The Old Boat Column tends to detail a lot of vessels that became “firsts” of their kind, but, for a change, the next two weeks it will look at two… Read More
Capt. David Smith
The inland rivers of the United States have been viewed as essential means of transportation since the very beginnings of the nation. George Washington, soldier, statesman and first president of… Read More
Reading the latest Old Boat Column about the Sergeant Floyd brought back memories from when I made a short trip from Nauvoo, Ill., to Keokuk, Iowa, on September 11, 1975. Read More
This issue features our ever-popular captains’ profiles, highlighting the rewards a life of hard work, cooperation and learning can bring on the rivers. Read More
In a recent conversation, the question was raised of what was the first towboat with a retractable pilothouse. The Bull Calf was mentioned, but it came out in 1939 with… Read More
The January 5 Old Boat Column on the Aetna-Louisville and Allied-Ashland really struck a nerve, judging from the response, so this column will take a closer look at them. Built… Read More
The Nashville Bridge Company, Nashville, Tenn., has long been renowned as a builder of stylish vessels that provided their owners with many years of service. Nashville Bridge, known as simply… Read More
By John R. Miller After reading the Old Boat Column about the W.C. Shepard (later known as the John Paul) in the November 17 issue of The Waterways Journal, I wanted to add that pool… Read More
As often mentioned in this column, the Charles Ward Engineering Works, Charleston, W.Va., was an early proponent of both tunnel stern prop-driven towboats as well as boats powered by diesel… Read More
In reading the most recent Old Boat Column by Capt. David Smith about the mv. Lachlan Macleay, I was reminded of how Lachlan Macleay played a very vital role in pushing… Read More


