Topic starter
22/08/2010 1:40 pm
Its Sunday morning as I type this, and some of the group is over at JIM'S DREAM for a harbor cruise courtesy of Capt. Jim Reising. Some have hit the road already, and Keith and I are about to meet at the Carriage House to pack up the remains of the Rummage Sale. Most of us left in town will gather on the BELLE this afternoon and then adjourn to Kingfish one more time.
Yesterday morning's thunderstorms gave way to sunshine and a nice day for the activities. Many rode the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE from 12-2 and reported that the a/c renovations have been done tastefully. Approximately 65 attended Capt. Carl Henry's presentation in the Howard Museum Carriage House. While the weather was cooperative, without a/c there we took a break midway for cookies and cool drinks and some folks put bids on silent auction items the Howard had displayed. The q&a session after Carl's talk was spirited, led by several retired towboat men who wanted to know more about the z-drive. Carl had shown many pictures of this system so we even we laymen could understand it, and it was good to hear the in-depth queries. From a tourist Duck in the Dells to new z-drive towboats...Carl covered the waterfront! Keith came up with another winner in his Ramblings series! Following Carl's talk, we had the first annual? River Rummage Sale, which netted the Howard Museum upwards of $250, and cleared out a little space in some of our steamboat 'museums'. Dinner at the Kingfish is traditional, and while Saturday nights are always busy, you know its busy when a tour bus pulls up and the walkers are unloaded from the baggage bin. So our group was split up - some ate in the bar (Crash was our waiter), some waited for the dining room, and some went elsewhere. Over a dozen reconvened here at the Towne Place, where memories and photos were shared. One hit was a freebie box of duplicates of Ann Zeiger's photos which Barb Hameister brought to share.
It never fails that something interestingly funny occurs when river people get together. After the BELLE trip, a mini-caravan was formed to come back to the Howard. Somehow the group got split up, and the new leader of the pack made a wrong turn and was closer to the airport than to the Howard. The second car had a GPS voice telling them to turn, but they couldn't communicate with the leader. So they loyally followed him, even though he turned the opposite of what their 'voice' commanded. They eventually made it to the Howard, just in the nick of time for the talk.... but since the speaker was in the second car, there obviously was no worry about missing any of the presentation! Curator Keith was greatly relieved to see them appear on the doorsteps minutes before 3 PM...
Here are a few photos midway through the weekend...grease from my warmed up hushpuppies and shrimp on the keyboard notwithstanding.
1) Capt. Carl Henry introducing his program.
2) Part of the attentive audience.
3) Carl and Keith Norrington posing in front of the welcoming display Keith organizes each year. One eager steamboater was ready to purchase some of these items, thinking it was part of the rummage sale!
Topic starter
22/08/2010 1:53 pm
More Ramblings photos
1) Keith posing among the Rummage Sale tables prior to the arrival of the crowd.
2) The t-shirt table...some shirts dated back to the mid '70s DQ era, when the sizings were obviously smaller than today's.
3) Perusing the knick knacks.
Topic starter
22/08/2010 2:02 pm
Even more Ramblings photos
1) Looking over Ann Zeiger's photos in the Towne Place Suites.
2) Bill and Bobbi Steinike - they heard 'the voice' which was giving the proper turning directions in the previously noted circuitous trip from the BELLE to the Howard...The person in the lead car will remain anonymous, but if you hear someone referred to as "Mr. GPS" at future river gatherings - that be him!
3) The BELLE chugging upriver, carrying many of the Ramblings participants. I was waving enthusiastically from the Indiana shore under the Big Four bridge, but nary a wave or whistle back...I wasn't on board as Keith and I always do the final setup at the Howard that morning. We'll be riding today however.
23/08/2010 12:27 am
Report from Sunday the 22nd on JIM'S DREAM and BELLE OF LOUISVILLE.
Sunday morning dawned at 8:15am at the Knights of Columbus landing of JIM'S DREAM. With Capt. Jim Reising, Phillip Johnson, James Hall, and myself aboard We had a pile of donuts, some coffee, and light snacks in tow as we set out for Duffy's Landing in Jeffersonville. Once landed in Jeffersonville we all went ashore to watch a few things. First, the LST325 came by us about 8:45am and we got some pictures. Then, almost the same time, we spotted her Capt'n Walnut himself and clan showed up with MISS DEMEANOR, ready to go for a dip! By 9:15am Capt. John Vise, Barbara Hameister, Gail Hindeman, Pat Carr, and Jo Ann Schoen arrived. Soon followed by Capt. Jim Blum and David Tschiggfrie. Phillip Johnson helped Capt'n Walnut board his passengers and then came back over to assist us in letting go our lines. We boarded JIM'S DREAM and departed at 9:30am on the dot!
