[Keith Norrington]

On the homepage Franz has noted that today marks the 99th anniversary of the June 18, 1910 fire which destroyed the Streckfus excursion steamer J.S., on the Upper Mississippi River at Bad Axe Island. She was returning to Lansing, Iowa from La Crosse, Wisconsin. A rowdy passenger, confined in the boat's jail (located in the hold) is said to have started the fire. He died in the blaze, as did a lady passenger. All other passengers were put ashore on the island and were picked up by the raftboats NORTH STAR and HARRIET which conveyed them home.

The J.S., named for Capt. John Streckfus, was built by the Howard Shipyard at Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1901. Herewith are a few very sad photos of what remained of the steamboat following the tragedy.

(1) Stage of the J.S. after the fire. (Date on the photo is in error)
(2) Boilers of the J.S., raised by the Str. DAVID TIPTON
(3) Divers at the scene of the J.S. wreckage