Barbara H

I guess I've been out of the loop...I gathered from my post about the Loretta Howard that the Huffman's had sold the Howard, did they also sell the Barbara H.? If so, who bought it?

John

The Barbara H's new owner is Bob Harrison, who also owns Bill Judd's former boat, the Sewickley.

I think Bill will vouch for the fact that maintaining 400 tons of floating equipment by one's self, on the upper reaches of a pool, can be a challenge. I wasn't really hoping to "quit" yet, but after fighting 35' of river fluxuation for 12 years, I am ready for a break. I've also seen 3 funnel clouds within a mile of here within 1 year. The one that hit Henryville went right over the boats. No damage, but I don't like gambling with increasingly "weird" weather.

I have no regrets about buying the boats, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of ownership (as opposed to just being a passenger/enthusiast). I would do it again if it were 2000 again. I began construction of my moorings in September 2000, and had my landing ready a month later. The "Barbara H" arrived in December 2000. Prior to that my family had owned a sternwheel excursion boat from 1958 to 1981, and I left that boat as captain in 1986. So handling these boats was not new to me, and part of my life.

It would have been much easier to part with the Barbara H had it not been so unique (last and oldest of its kind, National Historic Landmark, etc). Plus all the work I put into it over the years. I still have my Coast Guard 100-Ton license, and maybe there will be opportunities in the future, but I will simply not find another boat as special as the Barbara H.

Barbara and I will of course continue to participate in S&D and ride the boats, and we thank those who have helped support our cause (maintaining the Barbara H and making her open to the public) for these past 12 years. It goes without saying that we will likely not be offering a 2013 Riverboat calendar, at least not one that is for a non-profit fundraising campaign.

At any rate, I wish Bob the best of luck, and will be traveling up to Bellaire to train him in the operation of the direct-reversing engine. Bob is the best possible new owner for the Barbara H, and has pledged to keep her as is. He is a collector of sternwheel towboat artifacts, and has complete marineway facilities at Bellaire to keep the boat maintained.

-Steve

Also out of the loop

Steve, I have been unaware as well, so sorry to hear that you and Barbara have passed the Barbara H forward, she is a beautiful vessel and you guys have done a remarkable job over the years. Your efforts can only be described as herculean, indeed I know of few who could do what ya'll have done, let alone would do it. I will always remember my brief sojourn at your landing where you and Barbara were so gracious to give us such a special tour.
I am glad that you have found a good home for her and that her preservation will continue. Your efforts have made possible the preservation of a remarkable piece of river history, and for that and your many other contributions, we on the river sound your praises, you and Barbara are a rare breed, as rare as the artifacts of history you have helped so much to preserve. For all you efforts you are saluted, admired and loved by all who hold the river and it's legacy dear! Well done!

Thanks for the Memories!

Steve, you and Barbara have been in my thoughts lately as I have found various papers, photos and other items pertaining to the steam towboat LORETTA HOWARD in the museum collections. Had no idea that the remains of the boat would be passing her birthplace of Jeffersonville, undoubtedly for the final time, en route to a new home in the South.

You and Barbara are to be congratulated for all your hard work in maintaining the BARBARA H. as a historic vessel in order to, as Capt. C.W. Stoll always said, "spread the gospel" of river history. I know that you have had some unique experiences during your ownership! My parents and I have always appreciated your kind hospitality aboard the boat and especially enjoyed attending the christening ceremony, which we will always remember fondly.

Many thanks and best wishes!
Keith

tempus fugit

Know how you feel. We didn't have 400 tons, but sometimes it seemed like it. So making the decision to sell out was relatively easy. Actually selling all our boats was not. What you did as a stewart of those old boats was a noble endeavor. Carry on.

Barbara H

It is offical the name of the Barbara H has been changed the new name is it's original name Standard

New owners? Who? Relocating?

Just look at the thread you just posted to, all your answers are already there

I like it! Considering the name was bound to change again someday, I can't think of a better choice than the original name: Standard.