We headed down river to the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE below which we turned and headed back up river. Not before visiting with Chief Kenny Howe and Capt. Pete O'Connell (as we were passing the BELLE's port fantail). On the way back up the river Capt. Jim had a couple of surprizes, first we went up behind Towhead Island...then we passed up the landing and went to the foot of 6 Mile Island. We landed at 11:45am on the nose and disembarked our passengers. Capt. Blum and David Tschiggfrie went over to the MISS DEMEANOR for a little river ride. The passengers headed over to the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE after a short stop at the Howard Museum to check over the rest of the merchandise from the rummage sale the day before. The crew took JIM'S DREAM back across the Ohio to her landing, put her to bed, and headed to the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE for a ride.
The BELLE trip was great! Great weather, lots of visiting and fellowship with our river friends. Capt Mike Fitzgearld had his son Tim and his 11 week old Grandson on the boat. Makes a former crew member feel old to see 3 generations of a family present when he grew up with the oldest of them!
The river contingent broke up after the BELLE cruise...some went back to Kingfish, some to other restaurants, others home. But, it was agree'd that all had a great time and all are looking forward to the next River Ramblings in 2011! Seems each gets better than the one before! Who will it be next year? What will we learn? What will we do? Where will be go?....stay tuned to this channel for more updates and information as they become available!
1. JIM'S DREAM and the LST 325 passing astern at Duffy's Landing
2. Capt'n Walnut and crew prepare the MISS DEMEANOR to get underway on the Beautiful Ohio River
3. The BELLE OF LOUISVILLE doing her boiler blow down to clear the mud drum of mud and debris (hence the steam coming from midship).
23/08/2010 12:32 am
Here's a few more photos from the days events aboard JIM'S DREAM
1. Isn't that paint job on the SPIRIT OF JEFFERSON the most unfortunate combination of colours to ever be put on a riverboat?
2. Chief Engineer Kenny Howe and Captain Pete O'Connell come out to greet us
3. Capt'n walnut and the MISS DEMEANOR come alongside the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE.
23/08/2010 12:37 am
The last of the photos from this beautiful day on the river.
1. Looking back as we come around the top of Towhead Island
2. The new railings Capt. Mike Fitzgearld added to shoud the Condensor units on the aft roof of the BELLE.
3. River Rats in deep discussion of the latest river events!
Topic starter
23/08/2010 1:59 am
My Sunday photos
Thanks Travis for posting the details of the great JIM'S DREAM trip - since motion sickness would translate the DREAM into KEITH'S NIGHTMARE, we skip that event and clean up shop at the Howard. It truly was a beautiful day for riding on the river and for being with river friends. After the hustle bustle of Saturday, Sunday is a nice winddown day. The nice breeze made the BELLE's trip so comfortable even in the sun, and the temperature in the Carriage House where the red hot bargains were being bagged up was decent too. Keith got the brainstorm to save us from packing up the remaining items, to invite those still in town to come take whatever for free. So several people took him up on that offer and picked up things for river friends who couldn't make it to the weekend. After another meal on the riverfront, I took a sunset walk along the Scenic Drive which is the Rose Hill district in Jeffersonville, and then repaired to this suite to post the final report. This is really a fun filled laid back weekend, and there aren't many places where you can include a ride or two on a real steamboat as part of your weekend. I hope we can see a few newcomers at next year's event, date unknown because it coincides with whenever the speaker is available, but it will be some time in the summer on the grounds of the Little Museum That Could - and Does!
1) This looks like it could be the BELLE's version of the AVALON's brig, but its really Chief Kenny Howe and Capt. Mike Fitzgerald talking with Keith prior to boarding. The book lying there is a 1928 edition of Marine Steam from Capt. Roddy Hammett's collection which I gave to his friend Chief Kenny.
2) 3 generations of Fitzgeralds: Mike, Tim and Ethan. Today was Ethan's first steamboat ride!
3) Er, Captain, there's an interloper out there on the bridge. Oh no, wait, that's Capt. John Vize Jr. inspecting the area.
Topic starter
23/08/2010 2:10 am
More Sunday photos
I'm going to post pictures of the BELLE and the air conditioning in the Steamboats and History category, but I'll just summarize by saying I boarded with trepidation at what it would look like, but they have incorporated the a/c with a quiet class and dignity. Its obvious what can be done when you let a steamboat crew be involved in the planning and installation of something. They've preserved the old gal while giving her a chance for more patronage, hence more $$$ and a longer life. Well done BELLE crew and office!
1) Capt. Pete O'Connell
2) Capt. Mike Fitzgerald and Keith Norrington
3) The Carriage House empty and still... awaiting the next 7th River Ramblings next summer. Y'all come!
24/08/2010 3:15 pm
Thanks, Judy and Travis, for your nice reports and photos from the River Ramblings weekend. As previously reported, Capt. Carl Henry gave a wonderful presentation, and the "Riverboat Rummage Sale" was a big hit as well. Special THANKS to Judy and Yvonne, without whom I simply couldn't put on this annual event --and also to Dave Tschiggfrie, for technical assistance this year. As always, Judy's cookies, baked in Rock Island Illinois and hauled 400+ miles to Jeffersonville, were much appreciated.
