Capt. Wagner Memorial

Ted: I never met Cap'n Wagner but his larger than life presence was very apparent to me as I gawked at the DELTA QUEEN 'way back in the 60s. I'd be willing to do something as I live a lot closer to the grave than you...I being here near Rabbit Hash on the south shore. As much ink as has been spilt in his honor on this board alone, there ought to be any number of volunteers to make it no hardship on any one person. I await the landslide of volunteers. Cap'n Walnut

The Captain Wagner Memorial Preservation Society

Greetings From New Orleans ,
First of all , Thank You and a few others so much for your kind words , interest and desire to make a difference and to preserve both the Capt. Wagner Memorial and just importantly to donate your time and efforts to keep this man's legacy alive . I propose the formation of the " Captain Wagner Memorial Preservation Society " . The purpose is simply to preserve and maintain this man's legacy and the effect this man had on not only the the Str.'s Island Queen , the Idlewild and the Delta Queen & Mississippi Queen but also to each and everyone of us that he made a difference to in our lifes . Futhermore , I purpose that those of you that are truly interested contact me at : [email protected] , or 504-615-7070 and we discuss how we may go about this very worthy endeavor . I will be looking forward to hearing from each and everyone of you , I will be looking forward to your contribuations in any form or method that you may care to assist with . I also propose that we organize , we deputytize and then we supervise how we go about his task of keeping the memory of Captain Wagner alive for those of us that knew him but just as important for those of us that may have only heard of him . I look forward to your comments about how we may accomplish this goal . Futhermore , and out of respect to Captain Wagner , and all he did for me , I will make it may personal goal to maintain his memory and memorial with or without the help of the many or the few or no one else !
Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Tom Schiffer;12414 wrote: Ted: I never met Cap'n Wagner but his larger than life presence was very apparent to me as I gawked at the DELTA QUEEN 'way back in the 60s. I'd be willing to do something as I live a lot closer to the grave than you...I being here near Rabbit Hash on the south shore. As much ink as has been spilt in his honor on this board alone, there ought to be any number of volunteers to make it no hardship on any one person. I await the landslide of volunteers. Cap'n Walnut

Ted, this is a noble idea and vision absolutely - and I would like to be a part of it, even if only from a distance. Though I don't recall the exact date of the event, it was in the spring of 1980 when a group of river enthusiasts and close friends and associates of Capt. Wagner, under the leadership of Betty Blake took an all day trip from Covington to New Richmond aboard the M/V Betty Blake, the first vessel of BB Riverboats, for the dedication of Capt. Ernie Wagner Park, of which you write so glowingly and at the same time bring news of its neglect. Both Cap's wife and son were along for the occasion as were any and all you can name from the greater Cincinnati (and beyond) river community. I came along and provided piano entertainment during the trip, and we also brought a gospel group called the Tag Alongs from Lebanon, Ohio. When we got to New Richmond, they brought a payloader down the bank to where we landed and they offloaded the small air calliope from the Betty Blake and transported it up the bank in the payloader's bucket for use during the dedication service. The Tag Alongs sang sweetly, Betty spoke inspiringly as did local officials, and there were many tears shed at the sweet memories of Cap at this very poignant and meaningful dedication. I will never forget the mood on the return trip to Covington aboard the Betty Blake being so much quieter than the ride up. I remember Betty telling me that she was being strong and would save her tears for later when she was quietly alone.

To have the dream of keeping Cap's memory always alive and fresh by restoring the park to its former glory would indeed be a great way for all of us to continue to honor and remember the life of this giant of a riverman.

It's been almost 30 years since the park was dedicated, so what about the idea of re-enacting that cruise of 1980 as a way to rekindle excitement about the memorial? There are many in Cincinnati who are still around who were on board that day and who would probably love to do this. And there are certainly many more who have come along since, who, though they didn't know Capt. Wagner when he was alive, have come to know him through their association with the river and the Delta Queen.

I am certain a special charter event could be arranged through Capt. Alan Bernstein with BB Riverboats for a trip to New Richmond to mark the beginning of the revival of interest in restoring the memorial and inspiring the town of New Richmond to have some kind of annual civic event centering around the park to keep Capt. Wagner's memory alive.

Just What I am Looking For !!

