Topic starter
02/06/2009 8:34 pm
Today in History notes that the first steamboat passed through the new Lock 26 at Alton in 1937. Does anybody know what boat that was?
Of course, that new lock is no more, with the newer bigger set a bit downriver.
The opening of the new Keokuk lock 19 on June 10, 1913, was greatly publicized with the famous photo of the G.W. HILL and the Streckfus' SIDNEY in the lock together (controversy on who was first), but who did the honors at Alton 72 years ago today?
03/06/2009 12:30 am
A note in my junk boxes says that on June 7, 1938 at the official dedication the Str. J.S. and the Corps boat Mississippi shared the honors. As we all know the lock chamber was probably operational long before the dedication and its possible another boat was first.
Topic starter
03/06/2009 12:36 am
First noted boats
Thanks - that makes sense that a Corps boat would be so honored, and to include a Streckfus boat representing the UMR's biggest passenger line adds up too. All that was needed was a representative of the IWC for the towing industry...
03/06/2009 1:33 pm
In my archives is this image of the J.S. DELUXE in the Alton lock on June 7, 1938. I do not know the name of the diesel boat, but Dan Owen or some other towboat sleuth undoubtedly will be able to tell us!
03/06/2009 4:30 pm
Keith I might have made a mistake in my first post. It was info from a note made long ago. I assumed the Corps Mississippi, but now with your photo I would guess its the towboat Mississippi (T1838) owned by Mississippi Lime at Alton, Illinois.
03/06/2009 5:26 pm
Thanks, Capt. Bill, for that information. As you well know, the Str. MISSISSIPPI III has long been a special interest of mine and I have "tons" of photos and information about her career. Her presence at the Alton lock opening didn't ring a bell, but I continually learn new facts about the boat so thought it was possible. Now that you mention the Mississippi Lime Company's towboat MISSISSIPPI, that makes better sense!