Yes, your memory isn't too bad for having been a 'kid'
when you took the picture! John was Watchman and
Entertainer on that trip. Doc and Roddy were Masters,
Joe Gale was pilot the whole way, Lexie was pilot from
NOLA to Memphis, and CW was pilot from Memphis to
Louisville. Steve Nicoulin, current master, and Rodney
Richardson were the mates. Wilbur Dow did show an
architect's rendering of a second boat, the City of New
Orleans I think, which was to be a dinner boat, and if
gambling started up, a casino. The engines from the
Mississippi were going to be used. But for one reason
or another, that never came about. We owned the
President and she wasn't making money, and the Natchez
was just holding her own against the Creole Queen.
Wilbur even mentioned that Roddy was to be the Captain,
and Roddy's mother asked him why he didn't tell her. It
was because he didn't know until he heard Wilbur say
it! As for the Natchez ever venturing upriver, I'd say
there is little chance. They don't like to leave the
NOLA market(out of sight, out of mind), the stacks are
a problem, crewing would be a problem(not that there
wouldn't be volunteers), but the lack of private
sleeping space would probably be a biggy with the CG.
Also, you need a Betty Blake/Ernst Meyer type of
advance man to drum up business. There is no such
person in the NOSteamboat Co., or anywhere in the
employ of a steamboat company now. Many of us could
give it the old college try, but we don't have the
expertise and contacts they had. so, it's wishful
thinking,but.
............
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