Topic starter
11/09/2010 1:59 am
We're here in Knoxville on the banks of the Tennessee River for the UT/Oregon football game Saturday night. I knew Neyland Stadium was near the river, but never realized how close it is. The Oregon fans' homebase is on the river at Calhouns Restaurant, which is where the Volunteer Navy docks - one of the most expensive collections of private yachts, cruisers, houseboats, you'll ever see together. Tonight we took the dinner cruise on the STAR OF KNOXVILLE, which was a very nice 2 hour trip downriver past palatial homes and gardens.
Mentioning the NATCHEZ got me a visit to the pilothouse, where I was told to talk to a bartender, who used to work on the DELTA QUEEN. I'm posting her picture here and want Bob, Dave, Keith, and Lexie in particular to look at her before I post her identity - she worked on the DQ in our era. Recognize her?
You never know what or whom you might see on the river!
11/09/2010 5:21 am
Judy,
Isn't that little LaCrosse built boat a charmer? I worked on her calliope back in 88 and 89 when Capt. Ed Utterback was heading things up for the owner (back then it was Capt. Bob Lumpp). The boat's name was ROBT. E. LEE back then. When she came out in 1981 she was the LACROSSE QUEEN (#2...I think). She was designed by Capt. Alan Bates (that was in the Waterways Journal...seems in conversation he said he did the hull only) She is a pretty little boat. I have fond memories of the times I spent down there with a great crew of fun people! The young lady you have pictured here was there back then, too. Her name escapes me....ain't age grand? Beautiful little river down there...unbelievable scenery! And you are right about the Vol Navy....did they hit the boat while you were underway? When I was last there, they bounced off the little paddlewheeler like she was a field of buoys! Calhouns is a great place...and also the first place I ever saw Capt. John Hartford perform live!
Travis
11/09/2010 8:49 pm
GO, BIG ORANGE! If you haven't been in Neyland before, Judy, you'll be astounded at the 100,000K Plus screaming VOL fans! Have a great time; hopefully, you are cheering for us Tennesseans!
Sharon Cunningham
11/09/2010 10:51 pm
JACKIE MATHIEU!!!!!!!!!!!! She was a maid on the DQ and was Sharon's roommate at one time.
12/09/2010 2:38 am
I'm pretty sure that Bob got it! Seems to me as if Jackie was originally from New Orleans.
Topic starter
12/09/2010 5:27 am
Yes and no
Yes, Bob certainly nailed it - that's Jackie and she's as bubbly as ever.
No, Sharon, I was in the Duck contingent and just got back from our 48 -13 victory in a rather quiet Neyland Stadium. It was loud in the beginning, but didn't seem as loud as the much smaller Autzen in Eugene, or the equal - sized Big House at Ann Arbor. I imagine they'll be a little more energetic next week vs. Florida though.
12/09/2010 2:36 pm
No, I designed the entire boat for Capt. Robert Lumpp. I believe its original name was either River Queen or Southern Belle. The hull-only job was the Creole Queen, the only job where I fired the owner. The LaCrosse Queen was the one that created quite a stir. The yard superintendent was a carefree sort who sprayed the primer on a very windy day. He also primed about thirty or so automobiles in the Wiedemann Brewery parking lot nearby. When braced he said, "That's why God made insurance, heh, heh, heh."
12/09/2010 4:01 pm
Well Bob thats what I thought too but wasnt as sure as you I guess. We used to call her Jackie Lee because her significant other at the time was Tommy Lee. I had forgotten her Last name but I remember her like it was just yesterday.
12/09/2010 5:20 pm
I thought it was Jackie, but, like all of us, she has aged a little and plumped out a little. so I wasn't sure. I thought she married Tommy. It would be worth a trip to Knoxville to see her. And while in Tennessee, let's see, what to do, what to do....