Message Boards http://www.steamboats.org/forum/ Steamboats.org forum - steamboats - paddlewheelers - river cruises - river history en Sun, 19 May 2013 13:56:39 GMT vBulletin 15 http://www.steamboats.org/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg Message Boards http://www.steamboats.org/forum/ News on the JBS http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4973-news-jbs.html Sun, 19 May 2013 06:30:55 GMT Something´s going on with the Julia Belle Swain, see here (http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/article_10600116-bf75-11e2-bdd2-001a4bcf887a.html).... Something´s going on with the Julia Belle Swain, see here.

Carmen ]]> Carmen http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4973-news-jbs.html Captain Elisha Simmons Spencer http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4972-captain-elisha-simmons-spencer.html Thu, 16 May 2013 21:56:35 GMT I'm hoping someone might be able to help me find some information or point me towards where to look.

A friend of mine's Great Great Grandfather was a riverboat captain on the Ohio sometime around the 1850's. His name was Elisha Simmons (Timmons) Spencer. He was listed as living in either Athens, OH or Hockingsport, OH in 1851. This is the year he became father of future Mayor of Ogden, UT, Hiram H. Spencer.

Information we'd like to find is what company he ran boats for, or what boats he actually ran if possible to find out. Thanks!

Phillip
-Long Live the Delta Queen! ]]> Phillip Johnson http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4972-captain-elisha-simmons-spencer.html Howard Chautauqua this weekend http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4971-howard-chautauqua-weekend.html Thu, 16 May 2013 17:30:48 GMT As is my custom, I am heading over to Jeffersonville this weekend to help with the Howard Museum's Chautauqua, and as is unfortunately also a custom, there always seems to be some minor house crisis to deal with first - this year it is termites! Hopefully the Orkin killer did the job and Angel won't be jumping around crazily chasing the little winged buggers while I'm gone!
While this festival doesn't draw the river people that the River Ramblings does, there will be several in attendance, so if you happen to be in the neighborhood, come on over! Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4. Among the 'luminaries' to be found will be Ted Grind with the Wind Guillaum and his monkey friend, Jim and Annie Blum and her book on the ADMIRAL, Jo Ann Schoen and her money box to collect admissions, Kenny Howe, Kevin Mullen, and other local river rats with their muscles and brains to help set up, and Keith Norrington with his megaphone shouting docking orders in his first year as the Big Cheese, the Head Honcho of the Howard. Of course the Kingfish Restaurant beckons after the festival, and after dinner, survivors of the day may gather over at my hotel for afterglow.
Speaking of River Ramblings, Keith will announce the details about that after he recovers from Chautauqua, but let me warn you to save your pennies because there is going to be another River Ramblings Rummage Sale and I've loaded my vehicle with items this morning, including many hardback river books which somehow got purchased in twos... or threes...
1) Ted 'Grind with the Wind' Guillaum 2011
2) 3 VIPS in 2011
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]]> Judy Patsch http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4971-howard-chautauqua-weekend.html A new bill in favor of the Delta Queen is on its way! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4970-new-bill-favor-delta-queen-its-way.html Wed, 15 May 2013 10:02:21 GMT Congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio is in the lead, again, as he has never given up over the years! See... Congressman Steve Chabot of Ohio is in the lead, again, as he has never given up over the years!

See www.save-the-delta-queen.org/a-new-bill-in-favor-of-the-delta-queen-is-on-its-way/ for details.

Long live the Delta Queen! ]]> Save the DELTA QUEEN Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4970-new-bill-favor-delta-queen-its-way.html First Steam Boat on the Mississippi http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4969-first-steam-boat-mississippi.html Mon, 13 May 2013 13:18:18 GMT Hey guy's newbee here......

I have an interest in the early history of Steam Boats. I am familiar with the importance of Robert Fulton's Boat "The North River" and even though he may not have invented Steam Power he did manage to create a boat and a business that transformed the east... and is single handedly considered the most significant event that sparked the use of steam power and began our great nations industrial revolution... in in great part the world for that matter. I find this period in American History fascinating. What a place and time to be if you are a smart, well connected and ambitious man. And Robert Fulton was certainly that.

