Topic starter
24/02/2009 5:29 am
Steamboating colleagues:
After running down to the Cincinnati Public Libary today following other business [*See posting RE: DQ] I found that that touted GREENE LINE STEAMERS exhibit at the Cincinnati Public Library on Vine Street has now been taken down. What I saw remaining was fascinating. Currently the Library features a full gallery on President Abraham Lincoln. Franz may wish to change the Homepage.
Ah, but wait. In the corner is a fine display of early river charts/navigation books and other materials with a full black/white photo of sage Capt. Fred Way, Jr. as a young man standing watch on the Str. BETSY ANN. Yes, Fred had hair in those days.
The library has moved from storage many fine river books along with bound volumes of WATERWAYS JOURNAL, S&D REFLECTOR, STEAMBOAT BILL, corporate books on JEFFBOAT in Jeffersonville, Ind. etc. A little rough navigating through the collection as the former 'Rare Books/Inland Rivers Collection' is there but under a totally new area known as 'Cincinnati.' Fine steamboat models of the GORDON C. GREENE [Courtesy GREENE LINE STEAMERS with model restored by John Fryant] and towboat J.T. HATFIELD are on display in glass cases--unfortunately now on the 3rd floor. Still a good visit for those in Cincinnati.
Well, what do I know?
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River.
24/02/2009 3:26 pm
home page
Aha! I must not have been the only one with computer problems this weekend! The text on the homepage hasn't been showing up, except once. And that time it was an old page from August which included the info about the Greene Line exhibit about to open. Glad to know it wasn't just me and my computer ignorance getting the wrong homepage.
It sounds like the river books are more accessible now - but you made a comment about the former Inland Rivers Collection - has that been completely disbanded? Is what you saw all that is left? Years ago, before the SWAT-like security system came in, Keith and I were given a tour of the storage racks downstairs. Things like a tiara and earrings of Mary B. Greene were stored there. I wonder if those artifacts are still at the library, or if they've been unceremoniously disposed of?
Topic starter
24/02/2009 5:21 pm
*RE: Rare Books/Inland Rivers collection.*
Hi, Judy & steamboating colleagues:
Good questions above and I'll try my best to relate my visit yesterday to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County [PLOCH for short]. It was late in the day and many of the usual office staff etc. were preparing to leave at 5:00 PM. The former 'Rare Books/Inland Rivers Collection' is still in the same location on the 3rd floor in the new wing. The library is now one huge complex having undergone modernization, rebuilding and reorganization. The 'Cincinnati' section still houses all of the collection as before along with expanded services for genealogy which is now a much-visited venue. The staff were kind with us talking before I strolled through seeing the previously mentioned display on the rivers with maps, charts, rare volumes and Capt. Fred Way's fine photo.
Many volumes, research materials etc. are now out in the browsing/reading area for general use and it's extensive running many feet of shelf space. I examined the bound volumes of WATERWAYS JOURNALS, S&D REFLECTORS, STEAMBOAT BILL etc. Some of the rarer books are available but have blue 'digital tabs' so they can't be spirited out through the security doors on the main floor. The collection available is most extensive with books going way back. It was 'spooky' taking many down and seeing the autographs inside from Capts. Fred Way, Donald T. Wright, Alan Bates etc. etc. As mentioned the fine GORDON C. GREENE, J.T. HATFIELD, last ISLAND QUEEN models on display. If the fine large painting by Capt. Jesse P. Hughes is there I must have missed it with limited time. The staff seem very warm and ready to answer questions/provide materials. Surprised to see a number of high school/college students/adults swarming around using the books along with a zillion computer stations all over linked to the collections in each section.
Traditional card files are not to be found now with the use of computers. It takes time navigating around the building compared to what I recalled just a few years ago. The library master plan has been in operation and apparently is smoothing out--but not without some birthing pains. On the main floor can be viewed the fine photo mural of the Cincinnati Panorama of 1848 by Fontane and Porter with all the steamboats lined up from that time. The original photo plates I believe are away still undergoing an intensive restoration process. The huge bell from the U.S. Navy ship USS CINCINNATI reposes on the main floor as you walk in.
Library card holders here now are automatically sent library web site messages via E=Mail on current displays, news and collections. Again, a visit is worth the time and takes time. For those interested you may type in your search engines Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and hit GO to gain access. I believe a number of steamboat photos are available via that. *Strange. I also had computer problems here yesterday too. Must have been something in the atmosphere.
Well, what do I know?
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River.