The river community was greatly saddened recently to learn of the untimely passing of Charles “Chuck” Parrish on December 21, 2020. He was 78. Long the exemplary and kindly historian… Read More
Belle of Louisville
For the first time in 61 years, the excursion steamboat Belle of Louisville traveled up the Ohio River as far as Gallipolis, Ohio, for its every-five-year Coast Guard inspection and… Read More
In 1952, a young man named Clarke Campbell Hawley joined the crew of the excursion steamboat Avalon as calliope player and popcorn popper, embarking on an adventure that spanned more… Read More
When the steel hull of the steamer Idlewild slid into the Allegheny River at the James Rees yard on October 18, 1914, it is doubtful that anyone present had the… Read More
The Belle of Louisville is looking for donations and gift certificate purchases to stay afloat financially. The 1914 paddlewheel-driven, steam-powered vessel is the last operating riverboat of its kind anywhere… Read More
Happy New Year! We begin the Old Boat Column for 2020 with one of the beautiful steamboats operated by the famous Diamond Jo Line, the steamer Quincy. Built at Dubuque,… Read More
David Orme has joined Carlisle & Bray Enterprises, Covington, Ky., as chief operating officer. In his new role, Orme will manage all operations at Carlisle & Bray, which includes C&B… Read More
Seven decades ago, on May 11, 1949, the steamer Avalon arrived at my hometown of New Albany, Ind., just across the Ohio River from Louisville, Ky. The last of the… Read More
The Sadie Downman, which was typical of the small towboats that ran on southern rivers, was built in 1899. Records show that the steamboat was first inspected at Morgan City,… Read More
In the heyday of excursion steamboating, this time of year was the peak season for the riverboats to prowl the inland waterways, offering daytime cruises as well as “moonlites,” with… Read More