I have had an interest in Fulton for many years as my father was the county historian for "Fulton County" here in New York State for over 40 years and I learned of Robert as a kid while my Dad spoke of him as the namesake of our county... I have been a model builder for most of my life, along with working as a cabinet maker, a highly detailed woodcarver, historic reproduction furniture maker, historic reproduction stained glass craftsman, a sculptor and so many more odd skills that have found me on various restoration jobs thoughout the northeast. I recently used some of these skills to pay tribute to Mr. Fulton... I built the large scale model of "The North River" Steam Boat that is now on permenent display at the Clermont State Historic Site and am still involved in local history in my area in upstate NY...... and have found some rare, very old photo's of a river boat used on one of the small rivers "The Sacandaga" back in the 1870's early 80's era. I hope to one day build an accurate model of this side wheel steam boat as well.

I found this site and thought perhaps someone here could enlighten me a little more about the early years of Steam Vessels on the Mississippi. So far I have read many good descriptions of Fulton, Livingston and Roosevelts ventures with the building of the "New Orleans" but I am curious to know the name of this early steam boat company.... ?? I can't seem to find it mentioned..anywhere..? How long was it in business... Did it fold or was it bought out...? and are there any Stock Certificates or official letter head of this first and most famous venture on our nations largest riverway and the next step in the opening of the central and western regions of the USA.



Anyway for what its worth, perhaps this is a subject of some interest to this forum and perhaps some experts are members here. I'd love to hear from anyone who knows anything about this early history. Not much remains as from what I understand even with Edward Livingstons involvement, after Roberts untimely death in 1815 as well as Robert Livingstons death shortly after... this "mother of all mississippi riverboat companies" gave way to the Vanderbuilts...etc.. and the rest of the next generation of big names in early american transportation history. I'd like to know if there is anything anywhere that remains of this very first business venture.

I have learned there are 5 known stocks from the "North River Steam Boat Comany" none in perfect condidtion and are in private collections.... But I have yet to see a photo copy of one? and other than the word of some high end paper dealers I can't even verify this to any certainty. And so far NOTHING is known of this first company on the Miss.

Nice site BTW... looks like an active group. Wish I had the financial ability to build or own a real steam boat.... I am fascinated with the simplicity and efficiency of steam... it is so quiet when it is tame. I spent many years as a younger man welding near the large industrial welders powered by diesel and various large equipment on heavy construction sites.... and I have grown to "hate" the smell and sound of diesel power.

Thanks in advance.
Randy Decker ]]> Randy Decker http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4969-first-steam-boat-mississippi.html <![CDATA[Here's a birthday posting Keith won't post]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4968-heres-birthday-posting-keith-wont-post.html Mon, 13 May 2013 04:08:07 GMT ...because today, May 13, is HIS birthday! Besides keeping up with sending wishes to everyone on their special day, he finds time to: write the Old... ...because today, May 13, is HIS birthday! Besides keeping up with sending wishes to everyone on their special day, he finds time to: write the Old Boat Page in the Waterways Journal, be Administrator and Curator of the Howard Steamboat Museum, be the creator and supervisor for the long-running successful River Ramblings Series at the Howard, keep his personal collection so organized he can supply an answer to most any steamboat/river question almost immediately, share his memorabilia and pictures generously with fellow steamboaters, and generally be an all-around Good Guy. So, here's a 32 note salute from the Church of the Holy Calliope's membership on this your natal anniversary!

1) 6/22/81 in Peoria on our UMR Safari - bad timing to visit the JBS
2) 6/21/81 in Clinton, Iowa - more bad timing for visiting the OMAR/RHODODENDRON/CITY OF CLINTON....luckily for those of you who wish to visit the Howard, you won't have these problems with Keith at the helm and ready to give you the Steamboaters' Deluxe Tour...
3) 6/23/82 on our Upper Ohio Safari. Keith had just purchased the chair from the GOLDENROD, the BECKY sign, and the chandelier from the GORDON C. GREENE, nee CAPE GIRARDEAU. Foreshadowing his official curating career, Keith had that chandelier refurbished and wired in his house in less than a week!
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]]> Judy Patsch http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4968-heres-birthday-posting-keith-wont-post.html Save the Goldenrod! Very Important!! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4966-save-goldenrod-very-important.html Sat, 11 May 2013 03:22:27 GMT May 10, 2013 Attention Goldenrod Showboat Supporters: Today I received the news that the not-for-profit organization lost the Goldenrod. About... May 10, 2013

Attention Goldenrod Showboat Supporters:

