Old Boat Column

In recent columns, we have looked at radical new designs for barges and then a towboat. This column will again detail a vessel that was designed with the idea… Read More

Dravo Corporation’s Neville Island, Pa., shipyard was a large producer of many types of vessels during World War II. After the Ernest T. Weir and Albert E. Heekin were… Read More

In the November 10, 2025, issue of The Waterways Journal, this column touched on the history of Hillman Barge & Construction Company. In 1903, Pittsburgh Steel established a repair… Read More

The stern line rumor mill was flying last week with talk that the Showboat Majestic may finally have a home to go to. Showboats were once a common… Read More

The last column examined a “radically different” style of barge from 1930. This column will look at a “radically different” towboat that was built in 1953. The December… Read More

This Old Boat column is not about a boat, but rather a particular style of barge. After all, what would a towboat be without barges to push? The… Read More

The Jones and Laughlin Steel Company, better known as simply J&L, had roots in the Pittsburgh area going back to 1852. The firm was founded by Benjamin Franklin Jones… Read More

One of the growing companies operating on the inland rivers today is Hines Furlong Line, which traces its history back some five generations to Capt. Richard T. Williams, who… Read More

When the Delta Queen departed the Dravo Marine Ways at Neville Island, Pa., on February 28, 1948, after a six-month rebuilding program, the appearance of the boat had… Read More

The legendary steamer Delta Queen quietly turned 99 years old recently while languishing near Houma, La., where it has been sitting inactive since 2015. Over the years, many books… Read More