[Keith Norrington]

Thus far, 2011 has seen many departures of river family members and today it is my sad duty to announce yet another. Mary Emily Fenn, 93, widow of the late Bert R. Fenn, longtime owner of Tell City Chair Company and well known steamboat buff and collector of Tell City, Indiana, passed away Monday, April 11th. She was the former Mary Halbruge, of Rockport, Indiana and was married to Bert Fenn for 50 years at the time of his passing (at age 75) in 1993. Mary is survived by daughter Emily Kitchen, of Greensboro, North Carolina, son John Fenn of Joliet, Illinois, a granddaughter, Dr. Emily Proctor Payne and two great grandchildren. A graveside service was held on Thursday at the Greenwood Cemetery in Tell City.

Although Mary didn't consider herself a steamboat buffette (she was an avid golfer) she became close friends with many river people who came to visit Bert and his fabulous steamboat memorabilia collection. Mary was a grand hostess and always fun, with a great sense of humor. When steamboaters dined with Bert and Mary, not only were the food and wine good, but you often used silverware from the J.M. WHITE and other famous steamboats! Whenever any of the steamboats passed Tell City, Mary greatly enjoyed the whistle and searchlight salutes directed toward the beautiful Fenn home on the bluff overlooking the Ohio. So, here's a long and two shorts in tribute to Mary Fenn, and may she rest in eternal peace!

Images:
(1) Bert Fenn in his office with some of his steamboat memorabilia. July, 1988.
(2) Mary & Bert Fenn with Jeff Spear at the Fenn home, Tell City, July, 1988.
(3) Entrance to Tell City Chair Company office, July, 1988. The company is now out of business and all that remains of the building is this entrance.