Today I received the news that the not-for-profit organization lost the Goldenrod. About two months ago both sides were to an agreement where money was going to be exchanged and the Goldenrod was free to go back to St. Louis. However, the landlords decided to get a new lawyer who does NOT care about the history of the Goldenrod. When our president went to get the money to pay the landlords the new lawyer changed the amount to more than double the agreed price. Without resources to get that amount of money we tried to talk to the new lawyer. The new lawyer for the landlords would not listen to us, or give us the time of day to show him what our plans are to restore the Goldenrod. The last lawyer was the one who agreed to an amount of money that we can afford so we can have a chance to get the Goldenrod restored. This new lawyer does not care at all, and is only worried about money. The historic Goldenrod Showboat is now going to be auctioned off on May 18, 2013 to the highest bidder. If nobody bids, the showboat will be scrapped by the landlords. This would be the end for the Goldenrod if we just sat around and just agreed to what we are told. The Goldenrod is loved by many people and has to be restored for future generations. I am speaking on behalf of myself, not the Historic Riverboat Preservation Association. The not-for-profit has not done its job and I will not sit around and let this piece of history be auctioned off to scrappers. This Showboat is close to my heart and I will not go without a fight. So I am asking you to sign our petition to not let the showboat be scrapped. I am also asking you to help me in any way possible. I don’t have the money to bid on the showboat and take over the restoration project, but if you know anyone who would purchase it for the right reasons I want to speak with them. My phone number is on the website and I want to hear from you! If you have any ideas please call or email me! I will be doing as many interviews as possible to help get this message out, we have 1 week from the day it is auctioned. Please share this message to your friends and family. The Goldenrod Showboat is more than wood and steel; it is the history and the love by many people that makes it special.

Thank you,

Jacob Medford
www.goldenrod-showboat.com
jmedford91@gmail.com


Sign the Petition Here! ]]> Jacob Medford http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4966-save-goldenrod-very-important.html DQ Returning to Cincinnati? http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4965-dq-returning-cincinnati.html Fri, 10 May 2013 17:29:22 GMT This is the best news in a long time! Today's, 10 May 2013, The Cincinnati Enquirer is running the story that investors led by ex Delta Queen Vice President Cornel Martin have plans being presented to several different cities for funding, using the American Queen's fund raising model, to return Her Majesty Ship to tourist service. One of these cities is The Queen City, and this group does have the ear of Cincinnati's City Council Member P.G. Sittenfeld whom was to meet with the DQ's representatives today.

This story was also picked up by the local ABC TV station, WCPO-TV which ran the story during its noon news show where an enthusiastic Sittenfeld was interviewed.

To view the story and numerous DQ photos click on Cincinnati.com | Cincinnati local news, sports, business, community, and entertainment | cincinnati.com, and click on the "News" tab . Please, take the time to post a letter to the Editor from the same website. ]]> Save the DELTA QUEEN Frank X. Prudent http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4965-dq-returning-cincinnati.html Attention DELTA QUEEN Fans! Efforts ARE underway to bring the DELTA QUEEN back! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4964-attention-delta-queen-fans-efforts-underway-bring-delta-queen-back.html Fri, 10 May 2013 04:13:22 GMT Attention Delta Queen Fans! Efforts are underway to bring the DELTA QUEEN back to overnight river cruise service. Now you have the opportunity to... Attention Delta Queen Fans! Efforts are underway to bring the DELTA QUEEN back to overnight river cruise service. Now you have the opportunity to become part of her honorary crew! See details below:

HONORARY CREW MEMBERS OF THE DELTA QUEEN

DQSC, Inc is assembling a special crew to help to rescue, restore and preserve the legendary steamboat Delta Queen and hopefully, return her to her once regal glory plying the great rivers of America’s heartland. The Delta Queen currently serves as a dockside hotel in Chattanooga, TN, and a group of supporters have come together to form DQSC, Inc with the following goals:

1. To purchase the Delta Queen, halting current efforts to move the DQ to the east or west coast to permanently serve as a dockside hotel;

2. To renew the Congressional Exemption allowing the DQ to return to overnight passenger cruise service;

3. To restore and upgrade the DQ (including replacement of the 1919-era boilers), so that she can once again provide river enthusiasts the unique opportunity to visit America’s heartland from an authentic early 20th century paddlewheel steamboat;

4. To return to the DQ to overnight passenger cruise service in 2014.

The DQSC, Inc effort is being lead by former Delta Queen Steamboat Company Vice President Cornel Martin who spearheaded the last successful effort to secure the Congressional Exemption extending the DQ’s overnight river cruise service from 1998 to 2008, current Delta Queen Hotel operators and care takers Randy and Leah Ann Ingram, and long time Delta Queen supporter Phillip Johnson.

