-passed-away.html Riverboats for Sale http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/arron-kerns/96-riverboats-sale.html Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:57:22 GMT I am considering starting an Excursion Riverboat business. I am currently looking for a riverboat to purchase. I had considered trying to build one,... I am considering starting an Excursion Riverboat business. I am currently looking for a riverboat to purchase. I had considered trying to build one, but I don't have the knowledge to attempt this on my own. If anyone knows of a boat, preferably at least 100 passenger vessel, please let me know. Thanks ]]> Arron Kerns http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/arron-kerns/96-riverboats-sale.html Showboat Becky Thatcher probably gone forever http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/95-showboat-becky-thatcher-probably-gone-forever.html Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:35:42 GMT The Marietta Register ( The Marietta Register Online - Web Extra: Becky Thatcher Sinks (http://Mariettaregister.com/index.php?content=1805) ) reports... The Marietta Register ( The Marietta Register Online - Web Extra: Becky Thatcher Sinks ) reports that the historic, 83 year old paddlewheel showboat Becky Thatcher sank on Sunday near Neville Island. Not much more information is available at this time except that a heavy snow load may have caused the disaster.
According to the newspaper eyewitnesses say they find it unlikely that she may be saved. The online article at the Marietta Register also has some - very sad - pictures from the Becky Thatcher. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/95-showboat-becky-thatcher-probably-gone-forever.html <![CDATA[Entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/94-entertainer-charles-chip-saporiti-passed-away.html Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:05:37 GMT We just got the sad news that long-time Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away on December 19 at the age of 52 at his home at Glendora, California. Chip's version of "Ol' Man River" will stick in our memories for ever, together with a memory of a wonderful singer and a great man. Requiescat in pace. See Chip's obituary for more details about Chip Saporiti's life. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/94-entertainer-charles-chip-saporiti-passed-away.html America Cruise Lines to expand http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/93-america-cruise-lines-expand.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:55:13 GMT American Cruise Lines has announced further expansion of their West Coast operations. Besides the purchase of the former Majestic America Line vessel... American Cruise Lines has announced further expansion of their West Coast operations. Besides the purchase of the former Majestic America Line vessel "Queen of the West", which is supposed to run on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2010, American Cruise Lines said they'll announce further expansion plans to the West Coast in early 2010.
Fact is the addition of the newly built Independence to be completed in 2010 and speculations are that the company is also planning to operate either the Columbia Queen or the Empresss of the North - both former Majestic America Line vessels as well.
The modified and capacity-decreased Queen of the West will start cruising in summer 2010, departing from Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. Stops along the rivers will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helen’s, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/93-america-cruise-lines-expand.html Delta Queen Crew Club recognizing former crew and passengers http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/92-delta-queen-crew-club-recognizing-former-crew-passengers.html Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:41:36 GMT Delta Queen Hotel has announced the Delta Queen Crew Club, a program that recognizes the beloved boat’s most loyal fans by offering an opportunity to... Delta Queen Hotel has announced the Delta Queen Crew Club, a program that recognizes the beloved boat’s most loyal fans by offering an opportunity to commemorate their trips and service with the purchase of a brass-plated nameplate.

Former passenger plaques will be engraved with the name of the passenger, their home port, the year of their first cruise, and the number of cruises they have taken on the Delta Queen. For those that served on the Delta Queen, plaques will be engraved with their name and title, their home port, the year they started, and the number of years of service.

The plaques will be adhered to one of the vessel’s three decks just below the handrails at ankle level. Sydney Slome, proprietor of the Delta Queen Hotel, assured that the process will not compromise the boat’s historic integrity in any way.

The weather resistant 3x6-inch plaques are available for purchasefor $100. This special offer is limited in number and is only available to past passengers and former officers, crew, staff, employees and entertainers of the Delta Queen; plaques may be purchased in memory of a loved and/or respected one.

To become a member of the Delta Queen Crew Club and order a plaque for yourself or someone you love this holiday season, call (800)499-9877 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase on-line at www.deltaqueenhotel.com. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/92-delta-queen-crew-club-recognizing-former-crew-passengers.html Belle of Louisville accident ends 2009 season early http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/91-belle-louisville-accident-ends-2009-season-early.html Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:13:27 GMT The steamboat Belle of Louisville has been pushed into a drydock by strong winds on early Saturday afternoon. On board were about 300 passengers,... The steamboat Belle of Louisville has been pushed into a drydock by strong winds on early Saturday afternoon. On board were about 300 passengers, several of them suffering minor injuries. The Belle of Louisville's paddlewheel crashed into a drydock of the McBride fleet near Harrods Creek breaking a few bucket boards as well as suffering damage on the jockey bar (which is the beam behind the paddlewheel that is attached to the ends of the cylinder timbers, holding the cylinder timbers in alignment. Thanks to Capt. Alan Bates for this explanation.) The Belle of Louisville's hull obviously was not damaged and the boat did not take on water.

According to the local TV news, Belle of Louisville CEO Linda Harris said that all remaining cruises of the boat this year will probably be cancelled and events scheduled will be held on the boat whiled docked at 4th street wharf at Louisville.

The Courier-Journal reports that the Belle of Louisville was under the command of Capt. James Donahue and pilot Steve Mattingly when the accident happened, both very experienced steamboaters and long-time Belle officers.

WLKY has some pictures and Wave3 has more details on the accident.

It seams that 2009 has not been a good year for steamboats at all, to say the least. With the American Queen and Delta Queen out of cruise business and the Julia Belle Swain docked, the Str. Natchez at new orleans now is the only actually operating steamboat on the rivers, though at least the Belle of Louisville for sure will come back, soon. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/91-belle-louisville-accident-ends-2009-season-early.html <![CDATA[Tony Suttile's where abouts]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/linda-hurd/90-tony-suttiles-where-abouts.html Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:27:19 GMT Tony Suttile, hotel manager of the America Queen Riverboat is now Manager of a high end hotel on an island in the Caribean. He has been there for... Tony Suttile, hotel manager of the America Queen Riverboat is now Manager of a high end hotel on an island in the Caribean. He has been there for about 2 years and is married. ]]> LINDA HURD http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/linda-hurd/90-tony-suttiles-where-abouts.html