Topic starter
29/05/2009 12:38 pm
The thread on the ERASTUS WELLS / CITY OF ST. LOUIS was getting a bit lengthy, so I'll start a new one to share some more images of her.
(1) ERASTUS WELLS and other boats at Natchez, 1909 - Steamboat Parade for President Taft.
(2 & 3) Cabin of ERASTUS WELLS showing arches later displayed in museum on BECKY THATCHER.
Topic starter
29/05/2009 12:47 pm
And even MORE on the ERASTUS WELLS / CITY OF ST. LOUIS. . .
(1) ERASTUS WELLS
(2) Upper decks of the CITY OF ST. LOUIS - looking toward the Eads Bridge
(3) Roof bell of the ERASTUS WELLS with Capt. Charles B. Ziegler, who was with the famed Anchor Line and master of the Str. ARKANSAS CITY.
The roof bell from the ERASTUS WELLS / CITY OF ST. LOUIS was acquired by the Mesker family of St. Louis, who also purchased the pilothouse and stacks from the Streckfus Str. WASHINGTON when she was dismantled at the St. Louis levee. This all was set up as a pool/boat house at the Mesker estate along the Missouri River near St. Louis and is there today (quite visible from the river) athough it was rebuilt after a fire some years ago. David Mesker and his brother, Douglass, were both students of Ruth Ferris at the Community School. John Hartford said he was envious of Douglass, who was chosen to portray Capt. Buck Leyhe in a play when the salavaged pilothouse of the GOLDEN EAGLE was dedicated on the grounds of the school in 1948. Capt. Buck was a special guest at the ceremony and watched with tears streaming down his face when the pilothouse was christened with water from all the rivers plied by the "GOLDIE" and the children sang a song about the boat, composed specifically for the event.
