[Keith Norrington]

Just a friendly reminder that "River Reflections", the fifth program in my RIVER RAMBLINGS series at the Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion is just a week away! We'll convene in the 1880's carriage house - aft of the mansion - at 3:00 PM (EDT) on Saturday, July 18th. The program presenter this year is our own Capt. Alan L. Bates. I've asked Alan to "reflect" upon his river experiences of many decades and this is certain to be a memorable presentation.

Admission to the program is $5 per person (including museum members) and Judy Patsch will be selling tickets at the door. All proceeds benefit the operating fund of the museum, now in its 51st year. Judy's famous "steamboat chocolate chip cookies" will be served at the refreshment table. Remember that the carriage house is NOT air-conditioned, so do dress comfortably for the summer heat!

I always schedule these programs at 3:00 to accommodate those who wish to avail themselves of the afternoon excursion aboard the Str. BELLE OF LOUISVILLE from 12:00-2:00 and still have plenty of time to drive over to the museum. Information about the BELLE cruise is available by clicking on Steamboat Belle of Louisville - Excursions, Dance Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Charters, Weddings on the Ohio River. As mentioned previously, Chief Engineer Kenny Howe will be presiding in the engine room, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

The museum gift shop will be open and we have a dandy new booklet available for purchase. Entitled Who were the Howard's and What did they Do? the profusely illustrated publication has loads of wonderful information on the Howard family, the shipyard and the mansion. Janice Peters Molnar, who does MUCH volunteer work at the museum, along with her husband, Mike, who maintains our website, is the author of this well researched and beautifully done booklet, which sells for $5. Thank you Janice and Mike!

Also new at the museum is a large poster from the SHOWBOAT MAJESTIC, the gift of a generous donor and recently delivered by Mike and Rita Jones. Thanks to ALL involved for this welcome addition to our showboat memorabilia! It's now prominently displayed over the mantel in the front exhibit room on the second floor, so don't miss it!

EVERYONE is WELCOME and I look forward to seeing you on deck! Following the program, there's usually a contingent of "boat people" at the Kingfish Restaurant for dinner, always a great time for fun and fellowship when we "gather at the river" to visit and talk steamboating!

Further information, including driving directions, is available on the museum website by clicking on Howard Steamboat Museum - Home Page.

Ya'll come!
"Curator Keith"

Images:
(1) Howard Steamboat Museum Carriage House - Site of River Ramblings - Drawing by Norman Kohlhepp, husband of Frances Howard.
(2) Cover of NEW historical booklet available in gift shop.
(3) Delivery of SHOWBOAT MAJESTIC poster by Mike Jones and acceptance by Curator Keith - Monday, June 8, 2009.