Topic starter
08/04/2010 2:15 pm
Recent discussions have revealed that there are quite a number of steamboat buffs and buffettes who are feline fanciers that visit this forum. Herewith are several images of cats who were "into" steamboating in some form or fashion. I'm sure others can contribute additional stories and/or photos.
1.) Midi - posing atop the capstan of the Str. BECKY THATCHER at St. Louis - September, 1968 - Photo by Miss Ruth Ferris. Midi was named for the Midship Museum aboard the boat and one of her favorite spots was lounging on Capt. Buck Leyhe's rolltop desk.
2.) Mickey (1971-1987) - my first feline - his mother was "Tabitha", mascot of the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE. In this picture Mickey is inspecting the 7' model of the J.M. WHITE, built by Capt. Fred Way, and for many years displayed in the River Museum at Marietta.
3.) Casey (1996-2010) - Assistant curator of my River Room. Like "Midi" on the BECKY, Casey's favorite place was sprawling on my rolltop desk.
Topic starter
08/04/2010 3:11 pm
Just thought of another cat with a river connection: Aboard the GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT, Capt. J.W. Menke had "Pinkie", shown reposing on the captain's lap in this image of him with his daughter, Luella Menke Craighead, on the bow of the showboat at St. Louis in the mid 1950's. When the GOLDENROD burned on June 2, 1962, it was feared that Pinkie had perished in the blaze. Several days later she came trotting down the levee and strode up the gangplank, in typical cat fashion, as if nothing had happened! Pinkie loved people and often visited the busy bar on the second deck where the St. Louis Ragtimers performed. She lived into the 1970's and was 18 years old when she passed on.
13/04/2010 6:44 pm
Our late Puddy was an occasional stowaway on the Graceful Ghost. This photo was taken by a passenger during a tour. He really did not like to be on the boat when it was moving, but he frequented the nether areas of the boat at the dock and sometimes did not hear the all ashore. Hence the wild look. He liked people and would frequently be right in the middle of a group of total strangers. We keep this photo on the refrigerator.
Topic starter
14/04/2010 7:25 pm
Thanks Lex! I thought I'd heard tell of Puddy making a few trips on the GHOST because he didn't heed the all ashore annoucement! At least he made the most of being on board for the cruise and mingled with your passengers -- the riverlorian of "Catto" Lake!
I'm still reeling from Casey's passing three weeks ago, but each day gets better. I've been greatly "buoyed" by the care and concern of friends -- some of whom have even made contributions to the steamboat museum in Casey's memory. That cat had a loyal fan club!
14/04/2010 9:48 pm
I'm amazed that some of you have not recalled the Greene Line cat who would ride down from Cincy to feed her litter at Louisville wharfboat. Great story in S&D...don't remember the issue. She likely had to come to Ragtown to feast on rats under Frisbie's emporium. Cap'n Walnut.
Topic starter
15/04/2010 11:53 am
I thought there was a dog named "Rags" that was a Greene Line mascot. Don't remember any "Greene Line Felines". Please elucidate!
Puddy's trips aboard the GRACEFUL GHOST as the riverlorian of "Catto" Lake brought to mind the attached drawing of an unusual instrument. If used on a riverboat perhaps it could be called a "cattiope". Other possibilities are "Meowna" and "Harpsicat"!
15/04/2010 4:45 pm
Keith: Yeah, there was "Gasboat" Rags alright, but this was a momma cat. I can't remember for sure, but I'll bet in was in S&D's Reflector. Cap'n Walnut.