*S&D's John Fryant featured in 'SHIPS IN SCALE.*

I second that question about the CINCINNATI, Dale! I'd love to see that!

Goldenrod Wayne White message

Wayne You are doing a great job an should be commended.Keep up the good work an I do not think anyone expects you to have control over the meda they always say what they want anyhow.Good luck with the fundraiser in March, Are the St Louis Ragtimers the entertainment? excuse spelling meant to say media Carole Matthews Pompano Beach Fla 33064

Post in correct thread

Carole, there is a thread here about the GOLDENROD. Please post your GOLDENROD thoughts on it, not on this one about John Fryant.

Goldenrod Post

Dear Judy I was not aware I had done anything wrong. Seems every time I try to post something it offends someone so I will try to keep any future posts to the minimum. I thought this was a chat line for people interested in riverboats which I am but I was apparently incorrect after being admonished 4 times. Thank you Carole Matthews of Pompano Beach Fla 33064 Someone I know said they stopped posting as this happened to them. I was delighted when I found this but now I understand why she quit. I will keep reading the posts because I enjoy them.Good luck to you guys with The Goldenrod.

*John Fryant modeling the CINCINNATI*
Hi, Bob & steamboating colleagues,
Seeing John Fryant's research library, files, state-of-the-art workshop in his home here a real treat. John did that incredible big model of the last ISLAND QUEEN that knocked all of our socks off. So, the big sidewheel CINCINNATI of 1924 just a step up--Hint, hint. Yet John has mentioned the endless hours, detail work, skill, materials upping the costs. I'd have a roaring migrane headache the first 30 minutes doing that kind of work. There are so, so models and then there ARE MODELS.

Noted ship/boat/harbor artist British born John Stobart and I met at an art reception here last year. Stobart's paintings wonderful as many know. Mike Blaser's work with boats also incredible to say the least. Stobart mentioned thinking, "I've run out of steamboats and scenes. Any ideas for me?" he asked. I assembled a folio of photos, drawings featuring the big CINCINNATI here along with her much older sister QUEEN CITY when the going was still pretty good before the dark events of October, 1929 and the big Wall Street crash, ensuing Great Depression seeing steamboat/steamship lines going under by droves. "Think you could consider a painting of the two sisters: one the new beauty and the other her older but still elegant sister QUEEN CITY." No word yet from Stobart. What do I know?

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati

I think that would be a capital idea having the QUEEN CITY and her one time running mate CINCINNATI in the same painting. The BETSY ANN would also fit the bill along with the SENATOR CORDELL! Come to think of it the KENTUCKY was also paddling around the Cincinnati harbor late in the 1920's.

*Pssst, Mike Blaser, are you listening?*
Hello, Frank & Steanboating colleagues:
Yes, Frank, in British terms "a capital idea." I would add, "a pregnant, portentous moment." If anybody could do QUEEN CITY, CINCINNATI, BETSY ANN, SENATOR CORDELL, KENTUCKY in/around the same harbor, stretch of river or landing, it would be Mike Blaser. Naturally it would have been an unusual day to have all together at the same time, but could possibly have happened--even if just once. And nobody catches the light, the feel like he does. Mike does lurk and sniff around on Steamboat.org, so these above little hints and nudges just may......

I've been to fine art gallery shows here in Cincinnati featuring BOTH the works of Mike Blaser and the models of John Fryant in juxtaposition complimenting each other--the paintings and models I mean. Incredible!

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati

I agree Dale, and I might add that the TOM and CHRIS GREENE would have been around too.

Majestic Showboat Cininnati Ohio 2-2-2015

I hope I have got this on the correct site. Every time I try to post something I get told where to go but this is important so will take my chances. The Majestic Showboat has been sold according to the Cincinnati Government Offices in charge of the Parks Dept. The new owners they call them team are trying to relocate it. Carole Matthews Pompano Beach Fl 33064 Please everyone let this information out without all the harassment Just trying to help an thanks to Mr Judd an Mr Prudent an moderator Franz Nuemeier for your kind messages. I am not sure where to title this an think that has been part of the problem.,however I thought this was important. Can someone advise me on how to redo the main title?THANKS

Well, Carole, this is important news!

I called our local rag "The Cincinnati Enquirer", and spoke to Robin whom knew nothing about a sale. She said that she would follow it up, so stay tuned. You actually went to the horse's mouth, so to speak, to get your information. The MAJESTIC is owned, was owned, by the City of Cincinnati Recreation Commission; I'll call there tomorrow to see what they have to say for themselves.

