Topic starter
28/09/2006 1:44 pm
Work has begun this week on the new visitors entrance (with ramp) at the rear of the Howard Steamboat Museum. The enclosed back porch is also being renovated to become the reception area and gift shop. The kitchen (currently the gift shop) will be restored to look somewhat as it did prior to the 1971 fire. A new, educational and fun exhibit on the back porch will be a mock pilothouse, utilizing the large double circle pilotwheel (placed in a slot cut into the floor) from the steam towboat NORTHERN, bell cords, functional engineroom bells, etc. Various artifacts formerly exhibited in this part of the mansion will move upstairs to new places, including the large wooden eagle from the steamboat BELLE OF CALHOUN, models of the SPRAGUE and BRYANT'S SHOWBOAT, as well as the whistle and 8' pilotwheel from the ED J. HOWARD. So, if you visit the museum in the near future, please pardon our dust!
28/09/2006 5:23 pm
Was Capt. Leonie consulted on the pilothouse plans during her last visit?
Topic starter
28/09/2006 5:58 pm
"Opa Alan" Bates is the main mastermind for the pilothouse exhibit. The roof bell of the steam towboat DUFFY, which Leonie rang several years ago -- much to her chagrin -- is slated to be moved to a new and secure place outside the mansion where it can be rung WITHOUT being so reverberant and LOUD!
28/09/2006 6:18 pm
Hi, Keith:
Thanks for the timely update on all of the interesting renovations underway at the Howard Museum and I hope you keep us posted as things progress. The Howard mansion, collection and grounds are better than ever and the many venues scheduled through the year worth the time for past and future visitors. How lucky to have this attraction reflecting the art and skill of the Howard builders and craft. It's a one-of-a-kind destination and those wondering what the interior of the old steamboat cabins really looked like need only view the wonderful wall panels, carvings and furnishings preserved inside. The work all of you have done over the years [Far too many to name here] in restoration after the tragic fire and bringing out of the darkness items for view rates a round of applause. Just walking up that grand staircase is a real treat. Did people 'really' live like that in those days? The Howard family did. The museum is a great center for civic activities and river oriented events.
Cheers,
R. Dale Flick
Topic starter
09/10/2006 11:49 am
Project Update: Work is progressing very well on the new entrance/reception area/gift shop. Concrete for the new sidewalks, ramp and steps has been poured and new wood installed under the flooring. When the old siding was removed some original railing was discovered from the early days when the porch was screened. The ceiling has been removed as the entire area will be "weatherized" with heating and cooling. The only artifact remaining on the porch is the BIG double circle pilotwheel from the steam towboat NORTHERN, which will be incorporated into the new pilothouse exhibit. During the ongoing construction work, the rear entrance to the museum is closed in the interest of safety. Museum visitors should enter by the front gate and follow the signs. The new renovations are going to be great!