[Keith Norrington]

It was reported this week that the price tag for the BECKY THATCHER (former Str. MISSISSIPPI) at Marietta has been reduced to slightly less than $300,000 from the original asking price of $550,000. Closed for more than two years, it is obvious that the boat is in need of maintenance.

The owner, who purchased the boat for $60,000 in 2005, said that there is much interest in the boat and that he had 27 calls in one day about it, mostly from curious people who lack the money and/or the ability to move the boat to another location. Other inquiries have come from businesses and cities that are interested in buying the BECKY as a tourist attraction.

The BECKY was towed from St. Louis to Marietta in August, 1975 and was used as a showboat theatre and restaurant, opening in 1977. A sinking in 1984 was almost the end for the old sternwheeler, but she was raised, the hull replated and the boat renovated, reopening in the summer of 1985.

Sale details and photos of the BECKY are listed on EBAY.