Topic starter
14/07/2008 5:29 pm
I am writing a children's book based on the steamboat Saluda, which traveled the Missouri, blowing up and sinking in 1852. I have a specific question about the captain's uniform during that period of time. Anyone with any idea about what it would look like? So far, I haven't found a description in the books I've read. Any help would be MUCH appreciated!
14/07/2008 8:13 pm
They didn't have much in the way of uniforms at that time. Just wore work clothes or street clothes of the day. That is still pretty much the case today except for the passenger boats. Is the blowing up and sinking going to be in the book?
14/07/2008 10:03 pm
As Lex said, no real uniforms. The Captain may also have been the owner, but regardless, would have probably worn his "Sunday betters" whenever he was out & about on the boat.
14/07/2008 11:41 pm
Alice, here is a link to a thread on this board from a couple of years ago on uniforms. Hope this helps...
http://www.steamboats.org/forum/steamboats-history/113-captains-uniform.html
Bob
Topic starter
15/07/2008 11:38 pm
Thank you!
I'm glad I asked the experts--it would have looked stupid to have my captain in a uniform! I hope I can ask other questions as I write. And yes, this is based on the Saluda which blew up and sank on the Missouri.
17/07/2008 12:25 am
Alice
since you are writing about the Saluda. the is a little book written by two Mormon friends of mine. William G. Hartley and Fred E. Woods, "Explosion of the Steamboat Saluda" 2002, Millennial Press, Inc, 11968 S. Dove Landing Dr., Riverside, Utah 84065. The book deals mostly with the Mormons who were on board at the time of the explosion.
It was not wise to ride with the Belt boys. they exploded at least two steamboats.
the Saluda snagged and sank 5 miles below Rocheport. Mo. she lay stuck in the river and a sand bar built up around her, several months later she was dug out of the bar and taken to St. Louis for repairs.
Carl Jones
Missouri Riverrat