Greetings From New Orleans ,
Jazzou ,
This is exactly what I am looking for and Thank You , so much for your thoughts and contributions ! I am looking for people with IDEAS , like yours , on how to give this notion of saving the memory and the inspriation of an old river captain known as WAGNER , the enery and direction it needs to see this endeavor reach its ultimate goal ! This is what I am looking for , people who think out of the box , who will roll up their sleaves and who will offer up their ideas and their sweat and their abilites so as to turn heads , make people think and who will then actively get involved with this project . What a neat idea to suggest this excursion literally down memory lane to New Richmond , Ohio to re-dedicate and honor the Captain Wagner Memorial . Please anyone that reads this and is interested in this goal please contat me and come aboard this boat ride for Captain Wagner . The way I see it , WE need to organize , we need to get a membership list of people who will work and didicate themselves toward this end . We need to either elect or appoint officiers to head different committees to accomplish the small jobs inorder to reach the final goal . Once again , if interested please feel free to contact me at : [email protected] or 504-615-7070 . Show your true colors and get involved !!
Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Jazzou Jones;12424 wrote: Ted, this is a noble idea and vision absolutely - and I would like to be a part of it, even if only from a distance. Though I don't recall the exact date of the event, it was in the spring of 1980 when a group of river enthusiasts and close friends and associates of Capt. Wagner, under the leadership of Betty Blake took an all day trip from Covington to New Richmond aboard the M/V Betty Blake, the first vessel of BB Riverboats, for the dedication of Capt. Ernie Wagner Park, of which you write so glowingly and at the same time bring news of its neglect. Both Cap's wife and son were along for the occasion as were any and all you can name from the greater Cincinnati (and beyond) river community. I came along and provided piano entertainment during the trip, and we also brought a gospel group called the Tag Alongs from Lebanon, Ohio. When we got to New Richmond, they brought a payloader down the bank to where we landed and they offloaded the small air calliope from the Betty Blake and transported it up the bank in the payloader's bucket for use during the dedication service. The Tag Alongs sang sweetly, Betty spoke inspiringly as did local officials, and there were many tears shed at the sweet memories of Cap at this very poignant and meaningful dedication. I will never forget the mood on the return trip to Covington aboard the Betty Blake being so much quieter than the ride up. I remember Betty telling me that she was being strong and would save her tears for later when she was quietly alone.

To have the dream of keeping Cap's memory always alive and fresh by restoring the park to its former glory would indeed be a great way for all of us to continue to honor and remember the life of this giant of a riverman.

It's been almost 30 years since the park was dedicated, so what about the idea of re-enacting that cruise of 1980 as a way to rekindle excitement about the memorial? There are many in Cincinnati who are still around who were on board that day and who would probably love to do this. And there are certainly many more who have come along since, who, though they didn't know Capt. Wagner when he was alive, have come to know him through their association with the river and the Delta Queen.

I am certain a special charter event could be arranged through Capt. Alan Bernstein with BB Riverboats for a trip to New Richmond to mark the beginning of the revival of interest in restoring the memorial and inspiring the town of New Richmond to have some kind of annual civic event centering around the park to keep Capt. Wagner's memory alive.

I'm sorry to say I did not know the Captain. But I would be more than glad to join in on your effort being that I'm a born and bred "river rat". I think a membership is a good place to start. Funds will be needed to do a few things, like replace the plaque. Also I would suggest a tree planting (since the trees that were there are gone) either at the beginning of the campaign or at the rededication. If the tree planting were at the beginning, it would be nice to go back for the rededication to see how it is doing. Also PLEASE have any ceremony on a weekend. I'm still a workin' stiff and don't have enough vacation/sick days to spread thin enough. Also if there is someone that has the knowledge to make this effort non-profit, then donations either of funds or material will be tax deductible.

I've printed out these suggestions and will take them to the DELTA QUEEN when she is in Louisville this week, as there are many river folks on this week who don't have internet access, but I'm sure will be interested in helping out.

What a worthy cause.

Capt. Davisson was lucky that there was anything to see at the Wagner memorial. On July 20th. we had a very bad storm with 70 m.p.h. winds and lots of rain. The two remaining big trees by the memorial came crashing down as did about two dozen more in that area. I was called and told of the situation and after cutting my way out of my driveway drove down to the riverfront and had to park several blocks away. As I came down the street all I could see were the two trees and NO memorial or DQ airscoops. I just felt all was flattened. As the branches were cut away the memorial and both air scoops appeared, damaged but intact. One tree trunk missed the scoops by less than a foot. Do you think "Big Ern" pushed them out of the way ?? The plaque is in safe keeping at the Townhall, the damaged brick on the memorial is to be repaired, the air scoops repainted and cracked paving blocks replaced. The plaque will be installed. Cap's stepson Walter Stark still lives in New Richmond as does his Granddaughter Gina Dees who works for me. Trust me Cap is not forgotten. Several side notes, in Capt. Walnuts post he refers to a grave site, Capt. Wagner is buried in Florida. Also the Wagner home, just across from the memorial has recently been redone. It's had several owners but is still known by all the locals as the "Wagner house". Hope this makes the situation seem better. Ted's right on the trees, thirty years ago our riverfront was lined with stately huge trees, now all are gone, none by the fault of man.

