Sixty-two years ago this week (July 4, 1956), the river fraternity mourned the passing of Capt. William H. Leyhe at the age of 83. Affectionately known as “Capt. Buck” to… Read More
Old Boat Column
A look back into the rich history of the inland waterways transportation industry. From the earliest steam paddlewheelers to the grand sternwheel and sidewheel packets, and the eventual transition from steam to diesel, you’ll find fascinating stories and photos of a different steamboat every week.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the passing of St. Louis’ beloved river historian, Ruth Ferris (1897–1993), it also marks a five-decade milestone of this writer’s first meeting with… Read More
The seventh documented steamboat to carry the name, the Fashion was built in 1877 at Jeffersonville, Ind., by the Howard Shipyard for a contract cost of $20,714. Constructed on a… Read More
Built in 1888 at Haynes Landing, W.Va., the Clipper originated as a “sawmill boat,” constructed by the Haynes family of Proctor, W.Va. When first built, the wood-hulled vessel, owned by… Read More
Built in 1872 at Pittsburgh, the Charles Brown was owned by the firm of W.H. Brown & Sons. Constructed on a wooden hull measuring 200 feet in length by 33… Read More
In last week’s Old Boat Column, we presented the sternwheeler Saint Louis; this Memorial Day issue will focus upon the sidewheeler City of St. Louis, famous in the annals of… Read More
In honor this week of the fifth anniversary of the WJ’s Inland Marine Expo, the Old Boat Column pays homage to one of many steamboats that carried the name of… Read More
Six decades ago this week, on May 18, 1958, the Howard National Steamboat Museum at Jeffersonville, Ind., was officially opened. It was the dream of Capt. James Howard (1876–1956) that… Read More
Named for Granderson Winfrey Hill, of Alexandria, Mo., this handsome sternwheeler was constructed in 1909 by the Howard Shipyard at Jeffersonville, Ind.; the contract cost was $28,850. Built on a… Read More
Built at cost of $65,000 by the Pittsburgh firm of James Rees & Sons, the Chickasaw underwent its initial inspection on October 29, 1883. The wooden hull measured 185 feet… Read More
