[Keith Norrington]

This afternoon when I arrived at the museum I noticed a LOT of dark spots on the newly restored and painted laundry house. Getting out of my car, I saw the same spots on the carriage house and collections building. Yep, you guessed it -- MAYFLIES! I then noticed that our new pilothouse, which was dedicated just yesterday, was swarming with the harmless yet ugly creatures! How lucky we are that this infestation did not occur until today or it would certainly have put a damper on our festivities yesterday! Even the polished bell from the MISSISSIPPI QUEEN was crawling with mayflies.

Reminded me of those times when the DELTA QUEEN was the recipient of these unwelcome visitors. I especially recall one early morning on the Upper Mississippi when we were emerging from the Keokuk Lock and suddenly the white front of the DQ pilothouse was almost totally black with flying bugs. The deck crew was occupied for a long time hosing the varmints from the decks!

So, I guess our new pilothouse is totally dedicated now!