Bill,
That is all very encouraging to hear. Glad the park is not so bad off as it sounded. I had heard a number of years ago that the park had become overgrown, and then had no updates since. And, though I've passed by New Richmond countless time in the intervening years, I've not been ashore there since the original memorial dedication. I think an annual or bi-annual cruise with a little ceremony or re-enactment of some kind partaken by interested river folks would be something to consider - perhaps scheduled in conjunction with some other festive regular occasion in New Richmond. Any suggestions or possible reaction/ideas from the locals there?
Jazzou

Bill,
That is all very encouraging to hear. Glad the park is not so bad off as it sounded, despite the recent storm havoc. I had heard a number of years ago that the park had become overgrown, and then had no updates since. And, though I've passed by New Richmond countless time in the intervening years, I've not been ashore there since the original memorial dedication. I think an annual or bi-annual cruise with a little ceremony or re-enactment of some kind partaken by interested river folks would be something to consider - perhaps scheduled in conjunction with some other festive regular occasion in New Richmond. Any suggestions or possible reaction/ideas from the locals there?
Jazzou

Count Me In...

So... now, thanks to Cap'n Judd's report, we know things aren't as bad as first it seemed at Big Cap's Memorial, but what can we do we do to help? A tree planting in Captain Wagner's honor to replace the many that had fallen along the riverfront would be swell.

Jazzou mentioned Capt. Alan Bernstein's BB Riverboats whose headquarters are on the waterfront in Newport, Kentucky. Captain Wagner's first home along the Ohio River was in Newport where several of the crew of the ISLAND QUEEN II also called home. I'd love to see a plaque honoring the Big E on the N'pt Landing within sight of where the IQ landed across the river in Cincinnati. Who else remembers that Cap used to work for Helen G. at the Newport Yacht Club during the off-season when the ISLAND QUEEN was laid up for the winter? The NYC was located on the same stretch of riverbank that BBRB now occupies, and Helen's is where I first got my start on the river on Walt Hoffmeier's PAL-O-MINE in 1952.

But, first things first. Anything I can do, count me in.

To answer Jazzou's post. I think Ted's photos show the well kept grounds around the memorial. Yes, I think the locals would entertain some sort of recognition event. There are two events held in the park area, 4th. of July and a three day festival called "River Days". I'll speak to the Village Manager about the idea.

Now let me tell you my pet peeve about the memorial location. For years after Capt. Wagner died the DQ and MQ always blew a beautiful whistle salute as they passed. Now they slip by with not a sound. It's really kind of sad. It makes me wonder if the pilothouse crew even knows who Wagner was.

Thanks So Much ....................

Greetings From New Orleans !
First of all , and most importantly , " Thanks so much for answering the call " to assist in the renovation of Capt. Wagners Memorial . Someone told me long ago that basically there are two kinds of people in the world ; Talkers & Do'ers ! It certainly goes without saying who are the " Talkers & Do'ers " in this group and who really cares about the past and for that matter Captain Wagner as well . It was good to hear that things are not as bad off as was first thought and hopfully the community of New Richmond will make a speedy and total restoration of the Captain Wagner Memorial ! My only question and concern is what will they do and most importantly , not do ?? I for one believe that the very least we should do is to do some landscaping such as ; the planting of trees and shrubery . I have a number of other ideas as well that I believe would be worthy of Captain Wagner , such as the placement of a few park benches , a more thorough story or description of Captain Wagner's life in general , a rededication crusie as Jazzou suggested and possibley another plaque or park for Captain Wagner as Capt. Sanders reccomended . I also realize that these ideas may require some time , some work and yes , some money to fullfill but was Captain Wagner worth it for ALL that he did for US ?? Food for thought and I will continue on this journey and your help , thoughts and prayers would certainly be appreciated . Hope to hear back from each and everyone of you that cares abpout this project and it goes without saying that if you could just spread " The Word " about this project and have them contact me we can make this a project that we would ALL be proud of !
Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Shipyard Sam;12449 wrote: So... now, thanks to Cap'n Judd's report, we know things aren't as bad as first it seemed at Big Cap's Memorial, but what can we do we do to help? A tree planting in Captain Wagner's honor to replace the many that had fallen along the riverfront would be swell.