Leah Ann and Randy have done a great job preserving the Delta Queen and getting us to where we are today. We all know the sad fate of the Mississippi Queen which was neglected to the point that the only feasible option was to scrap that beloved vessel. We are almost certain that, the Delta Queen would have suffered the same fate had Randy and Leah Ann not stepped in and kept her alive so that a return to overnight passenger cruise service is still a viable option. For their contribution, commitment and sacrifice, they deserve the gratitude of all DQ fans and supporters!

Unfortunately, revenues generated as a dockside hotel are not sufficient to keep up with the maintenance required to sustain this National Historic Landmark over the long term.

The only viable option to continue to preserve the Delta Queen for future generations is to return her to river service, so she can generate sufficient revenues to adequately support ongoing maintenance and preservation needs.

The DQSC, Inc team is making good progress securing needed funding to acquire the vessel and fund marine repairs and upgrades and start-up operations.

The DQSC, Inc team is looking for help with restoration work (mostly on the hotel side) that needs to be completed to preserve the vessel even if she is not able to return to river service or her return is delayed beyond 2014.

If you would like to see the legendary steamboat Delta Queen preserved for future generations and would like to support efforts to return the Delta Queen to overnight passenger cruise service, please consider becoming a member of the Honorary Crew of the Steamboat Delta Queen.

To become an Honorary Crew Member of the legendary Delta Queen, please email Cornel Martin at cmartin@deltaqueenhotel.com or Leah Ann Ingram at leahann@deltaqueenhotel.com.

Thank you for your interest in rescuing the Delta Queen!

Delta Queen Honorary Crew Membership Levels and Benefits

COMMODORE: $50,000 Contribution

Immediate benefits:
- Three free Hotel nights per month for Commodore Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability
- 50% discount on all onboard purchases and published rates on all other Hotel stays by Commodore Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.
- Commodore Level logo merchandise, apparel and recognition.

Additional benefits extended only if the vessel returns to overnight passenger service:

- 10 Complimentary Cruises for Commodore Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Sailing dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability.
- Guaranteed seating at the Captain’s table during formal Captain’s Dinner.
- Complimentary ground transportation and one free shore tour per cruise.
- 50% discount on all onboard purchases and published rates on additional cruises taken by Commodore Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.

CAPTAIN: $25,000 Contribution

Immediate benefits:
- Two free Hotel nights per month for Captain Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability
- 25% discount on all onboard purchases and published rates on all Hotel stays by Captain Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.
- Captain Level logo merchandise and apparel.

Additional benefits extended only if the vessel returns to overnight passenger service:

- 5 Complimentary Cruises for Captain Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Sailing dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability.
- Complimentary ground transportation and one free shore tour per cruise.
- 25% discount on all onboard purchases and additional cruises taken by Captain Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.

FIRST MATE: $10,000 Contribution

Immediate benefits:
- One free Hotel night per month for First Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability
- 15% discount on all onboard purchases and published rates on all Hotel stays by First Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.
- First Mate Level logo merchandise and apparel.

Additional benefits extended only if the vessel returns to overnight passenger service:

- 2 Complimentary Cruises for First Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Sailing dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability.
- 15% discount on all onboard purchases and additional cruises taken by First Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.



SECOND MATE: $5,000

Immediate benefits:
- One free Hotel night per month for Second Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability
- 10% discount on all onboard purchases and published rates on all Hotel stays by Second Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.
- Second Mate Level logo merchandise, apparel and recognition.

Additional benefits extended only if the vessel returns to overnight passenger service:

- 1 Complimentary Cruise taken by Second Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin. Sailing dates/Cabin Categories subject to availability.
- 10% discount on all onboard purchases and additional cruises taken by Second Mate Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.

DECKHAND - $1,000

- 10% discount on all onboard purchases and cruises taken by Deckhand Level member and one guest staying in the same cabin.
- Deckhand Level logo merchandise, apparel and recognition.

