Nine decades ago, on July 24, 1928, the old river tradition of steamboat racing was revived at Cincinnati, Ohio. Tens of thousands of cheering spectators lined the banks… 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.
For many decades, the Massengale family operated the St. Louis & Tennessee River Packet Company. Capt. John Massengale, a native of Gainesboro, Ga., moved to Nashville, Tenn., obtaining… Read More
The City of Parkersburg at the namesake city on January 17, 1913. (Keith Norrington collection) Built at Harmar, Ohio, in 1899 and originally named Liberty, this sternwheeler was… Read More
A faded photo of Capt. Ben Stout at the wheel of the Oakland. (Keith Norrington collection) In the glory days of steam towboating, one of the best vessels of… Read More
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
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… 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… 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… Read More
The hurricane roof of the City of St. Louis. Note the “chart room” windows at the front of the texas. In last week’s Old Boat Column, we presented… Read More