Topic starter
29/07/2009 3:12 am
Well, we enjoyed the noon cruise on the Belle of Louisville for the first time in three years, and were a little shocked at some changes already made and plans for air conditioning next season. In preparation for air conditioning of the boiler deck, huge ventilation systems have been installed on the main deck. These exhaust above the pitmans, and give the impression of huge jet engines.
Apparently air conditioning is expected to increase patronage. The effort seems futile, since the stacks pass through the boiler deck and are warm to the touch.
The Belle's jail has been removed to install an elevator shaft from main to boiler decks.
29/07/2009 3:31 am
Jail
The BELLE's jail is displayed on the ground of the Howard Museum, next to the Carriage House. It has provided the 'environs' for many a photo...
29/07/2009 11:18 am
The brig from the BELLE (removed at Jeffboat in 1997 after the sinking) has been a popular exhibit on the grounds of the Howard Steamboat Museum for several years now, thanks to the efforts of Kenny Howe (now retired from Jeffboat) and the Louisville Propeller Club, who generously provided the funding for moving the jail from Jeffboat and having a concrete base poured near the carriage house upon which to display it, replete with identifying placque. The renovated river relic was dedicated with a program and picnic supper at the mansion on May 16, 2005.
Herewith a photo I took of Kenny, Chief Engineer extraordinaire and magnificent museum board member, posing as an excursion boat trouble maker!
Many THANKS to Kenny and to all who made this unique exhibit possible. We are proud to be the ONLY steamboat museum in the country with an authentic excursion boat brig!
"Curator Keith"
31/07/2009 3:50 pm
The jail was aft of the tiller circle and sat over a hatch. When a fighter or drunk (or both) was incarcerated he soon saw the hatch and decided to make an escape attempt.
The hatch was over the stern rake and was the filthiest compartment on the boat - and THAT's saying a mouthful! The bottom was covered with grease and many years of other dirt and debris. As soon as the would-be escaper hit that bottom plate his feet would shoot out from under him and he would land headlong in the filth. It served him right.
One time in an effort to improve the boat's trim we moved it to the firebox. We moved it back when we heard an outraged fireman tell a prisoner, "If you don't shut up, I'm gonna peel yo' skull!" He was ready to do it, too, and had a two-foot wrench in hand to do the job.
31/07/2009 9:41 pm
Hey all,
I have a request.....
I have been approached by someone at the BELLE looking for a picture of the brig when it was aboard the boat. Problem is, I don't have time to scan one in time for their need. You see, there is a television program (Public TV) which is being made and they need it early next week at the latest. I don't have time to find one in my mess of a collection either!
If any one has one they'd like to donate from their collection to the BELLE's collection and KET TV, please forward it to me by email and I will forward it to my contact at the BELLE.
Thank you all for your help and support in this matter of the preservation of history!
My personal email is .... [email protected]
Travis