Additional benefits extended only if the vessel returns to overnight passenger service:

- Onboard recognition with posted brass plaques.
- Exclusive Honorary Crew activities.
- Priority booking and advanced notification of future cruise schedules.
- Priority booking on 14-Day inaugural cruise celebrating the vessel’s return to river cruise service.

NOTE: All cruise benefits awarded only if vessel returns to cruise service. Complimentary Cruise benefit is only valid for cruises up to 7 nights in duration. ]]> Save the DELTA QUEEN Travis Vasconcelos http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4964-attention-delta-queen-fans-efforts-underway-bring-delta-queen-back.html <![CDATA[Another Steamboat Captain's Birthday]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4963-another-steamboat-captains-birthday.html Thu, 09 May 2013 16:53:14 GMT A hearty whistle salute and steamy rendition of *HAPPY BIRTHDAY *on the cally-ope for Capt. Mike Fitzgerald who celebrates natal day #56 today. ... A hearty whistle salute and steamy rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the cally-ope for Capt. Mike Fitzgerald who celebrates natal day #56 today.

People don't come any finer than Capt. Mike and I'm lucky and proud that we have been good friends for the past 38 years.

Have a great day Cap'n, keep up steam and keep rollin' on the river! ]]> Keith Norrington http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4963-another-steamboat-captains-birthday.html Happy Birthday Capt. Bill Judd! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4962-happy-birthday-capt-bill-judd.html Tue, 07 May 2013 19:01:15 GMT A whistle salute and a rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the calliope to Capt. Bill Judd today! Have a great day Bill and Keep UP steam! Heard... A whistle salute and a rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY on the calliope to Capt. Bill Judd today!

Have a great day Bill and Keep UP steam! Heard through the sternline telegraph that today is Carmen Winkler's natal day too!

A barge load of best wishes to both -- from the curator and crew of the Howard Steamboat Museum! ]]> Keith Norrington http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4962-happy-birthday-capt-bill-judd.html Annie on the DQ! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4961-annie-dq.html Wed, 01 May 2013 18:15:14 GMT Hello, everyone! Annie Lebeaux here, and I'll be holding forth at the Night Owl society and in the Orleans room, as I was for those 10 years, for the DQ Reunion, June 20-24. Come on along & we'll have a ball! ]]> Save the DELTA QUEEN Annie Lebeaux http://www.steamboats.org/forum/save-delta-queen/4961-annie-dq.html Annie on the DQ! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4960-annie-dq.html Wed, 01 May 2013 18:11:32 GMT Hi, everyone! Annie Lebeaux here, letting you know I'll be the female performer aboard the DQ (my position for 10 years) for its reunion June 20-24! Y'all come to Chattanooga and we'll have a ball like we always did. Night Owl society and Orleans room, here I come. Can you? ]]> Annie Lebeaux http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4960-annie-dq.html Salute to our Golden BELLE! http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4959-salute-our-golden-belle.html Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:06:33 GMT FIFTY YEARS AGO... On this day (April 30) in 1963 the BELLE of LOUISVILLE made her "debut" in a steamboat race with the DELTA QUEEN. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Alan Bates and many others the BELLE was brought back to life from the derelict steamer AVALON to run again for the first time in nearly two years.

Hard to believe that five decades have passed since that bitterly cold, windy day when steamboat racing returned to the river. Equally amazing is the fact that the BELLE will be the focus of a centennial celebration next year!

A whistle salute to our "Golden Belle" and to all the dedicated crews who have kept her going through the years! Speaking of whistle salutes - the BELLE went by the museum a bit ago and Capt. Mike Fitzgerald blew that authoritative and beautifully melodious whistle -- same tooter that she's been blowing for almost a century!

IMAGES:
1: During the 1963 race
2: At the Louisville wharf in 1963. Pilothouse dome was bright yellow for part of that season before being returned to blue.
3: Passing under Sherman Minton Bridge at New Albany in 1963. Bridge opened in 1962 and is named for Indiana senator and associate justice of U.S. Supreme Court.
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]]> Keith Norrington http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/4959-salute-our-golden-belle.html ACL third riverboat http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4958-acl-third-riverboat.html Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:57:15 GMT Anybody know what other type of rivers that they could operate it on ? Anybody know what other type of rivers that they could operate it on ? ]]> Matthew Cooper http://www.steamboats.org/forum/river-talk-cruises/4958-acl-third-riverboat.html