If you missed the first River Ramblings program at the museum in 2006, you'll soon have another opportunity to see "Paddlin' Into the Past", a sensational sight and sound presentation on the history of the Str. IDLEWILD / AVALON, today's BELLE OF LOUISVILLE. Dubuque's steamboat buff extraordinaire, David Tschiggfrie, will be presenting this fabulous program at the annual meeting of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen meeting at Marietta, Ohio on September 18th. Don't miss it!
THANKS to ALL who attended! Your support of the museum is greatly appreciated!
"Curator Keith"
Topic starter
25/08/2010 12:17 pm
Keith's River Room
On Friday evening prior to the RR events, several of us gained entrance to the newly cleaned out River Room at Keith's place. Keith is holding a model of the HARD TIMES, and behind him is the large model of the J.M. WHITE made by Fred Way Jr.
25/08/2010 2:27 pm
Judy: I gotta say WOW to Keith's river room. But I also gotta say WoW for the weekend do at the Howard. Comming offa a trip to the DELTA QUEEN and steamy events in Chattanooga, a day's ride on the POCACONTAS and yet another steamy day in Louisville harbor with JIMS DREAM in MISS FORTUNE...around the BOL...that the event in the carriage house of the Howard was great. Cap't Henry's talk mixed about the right amount of general interest info with technical info to interest those of us who dote upon data and the whatfors and howtos of river-boating. We got to host 'way too few of you all in our little steamer. I ate 'way too many of your cookies and am sorry that I missed the gets-together after. I got Preston Claytor, owner of the POCAHONTAS to come to the Henry talk (got there late due to putting POKEY to bed) as he needed to meet you all. I asked him later if he knew what a river rat was? That here was a room full of them! Also with me on Sunday was Lewis Hicks who has been involved with the restoration for L&N loco 152 from the git-go. I was glad to read your report on the BOL A/C accomplishment and look for ward to the next "do" at the Howard. The JIMS DEAM Capers have been must-do events on my calendar for years. Thanks, Jim...but I missed your side-kick, Kenny. Looked like Travis and Philip et al did fine thought. JIMS DREAM looked fine from my perspective. I'd post some pix but cannot figure out how to do so without starting a new thread. Cap'n Walnut
26/08/2010 1:21 am
All and all a very enjoyable weekend due to the hard work and generosity of Keith and Judy to ready the Carriage House and gather the Sale Items from great books, photos, clothing items to you name it and it was there. Hopefully the Sale could be an annual event....no fair bringing items back for next year...all new historical artifacts..things one just cannot live without!
The Belle ride on Saturday was most pleasant as was the excursion on the M/V Jim's Dream Sunday and what a treat to be a passenger on Capt. Walnut's wood fired steam launch. Just like being back in 1910 enjoying a Sunday Afternoon on the OH & bloody 10!
My humble thanks to all who made the Weekend such an enjoyable adventure.
26/08/2010 9:12 pm
Let me add my sincere thanks to everyone connected with the festivities celebrated at Keith's 6th Annual River Ramblings this past weekend at the Howard Steamboat Museum and environs. Keith, Mr. and Mrs. Norrington, Yvonne, Judy, Capt. Carl, the crew of the BELLE, Jim Reising, Capt. Walnut, and Capt. Jim Blum all added to a most memorable three days. What a wonderful program Carl Henry shared with us -- a real treat! And a special nod goes to the Onalaska/Stoddard, WI trio for their tremendous trust and willingness to follow the meanderings of an Upper Mississippi River rat lost in the downtown freeways of Louisville! That kind of adventure is what my wife euphemistically refers to as "the scenic tour." Needless to say, a good time was had by all and we are looking forward to next year's event. Keith, isn't it about time for "The Curator" to be a featured speaker?
David (a.k.a. Mr. GPS)
29/08/2010 3:05 pm
Again, my heartfelt THANKS to all who participated in RIVER RAMBLINGS #6 . And to those who couldn't be "on deck", we hope to see you next year! Due to a temporary visiting exhibit, from a historical organization, relating to the Steamboat Bicentennial Year in 2011, the carriage house space will be occupied for a good portion of the summer. At this time, it appears that RIVER RAMBLINGS #7 will again take place in the latter part of August. After one of the hottest summers on record, thought is also being given to moving the event into the fall months. My concern there is the cruising schedule of the Str. BELLE OF LOUISVILLE, as I wish our participants to avail themselves of every opportunity to ride a REAL steamboat -- while it's still possible!
Be sure to visit the museum website by clicking on Howard Steamboat Museum - Home Page for other events, such as the wine tasting / silent auction, fall art show and the Christmas open house. Y'all are always welcome!
Keep up steam!
"Curator Keith"