Str. George M. Verity Dedication Anniversary

[Keith Norrington]

Today marks the 47th anniversary of the "christening" of the steam towboat GEO. M. VERITY as a museum at Keokuk, Iowa. The boat sits high and dry on a concrete pad, but has been "sunk" a few times over the years during Upper Mississippi River flooding. Any steamboat buffs and buffettes visiting in the Keokuk area should take time to visit the VERITY -- especially in these tumultous times when museums and boats are closing -- as it is well worth touring and gives a good idea as to life on a steam towboat. For historical information, photos and museum hours, click on Str. George M. Verity.

When the VERITY was dedicated on June 2, 1962, Ruth Ferris, then curator of the River Room at the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis, was invited as a special guest and spoke at the ceremony. She was flabbergasted that morning when, while having breakfast in the hotel dining room, someone came in and said, "Ruth, have you heard? The GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT burned last night?" Stay tuned for more about that anniversary too!