Topic starter
23/10/2010 11:32 pm
A certain Captain whom I trust suggested that I throw some of the (endless) questions that I have out to the experts....the people on this board. My name is dana wolfe-hildebrand and I'm the Great Granddaughter of JW Whitlock, an early boat racer, inventor, and businessman from here in Rising Sun, Indiana (also home to the lovely Grand Victoria II). I've grown up loving the river (here in RS, it's just "THE" river, as if there are no others!) and was delighted to be asked to help plan the celebration of the steamboat here next year. I've been affiliated with the Ohio County Historical Society for many, many years and now I need YOUR help. I am a newbie to the terminology and history, but not to the love of these beautiful breath takers and memory makers.
First question: If we have a display of Steamer related items, it would be nice to have recordings of calliopes and/or steam whistles for each of the featured boats. Now, I know they are all over the Net, but is it legal to use them in a museum setting without asking someone for permission ?
Related question: The same question for the image of each boat as well. Can photos be shown/sold/??
Topic starter
23/10/2010 11:36 pm
Second question
Second......The museum director wants activities for kids. So, do any of you know of games, activities, crafts -- anything -- that could draw children and be related to the steamboat/river?
Food: If we were to try to have a few authentic (historic) steamer related foods, are there ones that I should not overlook ?
24/10/2010 1:11 pm
Steam
Dana: I think I know where you can get a real wood-fired steam launch to take a few of those kids a ride. That depends upon when the event is etc...the galley is quite small however...bring your own! Cap'n Walnut
Topic starter
24/10/2010 1:42 pm
The date is to be decided. When are you available?
24/10/2010 9:47 pm
Dana: I am retired but, as you might imagine, don't sit around waiting for something to happen. The first steamboat descended the Ohio in October of 1811. You may want to do your's on the anniversary of the NEW ORLEANS' passing in late October (I think about the 23rd). I like to "do" the Rabbit Hash Old Timer's Day the first Sat before Labor Day although the organizers don't have near the enthusiasm that the kids and parents do. To do the rides correctly and safely, you need a very small number of dedicated and trained folks. I have NEVER had that happen. I am no prima donna but I have fought for a good landing spot in order to accommodate kids far too often and mostly resulting in many kids not getting a ride. Someone needs to identify those to go for a ride, make sure they have life jackets that fit them and PUT THEM ON CORRECTLY. I'd try to have two sets...one for those on board and one for those waiting so that a rapid turn-around might be accommodated...more get to ride that way. I can only take four or five at a time (depending if I have a pilot or do it all myself). You have a wonderful float and ramp there in Rising Sun and a spot BEHIND at the downstream end would be ideal as any danger from passing boats or wind swells is less there. Pretty ladies are known to have some priority as pax too. That having been said, Jim Reising and Kenny Howe wheedled me into a ride some years ago at Small Stacks at Vevay. As a follow up, those two, Alan Bates, John Fryant and Travis joined me and my brother at Rabbit Hash in September of 2009. If I still have my other steamer then and someone to run it, there can be two steamers at your event; one wood-fired; one propane-fired. MISSIE can only accommodate three others beside the pilot/engineer. My boat insurance may or may not satisfy your event requirements. Keep in mind that as much fun as it can be the weather may enter the picture and I, alone will be the arbiter as to whether or not it's a go at any given time. If you and/or your committee want a trial run let me know. I like any excuse to run her. Cap'n Walnut. Photos by John Fryant 2009
25/10/2010 3:21 pm
An Interesting Rig
Uh, in that middle picture? Is that some kind of combination roof/ sail affair??
25/10/2010 4:19 pm
Lexie: The "sail" you mention is the front and back of the canopy roof folded up to ease ingress and egress of us oldies with creaky joints. It is an innovation that is seemingly indigenous to Florida where lack of rainfall caused the lake levels there to drop alarmingly. Donno if necessity was the mother of invention, but it certainly eased things when the lake level was considerably lower than their fixed docks. They even used short ladders! Cap'n Walnut
Topic starter
25/10/2010 5:46 pm
So much to think about! I so appreciate all of your comments, advice, offers, and things to consider. Keep 'em coming, please. Bear in mind that we are a very, VERY small non-profit museum, so money is always an issue. What can we do without going begging big donations? 🙂
25/10/2010 7:38 pm
Dana: Donno what the event might cost but I do know what my little steamers would cost, Zero! But you furnish the dock help unless I can enlist the crew you see in that first picture: Cap'n Alan Bates, pilot, Travis Vasconselus (sp) one-whistle calliope, Jimmy Reising, mate, Cap'n Walnut, firing/engineer, Kenny Howe, water tender. They certainly look determined in that picture! Donno what they were looking for, the Pirates of Penzance, maidens in distress or a porta-potty? That's brother John in the other boat. Cap'n Walnut.