Majestic Showboat Cincinnati Ohio

Here is where I got my information City Manager Cincinnati website feedback Franz Nuemeier says I cannot give out names or phone numbers but this came in at 10 41 AM today in answer to an e mail I sent inquiring what was going on. Park Board is in talks with what he referred to as I team who has offered to buy it for use as a theater an is in the process of seeking a site to move it to.Sorry I cannot say more but have been told to follow the org.site guidelines. It was built in 1923 I was told so I don't know what they have planned but at that age I hope it makes it. Hope this helps an that I have it on the right site after being admonished for not changing tie titles because I Don't know how to Carole Matthews Pompano Beach Fla 33064 Excuse spelling but wanted to reply to Mr.Prudents post ASAP

So it appears that the city is just in talks. Hopefully, "The Enquirer" will let the good citizens of Cincinnati know that a sale "downriver" is possible.

I had heard that the Majestic was going to be relocated in Madison, IN - and i heard this several months ago.

R. Dale Flick;34101 wrote: Steamboating colleagues,
The January 15, 2015 issue of SHIPS IN SCALE arrived today. Lo' and behold, from Pgs. 28 -35 a fine article by S&D's Board of Governor member and model builder, John Fryant. John's fine article with photos, text titled 'ON THE WATER: Modeling function as well as form' complete with photos, cut-aways of his steamboat CHICOT [Howard built, 1925 along with her sister TALLULAH]. CHICOT named after either the state park or location on the Mississippi River called "Chicot Point." And to prove it, there's the CHICOT listed in Howard's archival listing with (s) for steel etc. Apparently the year 1925 shows Howard with some 15 projects on the table and out on the ways with CHICOT being one.

John, true to his skills/talents, begins with in-depth archival and photo research before cutting even one piece of wood. Photos from as many angles as John can find as he 'ciphers' out the scale. No doubt all of this found in the Howard Museum archives either in Jeffersonville or now at Indiana University. John pictures "hull shaping, model's powerplant, 2nd deck and incredibly detailed pilothouse with her wheel."

John's finished product launched in a nearby pond or lake, startles the eye with smoke coming from the CHICOT stack, wheel rolling in the bright sun. One would think these photos of the real boat back then taken from a high landing or bridge. I don't know how John does it--but do it he does. I have no patience, skill, clear eyes, steady hand to produce scale models like his. Great work John. A lot of 'stuff' comes in by mail, E=Mail, letter, phone calls. Now, John, when are you going to do a model of the BIG double-cabin sidewheeler CINCINNATI of 1924 owned by the L&C LINE?

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati

Well, my goodness - - I don't read this board for a week or so and look what happens. Thanks Dale and everyone for the compliments. For the past 6 or 7 years I have written a bi-monthly column called "On the Water" for Ships in Scale magazine. The subject matter is radio controlled model boats and ships - of any kind - not just steamboats. Prior to writing for SIS I wrote a similar column for another magazine. All told I've been doing this for 21 years. After al this time I am going to "retire" from writing a regular column at the end of 2015. I've simply run out of material. Also at now age 77 Its time to step back from deadlines. I will continue to do my quarterly "Small Stacks" column for the Reflector.

As for modeling the Cincinnati - no thanks. The model I did of the Island Queen several years ago nearly drove me nuts - too many windows! I'm going to do a new post on my activities for this year.

*MAJESTIC status/Her steel hull*
Morning, Steamboating [And showboating] colleagues,
Like Frank Prudent, I also sleuth the media here for news on the status of the now long languishing showboat MAJESTIC. More than a few here well remember her still in operation being pushed by the ATTABOY [I think it was the ATTABOY] up and down the river here from spring until fall. Pat Carr posted on here along with writing a fine article on her memories aboard the MAJESTIC when she was in university. News media, newspapers today generally ingore river news unless it's some screaming tragedy or financial issues with law suits and court summons. There are no true river columnists like in the old days with the papers/media generally rushing a reporter and photographer down for this n' that.

I recall when the MAJESTIC had her wood hull with, no doubt, the Coast Guard going bonkers over that. A number of years ago she was towed out here near Coal Haven Landing adjacent to TUCKER MARINE facility in the dredged lagoon south of Lunken Airport on Kellogg Avenue. That big dredged lagoon now 'Four Seasons Marina.' A fine new steel hull was assembled, shoved in the water with the MAJESTIC superstructure being gently shifted, inched over. How they did it I don't know. I took photos down there but alas and alack, can't uncover them now here in my junk and 'dusty boxes.' The showboat had been under management by University of Cincinnati for quite a time. I lost track of events with her and perhaps Frank Prudent or others can fill in 'the rest of the story.'

How many here recall the famed 'Wind Symphony' orchestra once taveling the river with a tow and big concert stage on water to perform? Capt. Bill Judd may recall how the 'Wind Symphony' was endowed/financed. I remember it docking a few times down at old CONEY ISLAND, other river towns and cities. Well, what do I know?

R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati