Topic starter
25/09/2009 12:13 pm
As has been earlier mentioned, 2009 marks one hundred years since the GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT was built by the Pope Dock Company at Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1909. Although the old showboat is virtually abandoned along the Illinois River near Kampsville, she is not totally forgotten.
Don Franz, originator of the St. Louis Ragtimers (which performed for many years on the showboat) and who was a business partner of the late Frank C. Pierson, who purchased the boat from Capt. J.W. Menke after the 1962 fire -- and also owned the Str. BECKY THATCHER -- has arranged for a musical extravaganza celebrating the showboat's existence for the past century.
THE GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT CENTENNIAL YEAR
and the ST. LOUIS RAGTIMERS 48th ANNIVERSARY.
Sunday, October 18th ----- 3:00 - 6:00 PM -- Doors open at 2:15.
The Sheldon Ballroom
3648 Washington Boulevard
St. Louis (just West of Grand Avenue) Free Parking.
Purchase tickets at the door - $10 per person.
Beverages, snacks and CD's available for purchase.
Bring your camera - Bring a Friend!
Information: Don Franz: 314/994-1773 or [email protected]
Photos:
(1) Goldenrod Showboat at Herculaneum, Mo - August, 1937 - less than two months before she tied up permanently at St. Louis..
(2) Goldenrod at St. Charles, MO - 1990's.
Topic starter
25/09/2009 12:14 pm
MORE photos of the century old GOLDENROD, the largest showboat ever built.
Permanently moored at the St. Louis Levee from 1937 until sold to the city of St. Charles in 1990, the showboat was placed on a DPC barge at St. Louis Ship in 1947, her original 1909 wooden hull being set down into the barge, which was sunk, the showboat floated over it and the water pumped out. This was done so speedily that only one melodrama performance was missed!
(1) GOLDENROD at St. Louis - 1967 - Str. BECKY THATCHER bow visible at right.
(2) GOLDENROD at night - St. Louis - 1969.
(3) GODLENROD - stern view - St. Louis - 1972.
Topic starter
25/09/2009 12:20 pm
My first views of the GOLDENROD...41 years ago!!!
Taken with my "Brownie Fiesta" Kodak Camera on June 23-24, 1968.
(1) GOLDENROD with Str. BECKY THATCHER at stern.
(2) Keith - 14 years old!
(3) GOLDENROD - stern view with Streckfus wharfboat, Eads and Veteran's Bridges in distance.
HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT!!
