Belle Centennial Birthday Celebration in 2014

Keith,

Lets all hope we are on her decks to celebrate this landmark centennial!

That mini "Tall Stacks" idea is a wonderful one. The first of those events in Cincinnati made money and was so popular they recreated it 5 more times. Then the group who ran it lost sight of the prize....well, we all know that story, I won't spend time repeating it. But, a one-trick pony in Louisville...well, I don't see how it could go wrong! Who wouldn't want to be on the decks of a riverboat in early October taking pictures of the Oldest Mississippi River Styled Sternwheel Steamboat in the World on her 100th Birthday? Only the people who are lucky enough to be on HER decks!

Travis

That article was well written. Only one flaw caught my attention: "It is the oldest operating paddlewheel steamboat in the world."

Actually the BENJAMIN GUIMARAES still operates on the Amazon in South America and was built in 1913. So there is at least one operating steam paddlewheeler which is older than the Belle (by only 1 year).

But anyway, the centennial event sounds great! Hopefully we can bring the BARBARA H down for the celebration. The BH will be 91 in 2014.

Yes, the 2014 plans sound great. If Louisville does plan to do a "Tall Stacks" style event hopefully they will also consider an industry display like "tugs and tows" in which case I'd hopefully have a vessel to add to the mix with my little dredge tender. This is all very exciting to hear but lets not forget about the big birthday next year either, any updates on plans to celebrate that anniversary?

Aaron,

I haven't heard a thing about any 1811 commemoration since about 2005. There was talk of a replica of the NEW ORLEANS (based on the 1911 version) doing the trip as an reinactment (with out, of course, the earthquake...if we are lucky!). I have heard various groups mention it...no one seems posed to do anything about it. Since we don't have any more overnight steamboats on the river to promote it there could be a hard sell for any kind of event.

Perhaps this is something the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE should look into doing here at Louisville to raise money for the 2014 festivities!

I should tell them...perhaps they will read this!

Travis

Steve: Who built the BENJAMIN? MISS FORTUNE turns 100 years old today...or this year sometime. Her registration sez she was laid down in 1910. She'd like to be in on any activity too if her captain lasts that long! Cap'n Walnut.

Tom,
I had to look up the builder. Here's a surprise, the builder was none other than James Reese & Sons! Same builder as the Belle, just 1 year earlier than the Belle! I thought the design of the aft boilerdeck cabin had some similarities to the Belle's! (granted the Benjamin has a partially recessed wheel).

Here is a link to more info:
Benjamim Guimarães Steam Boat Photo | TrekEarth

Steve: I, like you, noted the similarity and wondered. Thanks for the info and link. Cap'n Walnut

I believe some of those Lake Lucerne paddlewheelers are older, if they are still operating.

Re: The 1811 thing. I have recently been in touch with Bela Berty who is working on something for that momentous event.

Is that a palm tree in picture #3 of the Guimaraes? Boy, that name is a mouthfull. And any functional boat should have an old tire hanging off the guard. Si?

I checked, and those Lake Lucerne steamers are still operating, 4 built before 1914. There are 2 on Lake Zurich, one older than the Belle. Good video on Utube on Lucerne steamers, video called "some swiss lake steamers", or some such. They have feathered paddlewheels. Video shows machinery.