Topic starter
12/04/2010 3:40 am
35 years ago today, April 12, the daughter of the mayor of Natchez Mississippi christened the Steamer NATCHEZ at the Toulouse Street Wharf. The first harbor trip was made the next day, April 13... 35 years, where does the time go? I've been associated with her for 26 of those years.
The first picture was taken this weekend. It doesn't look pretty, and doesn't look like much because there's nothing really left there. But this is where the beautiful Alan Bates-designed NATCHEZ was built: at Bergeron Shipyard in Braitwaite LA, just downriver on the east bank from NOLA. With all the sad steamboating news we've had these past couple of years, it is so satisfying to see the business picking up here and to see the NATCHEZ in all her beauty. Thank you Alan! HAPPY BIRTHDAY WZC8491!!!!!
12/04/2010 11:45 am
While I haven't been around for even 26 years, the NATCHEZ has been there my entire life. I couldn't imagine a world without it, and I am proud to have worked on her when I did. Happy Birthday and thank you to all the people, both here and gone, who have kept her goin all these years. Lookin forward to at least 35 more!
12/04/2010 2:08 pm
When Capt. Alan Bates penned this vessel, I don't think he had any idea just how many river fans and even the general public would come to love his design. In a time where she could have been another uninspired floating steel box, he made steel artwork. She will last another 35 years easy. She has a caring crew who work hard on keeping her in the best shape. Hats off to the crew of the NATCHEZ....may they have another 35 years to trod her decks and pave the way for the next generation of steamboaters to come after them!
12/04/2010 2:33 pm
It seems like only a few short years have passed since driving down to Braithwaite on a spring day in March of 1975. Suddenly, two TALL feathered stacks appeared over the levee above the trees. I'll never forget the sight of the brand new steamboat, sparkling in the morning sunshine. WOW! I was greeted by Capts. Doc Hawley and Roddy Hammett, both nearly bursting with enthusiasm and who couldn't show me every nook and cranny on each deck of the big sternwheeler quickly enough! I couldn't help but feel that it was a scene similar to those long ago days of hundreds upon hundreds of steamboats, under construction and nearing completion, at the Howard Shipyard and elsewhere. To say it was awesome and thrillingly overwhelming is an understatement!
Hard to believe that three and a half decades have now passed since that memorable day! Indeed, a long whistle salute in tribute to designer Capt. Alan Bates and to ALL, past and present, who have served as officers and crew aboard the beautiful steamer NATCHEZ. Long may she keep rolling on the river!
12/04/2010 10:20 pm
It is gratifying to me and my ego that so many people admire the Natchez. You should remember that a few other people deserve credit. Wilbur Dow, with whom I had a rocky relationship, had the idea and the wherewithal to build it. Dexter Denton, who preserved the lines I drew in the face of terrific opposition. Bill Dow, who sustained me many times. Captain Fred Way, who got me the job as architect. Clancy Horton, the naval architect who rode herd and kept me straight. Roland Bergeron, who built the boat. Meyer Stockman, Captain, USCG (ret) who fought off the #%@#%*^# at the Coast Guard, who tried every ruse to prevent her construction.
Pay some tribute to these people!
12/04/2010 10:48 pm
All of those are very deserving as well, Alan. But if you had not done what you did, as Travis said, we'd have some steel box with no sheer, too many "wrong" things, etc. Take the credit you deserve, please. 'Nuff said.
Topic starter
12/04/2010 11:36 pm
PP party
Along with our usual liquid libations at our patio party, tonight we are going to have a birthday cake too, in honor of our NATCHEZ...
13/04/2010 1:49 am
Lucky, I wanna be there!!