Topic starter
08/12/2009 11:56 pm
Does anyone know the origin of the term pitman for a steamboat's connecting rods? Does it derive from an inventor or engineer? Is it related to the early steam engine's use in mining operations? (sounds like a mining term.) The dictonary simply gives it as an alternate name for certain types of connecting rods, with no origin indicated. If no one knows, how about some creative guesses?
09/12/2009 3:31 am
Pitman
In my dictionary of MQ boat terms which I created in commemoration of the MQ's disastrous first UMR trip in 1979, I noted that the Pitmans were named after the wealthy couple who booked the balcony suite over the fantail. I don't suppose that would work, eh Hank?
09/12/2009 10:44 am
One of the first applications of steam power was pumping water from English and Welsh coal mines. The pump replaced the man who lifted water out of the pit or sump in the bottom of a mine. The connecting rod between engine and pump got his title.
Pitmans were often named on steamboats. The Belle of Louisville's were named "Push" and "Pull" for a time, then "Dave" and "Chet" for her engineers. The Monongahela's were named "Col. Charles A. Lindbergh" and "Spirit of St. Louis." There are other examples.
09/12/2009 1:20 pm
Wasn't Popeye and Whimpy the names on either the President or Admiral?
09/12/2009 2:14 pm
Ted: I thought that Popeye and Wimpy were on Island Queen (No.2) ? Cap'n Walnut
09/12/2009 2:25 pm
Ted,
I believe you are right on that one. Seems there is a picture floating around of one of them with the name appearing on a pitman arm of the ADMIRAL. If memory serves me correct, it is written in on the picture though, not painted onto the actual pitman.
09/12/2009 2:27 pm
Popeye & Whimpy
Tom: perhaps you are right. I could not remember which boat but I think someone posted a photo of at least one of them on this board some time ago.
09/12/2009 10:49 pm
Popeye and Wimpy
That was probably my picture. Yes indeed, the ADMIRAL's pitmans were Popeye and Wimpy. One, I believe it is Popeye, is at the Museum of Transportation in South St. Louis. That is probably the picture I posted. The Main Deck of the ADMIRAL was a children's area, complete with little rides, photo booths, make your own record, etc. and so it was fitting that the pitmans, which were of course very visible to the playland people, be named thusly.
09/12/2009 10:50 pm
Before steam was harnessed to do work, labor was done by hand, as Captain Bates said. Our version of the origin of the term "pitman" traces back to when logs were sawn with two men and a gang saw. It was easier to dig a big hole, or pit, with a man down there manning one end of the saw. The poor guy down in the pit, covered with saw dust, was the "pit man". Eventually steam replaced the both of them, and, again, as Cap'n B. put it, "the connecting rod.... got it's title."
09/12/2009 10:51 pm
As I think on it (increasingly difficult), Ted is right. I had a bad night...dreamed we were sneaking the DELTA QUEEN into where I usta work, dear old Emery's 100 acre site on Este Avenue astride scenic Mill Creek. Never mind how we got it from the nearest navigable water, seven miles away at the mouth of Mill Creek and up Spring Grove Avenue, the hardest job was keeping Travis from playing the calliope until we got it past Engine 38 fire house, the district Police station of Ragtown's finest and the housing project at three o'clock in the morning. White Castles can do that to ya too...Cap'n Walnut.
09/12/2009 10:51 pm
The term "pitman" refers to the cutting of long timbers by hand with a long saw and a man guiding the bottom of the saw in a pit. Since the connecting rods were wooden and large, and created in the early 1800's, this is the origin of the term.
I believe it is documented in Hunter's reference "Steamboats on the Western Rivers".
09/12/2009 11:08 pm
well heck that settles that ! Next year I'm naming my pitmans! Or better yet you guys pick out some names!
10/12/2009 1:11 am
Tom,
I am not nearly as bad as I was as a child! When I was younger, I couldn't keep my hands off it. At this age a 15 minute concert will suffice for a day or so!
Once I had a dream the MISSISSIPPI QUEEN had to go up a street to get to her destination on another river. I could feel the boat shaking under me in the dream. I had this dream while aboard her and we were landing against the paper clip at Baton Rouge. My room was right above the bow thruster room. Needless to say I felt something alright...just not the boat driving up the street! I had many a strange dream on that boat...we won't get into that here.
Travis
10/12/2009 3:20 am
Naming Pitmans
Mathew, A while back when we were discussing Popeye and Whimpy there were some suggestions for pitman names. My suggestion back then was "Now" and "Then". I still kinda like them from a nostalgic or historical point. Anyone have some more suggestions? Will the winner get a free ride on your boat?
10/12/2009 5:15 am
naming the pitmans
Mathew Stage;19588 wrote: well heck that settles that ! Next year I'm naming my pitmans! Or better yet you guys pick out some names!
Do you have any lake characters, ghosts, or other local figures that would be a natural pairing?
10/12/2009 6:24 am
Ted Guillaum;19590 wrote: Mathew, A while back when we were discussing Popeye and Whimpy there were some suggestions for pitman names. My suggestion back then was "Now" and "Then". I still kinda like them from a nostalgic or historical point. Anyone have some more suggestions? Will the winner get a free ride on your boat?
I like now and then great idea! and the winner shall receive a free dinner cruise for two, now we just have to decide how to pick the winner...
Judy I can't think of any right off hand... but I know a few people down at my favorite hangout (local history museum) that might be able to share a few, I'll throw them up when I get a chance to visit.
10/12/2009 6:13 pm
Mat,
What about 'heave' and 'ho'? With all this talk, maybe I should think about naming the MINNE's also.
10/12/2009 7:33 pm
Minnie's pitmans
A natural for the MINNIE's: Geneva and Edna!!!!!
10/12/2009 10:41 pm
No, those would have to be the NATCHEZ' (unless they have names already, which I haven't heard). Good one, Judy!
11/12/2009 4:30 am
I vote for "Belle" and "Beau" Pitman. Unlike most American politicians they might have their ups and downs, but over the years you can really count on them! OK, I know that was really bad.
04/04/2010 11:06 am
Pittmans
Yes, Judy, You are right, I lived, learned and worked aboard the Admiral in St.Louis both during her steam powered days and her diesel days, and watched her pittman arms, one "Popeye", the other "Whimpy" stroke a million times as she steamed the day and nightly course down to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge and back, glorious days of my youth, working with Capt. Bill Streckfus, Captain Bill Carrol, Tom Hennings, Capt. Harold Ellebracht, Tom Dunn, Claude Leezy, Red Nawl, the ladies in the galley on the 5th deck, especially Miss Effy .Gosh...Even Captain Jim Blum (later a mentor who encouraged me to the point of becoming Captain on the Delta Queen!) Only a thousand page book would come close to descrbing those experiences!
Captain Mike Williams