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29/05/2014 4:12 pm
The Ohio Valley River Museum is pleased to announce the dedication of its brand new J. Mack Gamble Exhibit on Saturday, June 14th at 3 p.m. in his native Clarington, OH during the annual Sunfish Creek Festival.
As many of you know, Mack Gamble was a founding father and largest benefactor of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. He was a well-known and respected rivermen having been a published author, historian, and long time educator and principal at Clarington's Salem High School. Mack wrote a regular column for the better part of 52 years for the Waterways Journal and was a frequent visitor of many steamboats and nearby Lock 14 north of Clarington. While busy being all of the above, Mack also received a Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree at Ohio University in Athens, OH where he published his thesis, "Steamboats on the Muskingum." Upon his death in 1973 he bequeathed a large sum of money to S&D. Through his gift, the J. Mack Gamble Fund was created and has helped numerous organizations and museums around the country since its inception.
It was through Mack's generosity and passion for the river that we are able to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen as well as enjoy preserved objects and exhibits around the country that came as a result of his tireless efforts. This exhibit will highlight his life, work, and dedication to river history.
Events at the museum and around downtown Clarington will be held throughout the day beginning at 11am, including an Antique Appraisal Fair inside the museum by specialist from Garth's Auction House, Inc. of Columbus, OH., United States Coast Guard outdoor exhibition and safety display, food vendors, flea market, crafts, music, antique car cruise-in, motorcycle cruise-in, antique farm equipment, and more.
We invite one and all to attend and celebrate the life of one of the most influential and generous rivermen of our time! For directions, please click the link below:
http://www.ohiovalleyrivermuseum.org/directions/
30/05/2014 2:50 pm
Sometime back in the mid-late 50's, Mack Gamble was the featured speaker at the S&D dinner meeting. The speech was entitled "That's Progress", (or something like that) and it was one of the best talks I've ever heard, very amusing. I know it was recorded. Does the recording still exist? If so, it would be great addition to any exhibit celebrating the life of this wonderful man.
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30/05/2014 6:43 pm
RE: Mack Gamble Speech Recording
Thanks for the information, Jimmy!
Having a copy of his speech would be excellent, he certainly had a very deep and recognizable voice as I have found out listening to the steam whistle recordings. Part of the exhibit is a life-size decal of Mack basking in the sunlight while wearing a pin stripe suit (on his lapel is the S&D pin). It's a nice touch to a beautiful exhibit with several other neat additions.
We're very pleased to welcome all who wish to attend.
Taylor
30/05/2014 7:05 pm
Kinda sticks in my mind (although now that I'm 60 things are getting dimmer by the day!) that a reel-to-reel recording of J. Mack Gamble's talk at the 1968 S&D banquet-- seems it was entitled "Modern Progress; Fifty Years of River News -- were offered to S&D members for a small charge of something like $3.00.
Taylor, perhaps Woody has a copy or knows where to locate one. The new exhibit sounds wonderful. Thanks and keep up the good work!
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02/06/2014 4:19 am
Mack Gamble recording
Thanks for the info Keith! I'll certainly get in contact with Woody about the recordings. I'm sure he could share his personal thoughts on knowing and working with Mack. Hope to see you in September at S&D's 75th anniversary meeting. We're looking forward to hosting the members on that Saturday at our museum in Clarington and at my grandmother's home for the white tent luncheon. Shaping up to be a fine weekend of celebrations!
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03/06/2014 6:42 pm
Front Page News!
The Times Leader has published a great article about the upcoming exhibit and life of J. Mack Gamble, including a great piece about the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen and his support of the organization! I attached a scanned copy of the article for viewing.
Our thanks to Betty Pokas for her article!
Apologies for not providing link to article - subscription was needed in ordered to view the entire article.