Topic starter
15/04/2011 9:55 pm
Thus far, 2011 has seen many departures of river family members and today it is my sad duty to announce yet another. Mary Emily Fenn, 93, widow of the late Bert R. Fenn, longtime owner of Tell City Chair Company and well known steamboat buff and collector of Tell City, Indiana, passed away Monday, April 11th. She was the former Mary Halbruge, of Rockport, Indiana and was married to Bert Fenn for 50 years at the time of his passing (at age 75) in 1993. Mary is survived by daughter Emily Kitchen, of Greensboro, North Carolina, son John Fenn of Joliet, Illinois, a granddaughter, Dr. Emily Proctor Payne and two great grandchildren. A graveside service was held on Thursday at the Greenwood Cemetery in Tell City.
Although Mary didn't consider herself a steamboat buffette (she was an avid golfer) she became close friends with many river people who came to visit Bert and his fabulous steamboat memorabilia collection. Mary was a grand hostess and always fun, with a great sense of humor. When steamboaters dined with Bert and Mary, not only were the food and wine good, but you often used silverware from the J.M. WHITE and other famous steamboats! Whenever any of the steamboats passed Tell City, Mary greatly enjoyed the whistle and searchlight salutes directed toward the beautiful Fenn home on the bluff overlooking the Ohio. So, here's a long and two shorts in tribute to Mary Fenn, and may she rest in eternal peace!
Images:
(1) Bert Fenn in his office with some of his steamboat memorabilia. July, 1988.
(2) Mary & Bert Fenn with Jeff Spear at the Fenn home, Tell City, July, 1988.
(3) Entrance to Tell City Chair Company office, July, 1988. The company is now out of business and all that remains of the building is this entrance.
15/04/2011 10:47 pm
Bert and Mary
And thanks to Bert and Mary, many of us now own pieces from his wonderful collection, which we were able to purchase at the auction he requested.
16/04/2011 5:39 pm
*RE: Mary Fenn*
Steamboating colleagues:
Again, appreciation to Keith for giving us all 'heads up' on the passing of Mary Fenn. The attached photos above touching. This 'cycle of three' with the loss of friends, associates becoming all too common in recent weeks. Yet, we all are aging and moving down that road with them 'leading the grand parade.' My deepest sympathy also to Pete Sisak and his family.
I never knew Mary Fenn other than S&D meetings, events in Louisville, trips on the BELLE but found her most engaging. Those of you closer were lucky. Bert Fenn was one of the truly 'grand originals' that cross our paths. I enjoyed talking with him in his deep, rumbling voice, twinkling eyes, wry smile.
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
Topic starter
16/04/2011 6:55 pm
Mary Fenn on deck aboard the Str. IDLEWILD
At the time this snapshot was taken, Mary Halbruge (left) undoubtedly had NO idea how her life would become so involved with steamboats and river people after she became Mrs. Bert Fenn! In this 1935 photo, Mary and her friend, Marguerite Stephens, pose for the camera aboard the excursion steamer IDLEWILD. At the time they were students at Monticello College, Godfrey, Illinois.
Topic starter
17/04/2011 3:29 pm
Departures
Indeed, this year continues to bring departures and sadness. Also passing away this past week was William Cook who, with his wife Gayle, purchased and restored CEDAR FARM, on the Ohio at Laconia, Indiana. The 1837 home and plantation were formerly owned by the Kintner-Withers family, ancestors of our own Jo Ann Withers Schoen. Bill Cook began a medical products business in the basement of his Bloomington home in the 1960's which evolved into a billion dollar empire. Wonderfully generous and hospitable, Bill and Gayle have long been well known for their historic preservation work in the state and his life is the subject of a recently published book. He was a true friend to Indiana and will certainly be missed.
Image: Cedar Farm, overlooking the Ohio, at twilight. October, 1984.