Topic starter
27/09/2009 10:50 am
Today is the 59th Birthday of one time Steamboater and long time Riverman, Capt. Ted Davission. I'm posting this under Steamboats + History due to Ted's having worked Steamboats and his age puts him in the History section.
Were it not for Ted's failure to master the Calliope, he might have made something of himself on Steamboats. Having failed to master the Calliope, Ted moved on to another "Minor" river job, NOBRA Pilot. A job which he has quitely done for the last 30 years. Well quite except for one headline grabing spot on CNN news, highlighting his ability to park a large ship between two passenger laden vessels tied off in the N.O. harbor.
When Ted was born, they broke the mold. Good thing to. I understand the mold maker was also badly beaten and told to find a new line of work.
I personsonly owe Ted a great deal as to the effect he has had on my life and river career. If anyone can tell me where he is hiding, I'll give him what he has coming.
All joking aside, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a friend and old shipmate. I hope for you to have many more. I do however think you would have taken better care of yourself, if you'd known you were going to live so long.
27/09/2009 2:29 pm
Too bad the man couldn't stick with the steamboats--what a career he could have had! He could be cruising the same stretch of harbor, one hour out, an hour back, doing exciting commentary of the history of either one of two great cities, either Louisville or NOLA. As it is, he daily endangers himself climbing those dangerous ladders up onto those huge vessels, trying to communicate with people who may not have the best command of the English language. Too bad; he is wasting his skills, making the harbor safe for all of us, the ungrateful Americans who don't even know he and all his compadres even exist. And he could be living the life of Riley! Eating all the popcorn he could hold, listening to the chatter of the tourists who haven't a clue that they are cruising on history. All because he didn't pay attention when they were handing out the calliope lessons! What a shame.
Happy Birthday, Captain! Steamboat Mary
27/09/2009 3:20 pm
Ruined a Good Man
Failure to master that musical monster has ruined a lot of good men, and a few good women, too. Ted trained for those dangerous Jacob's Ladders when he was riding the anchor and standing atop the mast on the DELTA QUEEN. Little did anyone know, at the time, he was preparing for the future. He didn't do too bad, career-wise, for a former Linen Boy. Fifty-nine? He should have a few more trips up and down those ladders if he just stays away from eating all the popcorn he can hold.
Happy Birthday, Captain Ted. In your honor, the Rabbit Hash Shipyards, Rabbit Hash, Kentucky and Decatur, Alabama yards, will remain closed until Thursday.
27/09/2009 6:15 pm
Ted, whenever you are ready, I'll give you calliope lessons just so you can have something to fall back on. Happy Birthday, friend! Jazzou
27/09/2009 6:31 pm
Happy Birthday, Capt. Ted! It is a good thing that we have all the different talents that make the river world go 'round. It is all work that is needed and it takes all the pros to make it happen.
27/09/2009 10:22 pm
Ted: Donno how it happened but if you get near the Rabbit Hash Boat yard, I can give you instructions on the one-whistle caliope on either MISSIE or MISS FORTUNE. The certificates or closely held by the very few who have qualified! Anyway, I guess we'll hafta wait until the shipyard opens back up after you birthday. Anyway, happy birthday and many more. Cap'n Walnut
28/09/2009 4:35 am
Happy Birthday Ted!! Prolong and two shorts from the Magnolia Belle!!
Capt. Joe
29/09/2009 8:12 pm
Happy belated birthday!
Happy belated b-day Capt. Ted! I finally got signed in as a member after years of just easedropping here. This is my first post!
29/09/2009 9:16 pm
Welcome "Captain Happy" to Dot/Org. You will be a great addition.
30/09/2009 12:38 am
Friends , Family & River Buddies !
Greetings From New Orleans ,
Friends , family and river buddies , thank you all so much for the kind words and the obvious tongue inheck comments concerning the caliope . As another river buddy once told me , " Your kindness will soon be forgotton " ! All joking aside , I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to not only work and live on the Mississippi River but much more importantly to have met and known and worked with such a diverse and unique group of men and women whom were also like minded in the respect that they too loved the river but also loved and toiled on an old steamboat that they called not only their work place but home as well . From the Cracker Jack Pilots and Masters to the deckhands and porters that I worked with each individual was unique into himself and had his own story to tell but the common denominator that bonded all these people together was the Str. Delta Queen and the river that she served on ! Thank you one and all for allowing me to get to know and to work with you on this grand old steamboat !
Smooth Sailing !
Ted Davisson
Fred Carmichael;18577 wrote: Today is the 59th Birthday of one time Steamboater and long time Riverman, Capt. Ted Davission. I'm posting this under Steamboats + History due to Ted's having worked Steamboats and his age puts him in the History section.
Were it not for Ted's failure to master the Calliope, he might have made something of himself on Steamboats. Having failed to master the Calliope, Ted moved on to another "Minor" river job, NOBRA Pilot. A job which he has quitely done for the last 30 years. Well quite except for one headline grabing spot on CNN news, highlighting his ability to park a large ship between two passenger laden vessels tied off in the N.O. harbor.
When Ted was born, they broke the mold. Good thing to. I understand the mold maker was also badly beaten and told to find a new line of work.
I personsonly owe Ted a great deal as to the effect he has had on my life and river career. If anyone can tell me where he is hiding, I'll give him what he has coming.
All joking aside, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a friend and old shipmate. I hope for you to have many more. I do however think you would have taken better care of yourself, if you'd known you were going to live so long.
30/09/2009 6:15 am
Thanks Capt. Don. I'm looking forward to the group therapy:)