Topic starter
12/08/2012 12:25 pm
Its a glorious Sunday morning which follows an equally glorious Saturday for the 8th River Ramblings at the Howard. Curator Keith couldn't have ordered better weather nor a more congenial crowd for the event. Everyone was comfortable in the Carriage House and Jim and Annie Blum delighted the audience with their memories of the ADMIRAL in St. Louis. Annie related some of her crew experiences while Jim showed aspects of the ADMIRAL's existence which most in the crowd had never seen: the 6 Flags and casino years. He also had scenes from her demolition across the river from St. Louis. Afterwards we filled 3 tables at Kingfish and 15 river rats filled my room at the Towne Place for a post feast fest, which included shots of the Tschiggfries' European trip tracing his roots, and sad shots of the PRESIDENT's demolition in Alton. Today the remaining rats will take another trip on the BELLE this afternoon, and most likely hit Kingfish one more time.
1) Curator Keith introduces the program in the Carriage House.
2) Annie shares her crew memories.
3) Jim is showing shots of the 6 Flags era on the brand new Howard flatscreen.
Topic starter
12/08/2012 12:34 pm
More Ramblings
1) A display of ADMIRAL souvenirs, many of which I got on my first trip in 1956.
2) A different perspective of the mansion.
3) The Carriage House, pilothouse, and MISSISSIPPI QUEEN bell, which was rung many times yesterday.
Who knows who will be the speaker next year, but if you've never attended a RR, it would be well worth your while to schedule it. Its a great congenial relaxed family reunion-type atmosphere, much like the olden days at Marietta, and everything is within 2 miles of each other on flat land. See you next year!
Topic starter
13/08/2012 12:41 am
Post ramblings
A Sunday afternoon ride on the BELLE and another meal at Kingfish, and River Ramblings VIII is finished...
1)Curator Keith at the keyboard with Martha looking on.
2) The End
13/08/2012 1:43 pm
THANKS!
Thanks, Judy, for the glowing review! Indeed, Capt. Jim and Annie brought a unique perspective to the longtime career of the S.S. ADMIRAL. Everyone greatly enjoyed Annie's humorous stories of working on the "Big Silver Boat" from 1962 until 1978. And Jim's pictures of the conversion in the 1980's for the Six Flags entertainment vessel and then the final dismantling were fascinating. It was truly a terrific program!
As always, it was great to see many members of the "river family" on deck and the fabulous weather made the day perfect, topped off by a bountiful supply of cookies and lemonade. Thanks, Judy, for hauling another "cargo of cookies" from Rock Island to Jeffersonville!
THANKS to ALL who took part in River Ramblings #8. Your support is greatly appreciated!
"Curator Keith"