[R. Dale Flick]

Dear Steamboating colleagues:
The 'dusty boxes' [cough, cough] revealed here today interesting items long forgotten. Among the items is the first brochure announcement for the then 'new' DELTA QUEEN here in Cincinnati. There were discussions on this web some months back about that trip. Richard Prater, granddson of Capt. Jesse Huges, worked on the boat at that time and vividly recalls it. The GREENE LINE STEAMERS folder was offered by American Express, 4th St. here in Cincinnati. The DQ was scheduled to depart Cincinnati for Cairo on Saturday, June 12, 1948 to Sat. June 19th., this the first of twelve Cairo trips that season. 'Fares' listed: Deck C, $78.75 to $87.50; Deck A&B, $96.25 to $135.25; 'Parlors' at $140. You'd faint at how low the Cincinnati-New Orleans fares were from $225 to $400 with four such scheduled that first year from Sept. 11th to Nov. 13, 1948. The DQ's Labor Day cruise was priced from $45 and up.

The Greene family were thinking 'modern' and at no time does the brochure use the term 'steamboat' with the term 'river liner' in its place. Children under the age of eleven, half fair and twelve years of age and over at full fare. "No Seasickness" is mentioned along with "Pasengers regardless of accommodation are not restricted as to space and have the run of the ship."

Saturday: Depart Cincinnati 8:00 PM
Sunday: Louisville, Portland Canal, Ox Bow Bends cruising.
Monday: Wabash River, Cave-In-Rock, Paducah, KY in evening.
Tuesday: Cairo, Ill. shore stop etc.
Wednesday: Cruising to Evansville, Ind.
Thursday: Brandenburg and Louisville, KY with stop.
Friday: Madison, Ind.
Saturday: Arrive Cincinnati.

Richard Prater mentioned the DQ going up the Tennessee River on a run to Kentucky Lake and return.

One consice, convenient brochure with all you needed to know in 1948 and no multiple printings. 1948 was a long time ago.

Cheers,
R. Dale Flick