Jazzou mentioned Capt. Alan Bernstein's BB Riverboats whose headquarters are on the waterfront in Newport, Kentucky. Captain Wagner's first home along the Ohio River was in Newport where several of the crew of the ISLAND QUEEN II also called home. I'd love to see a plaque honoring the Big E on the N'pt Landing within sight of where the IQ landed across the river in Cincinnati. Who else remembers that Cap used to work for Helen G. at the Newport Yacht Club during the off-season when the ISLAND QUEEN was laid up for the winter? The NYC was located on the same stretch of riverbank that BBRB now occupies, and Helen's is where I first got my start on the river on Walt Hoffmeier's PAL-O-MINE in 1952.

But, first things first. Anything I can do, count me in.

If I may venture an opinion-- There is a nationwide epidemic of theft of brass, bronze and aluminum items, even extending to monumental sculpture, grave markers and copper gutters and downspouts. It might be wise to replace the plaque with another material. Sandblast etched stone would not attract the metal thieves. There may also be other alternatives that would work. It would be a shame to replace the plaque only to have it ripped off again.

Hank , Point Well Taken !

Greetings From New Orleans ,
Hank , Point well taken and fortunately , its my understanding that someone in the New Richmond city government has the plaque in their possession and hopfully it will soon be re-installed in the monument and hopfully in such a manner that it will at least be harder to remove . Now , having said that , I for one think that possibly another plaque could be fabricated out of granite or marble and with just possibly a bust or outline of Capt. Wagner on it so as not to lure vandals from removing it . Futhermore , poosbly a cemetary would have the wherewithall to fabricate such a plaque . What do you think ?? Thanks so much for your thoughts and contributions and PLEASE keep them coming . I have alwqays been of the opinion that a " COLLECTIVE MIND -SET " could be a formible force with many many good ideas steming from it ! Thanks so much and keep those thoughts and ideas coming !!
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Hank Bloomer;12473 wrote: If I may venture an opinion-- There is a nationwide epidemic of theft of brass, bronze and aluminum items, even extending to monumental sculpture, grave markers and copper gutters and downspouts. It might be wise to replace the plaque with another material. Sandblast etched stone would not attract the metal thieves. There may also be other alternatives that would work. It would be a shame to replace the plaque only to have it ripped off again.

I am so impressed and PROUD of............................

Greetings From New Orleans ,
I just wanted to take this moment and opportunity to personally THANK on and all whom have " answered the call " by volunteering their time , energy , services and yes money to see this project reach its ultimate goal ! We have a long way to go but with your thoughts and suggestions there is no doubt in my mind at least that this goal is now very very obtainable ! There is also no doubt in my mind that Capt. Wagner is looking down on us and with a tear in his eye , is wishing one and all the very best from the bottom of his bigger than life heart ! Thanks one and all !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson

Bill..............

Bill ,
Thanks for the information you have provided concerning the Capt. Wagner Memorial , plaque and the other information as well . Since your in the area would you consider being our " Point Man " in the area there and consider doing some of the much needed leg work that must take place ? Also ,please contact me when possible at : [email protected] or 504-615-7070 . I would like to speak to you concerning some of the most pressing matters concerning the memorial so please contact me whn possible . Thanks again for all your help and interest !
Smoothe Sailing !
Ted Davisson OTE=Bill Judd;12442]Capt. Davisson was lucky that there was anything to see at the Wagner memorial. On July 20th. we had a very bad storm with 70 m.p.h. winds and lots of rain. The two remaining big trees by the memorial came crashing down as did about two dozen more in that area. I was called and told of the situation and after cutting my way out of my driveway drove down to the riverfront and had to park several blocks away. As I came down the street all I could see were the two trees and NO memorial or DQ airscoops. I just felt all was flattened. As the branches were cut away the memorial and both air scoops appeared, damaged but intact. One tree trunk missed the scoops by less than a foot. Do you think "Big Ern" pushed them out of the way ?? The plaque is in safe keeping at the Townhall, the damaged brick on the memorial is to be repaired, the air scoops repainted and cracked paving blocks replaced. The plaque will be installed. Cap's stepson Walter Stark still lives in New Richmond as does his Granddaughter Gina Dees who works for me. Trust me Cap is not forgotten. Several side notes, in Capt. Walnuts post he refers to a grave site, Capt. Wagner is buried in Florida. Also the Wagner home, just across from the memorial has recently been redone. It's had several owners but is still known by all the locals as the "Wagner house". Hope this makes the situation seem better. Ted's right on the trees, thirty years ago our riverfront was lined with stately huge trees, now all are gone, none by the fault of man.