Topic starter
07/05/2012 6:27 pm
Steamboating colleagues,
The appearance of the grand AMERICAN QUEEN created quite a stir here in Cincinnati last week. Her four year absence appeared on local TV, radio and the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER with photos, interviews. The first news article last Wednesday a bit confused with the wrong company name, picture so close all you saw was several people and a deck railing. First edition said, "The AMERICAN QUEEN replaces the older retired DELTA QUEEN with wooden superstructure now serving as a floating hotel in Chattanooga, Tenn."
Cliff Radel, veteran ENQUIRER reporter, set all straight with a fine long piece with photos outside and inside in Friday's edition. Intervews with Riverlorian Travis Vanconcelos, passengers Barb Hameister, Carol Roth. Radel also intervied in more length a construction worker with an interest in steamboats who came down in the early morning fog to take pictures. Also an older couple celebrating their anniversary aboard for eight days; then the gentleman entertaining as Mark Twain. I held my breath reading, listening pepared for the words, "The queen is dead. Long live the queen!" It did not appear in print nor was it uttered into TV microphones.
The AQ looks terrific. I did not run down to see her due to strict security with visitors etc. Good seeing a working passenger steamboat back on our rivers. Cheers!
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati
