Bert was a real gem. I only knew him from S&D meetings,
but I was always privileged to receive his Christmas
letters, what great remembrances. And I think Bert did
the steamboating world a great favor by having his
collection auctioned off, rather than donating it to a
museum which might or might not have displayed the
stuff. So many of us were able to acquire significant
steamboat memorabilia through Bert's foresight. I was
lucky enough to get 3 items: a serving ladle from the
Effie Afton, a notebook of Avalon papers, and Bert's
Greene Line paper collection. Capt. Wagner always
liked to tell how Bert saved them when they tore up the
paddlewheel, I think of the Avalon, near Tell City, and
Bert got them all the necessary lumber that same day.
There might have been one or two less Tell City chairs
made that day, but a steamboat was able to resume its
travels! ................
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