When Frank Pierson purchased the steamer Mississippi (then a tourist attraction moored opposite Hannibal, Mo.) in early 1966 and brought it to St. Louis to replace his sunken Becky Thatcher,… Read More
buck leyhe
The Eagle Packet Company of St. Louis contracted in 1913 with the Howard Shipyard to build a wood-hulled sternwheeler for $26,000. The new steamboat, 242 by 37.8 feet and named… Read More
There were numerous ship chandleries along the waterways that provided all manner of supplies to riverboats. One of the best known on the Mississippi was the Eagle Boat Store on… Read More
Undoubtedly taken from the Eads Bridge, this week’s Old Boat Column image presents a busy scene at St. Louis in 1903. Spread Eagle In the foreground is the steamer Spread… Read More
Built in 1902 by the Howard Shipyard at Jeffersonville, Ind., the Stacker Lee was owned by the famous Lee Line of Memphis. Constructed at a cost of $21,600 on a… 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
