Topic starter
13/04/2013 5:03 pm
38 years... hard to believe! The NATCHEZ was christened on April 12, 1975 and ran her first excursions on April 13, 1975...
1) The NATCHEZ and her proud 'papa' on christening day. It was very high water, I'd guess close to the 17 ft. maximum judging by seeing the guard above the concrete wharf. That of course is Capt. Clarke Campbell Hawley posing in front of his first boat with only ONE coat of paint! Note the machinery to the left which was displayed on the wharf into the mid 1980s when I started my association with the NATCHEZ. As to the boat itself, the obvious differences from today are the lower stacks, the red trim atop the pilothouse is gone, and there are no canopies, which were installed for the 1985 season.
2) The NATCHEZ underway on her 2nd public excursion on April 13, 1975, photo from the collection of the late great Bert Fenn who was present for the festivities.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACEHORSE OF THE WESTERN RIVERS AND THE QUEEN OF NEW ORLEANS' RIVERFRONT!!!
