[Keith Norrington]

As has been earlier mentioned, 2009 marks one hundred years since the GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT was built by the Pope Dock Company at Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1909. Although the old showboat is virtually abandoned along the Illinois River near Kampsville, she is not totally forgotten.

Don Franz, originator of the St. Louis Ragtimers (which performed for many years on the showboat) and who was a business partner of the late Frank C. Pierson, who purchased the boat from Capt. J.W. Menke after the 1962 fire -- and also owned the Str. BECKY THATCHER -- has arranged for a musical extravaganza celebrating the showboat's existence for the past century.

THE GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT CENTENNIAL YEAR
and the ST. LOUIS RAGTIMERS 48th ANNIVERSARY.

Sunday, October 18th ----- 3:00 - 6:00 PM -- Doors open at 2:15.
The Sheldon Ballroom
3648 Washington Boulevard
St. Louis (just West of Grand Avenue) Free Parking.
Purchase tickets at the door - $10 per person.
Beverages, snacks and CD's available for purchase.
Bring your camera - Bring a Friend!
Information: Don Franz: 314/994-1773 or franz.d@sbcglobal.net

Photos:

(1) Goldenrod Showboat at Herculaneum, Mo - August, 1937 - less than two months before she tied up permanently at St. Louis..
(2) Goldenrod at St. Charles, MO - 1990's.