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Date: March 19, 2004 at 09:25:39
From: R. Dale Flick, [nr24-66-42-173-137.fuse.net]
Subject: ***Part III: James Burns, 1863-1951/Builder DELTA QUEEN/KING***


Part III. 'Jim swings into action.'

For years a number of stories circulated about the origins and design of the QUEEN & KING. One held that the boats were built on the designs copied from English naval gunboats constructed for service in Chinese waters. The QUEEN/KING were expanded designs on the already existing steamers CAPITAL CITY and FORT SUTTER. West coast and Alaska steamboats had their own distinctive 'look' compared to our river steamers here. Another claimed the hulls were constructed as the ISHERWOOD yards on the River Clyde, Scotland. A letter to me dated 15 April, 1991 from Mr. R. Rossiter, Managing Director, ISHERWOOD, states that no archival material or memories exist on the building of the DELTA boats. Another letter from KRUPP, Essen, West Germany, revealed no connection between their concern and the forging/milling of wheel shafts and cranks for the boats. KRUPP archives survived allied bombing efforts during World War II complete. The concern kindly forwarded extensive history and photos of their company for my general interest. [*I presented this to Franz & Carmen of this web. Carmen has been searching on her end for additional information and mentioned certain 'markings' she's seen on the DK/DQ components. The British concern, DARLINGTON CO., did contract work to builders on the Clyde and used a 'modified German Cross' on some of their castings/forging. At this point the jury is still out.] John Burns, and media sources in California at the time, recalled the shafts as,"...being forged 'like' a German cannon." John stated to me here, "In all the years I worked with my dad and conversed with him on the boats he never recalled this or showed me any evidence...I was dad's 'legs' during the building."

Jim Burns specified in his cable exchanges with DENNY BROTHERS that the shafts etc., must be of "strong nickel steel." DENNY replied, "We are now making inquiries on this." Casting and milling requirements of this design were nothing unusual in the mills and foundaries along the River Clyde at that time and for many years prior. Steel of the highest specifications was available for high-pressure boiler drums and heavy ship forgings and castings. By 1870 DENNY had the capacity to build two CUNARD steamships--the BATAVIA and PARTHIA--for the Atlantic run at their yards. By 1934 (seven years after the completion of the DELTA boats) a number of these concerns would be turning out casting of monumental dimensions for the epic liner QUEEN MARY. Construction on the twin steamers began in 1924. The DELTA KING was launched at Stockton on May 9, 1925. Trial runs were conducted before the dedication of the vessels on May 20, 1927. The KING'S departure took place on the evening of June 1st. The QUEEN began her maiden trip June 2nd, 1927, after memorable receptions, luncheons and public tours of the steamers at Sacramento by the general public. [*Capt. Anderson commented that, when the hulls slid down the ways and hit the water, "they did not 'weep' a drop."] These strongly built steamers, unlike those on our rivers, would run in two mediums--the wind-blown salt water on the wide expanses of San Francisco Bay and the fresh water environment of the Sacramento River, each with its own set of problems and requirements.

The Great Depression, coupled with a series of U.S. maritime strikes, brought hard tomes to the two steamers. C.T.Co. executives, including Jim Burns, accepted deep salary cuts to help the bottom line on the account books. Jim's predictions of increased auto and truck competition to the interests became a fact. [*The depression and maritime strikes also hit the steamers on the Gret Lakes, inland rivers and the famed FALL RIVER LINE steamers out of New York. The L&C LINE here folded without ever completing their 2nd double cabin boat, which became the last ISLAND QUEEN. The CINCINNATI was sold to Streckfus interests and became the rebuilt PRESIDENT. The adaptable GREENE LINE STEAMERS, through sound management, survived.]

Part IV: 'Epilogue: World War II/Capt. Tom Greene and final notes.'

Respectfully submitted,
R. Dale Flick


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