Topic starter
12/11/2009 12:50 pm
Our recent discussion, started by Mary Sward Charlton, regarding the history of the big roof bell aboard the BELLE OF CINCINNATI, brings forth yet another photograph from the dusty boxes of steamboat stuff!
This unusual image, taken by C.W. Stoll in 1937 aboard the GORDON C. GREENE, is not only a good view of the roof bell (originally on the Eagle Packet Str. GREY EAGLE before being installed on the CAPE GIRARDEAU in 1923) but shows the boat navigating a "creek"! Actually, the GORDON is downbound from Florence, Alabama in the Colbert Shoals Canal. Shore timber is being cut preparatory to filling Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River.
12/11/2009 1:00 pm
Many thanks, Keith, for all your help on my "Belle's Bell" project. Now, anyone know much about Hanks, who made the bell? They were in Cincinnati when they made this one, but later in St. Louis.
12/11/2009 1:20 pm
Mary: I have an 1886 Cincinnati Business Directory and find no Hanks listed under foundries, bells, locksmiths and bell hangers. Cap'n Walnut
12/11/2009 6:17 pm
Cap--googling got me bare bones, but I know there is more out there. It was a family concern at first. It has a beautiful tone! Thanks for the research.
Would love to ride your new boat sometime!
13/11/2009 2:42 am
Mary: What I have here is not much...only an 1886 Covington/Newbort Directory with an appended Business Directory for Cincinnati...no personal entries for Cincinnati. Donno if the Cincy/ Hamilton County has the Cincy directories on line or not...You might try. And, yes, MISS FORTUNE was out for an airing today and a great day it was...first time in over two months and she does need a riverlorian. She does have a great hunger for 2x4s, 2x2s and shipping skid slats 14 inches long! If this weather holds... Cap'n Walnut
13/11/2009 7:25 pm
I have a little time to research this one. It's not urgent. Have fun while you can--Mother Nature is cooling things down too fast! Mary