Topic starter
06/08/2009 7:20 pm
The Smithsonian Institution has inagurated a new permanent exhibition on maritime transportation at the recently reopened National Museum of American History in Washington, D. C.
The inland Rivers section offers stories of how river towns developed in New Orleans and Cincinnati. Ship models (attention John Fryant) tell the story of river navigation......... Thanks to WORKBOAT Magazine, August 2009
I'm wondering: is a section reserved for telling the fateful story of how under-handed Washington politics destroyed nearly 200 years of American steamboat history?
06/08/2009 7:56 pm
Thank you Shipyard. Couldn't have said it better myself "under-handed Washsington politics". Makes me ill to think about it! ;-(
Topic starter
07/08/2009 12:21 am
The Irony of It All ......
How ironic is it that you can go and see these vestiges of our river heritage in the National Muse, in Washingtown, while, paradoxically, it was from this very same seat of power and influence that not only our beloved QUEEN was dethroned, but our very culture was virtually destroyed?
A steamboat, no matter how loved, is a thing of wood and steel; brass and glass, and it can be rebuilt, but the traditions of the steamboat, once gone, may never be resurrected... and that disturbs me even more.
07/08/2009 4:23 am
Sam, three of those models are mine: the Far West, and Bryants New showboat and its towboat, the Valley Belle. During the decade of the 1970s I built five models for the Smithsonian's Museum of American History. In addition to those mentioned, I did the Idlewild and a Great Lakes Carferry, the St. Ignace. They chose not to include those two in the new exhibit. Perhaps they have them somewhere in another display, or in storage. I was dissapointed that the Idlewild didn't make the cut, as she has become the most historic steamboat in North America, the Belle of Louisville. There are other steamboat models exhibited in the new hall - the J.M. White, the Greenbrier, The Joseph Henry, the snagboat Charles H. West, the Hudson River sidewheeler Hendrick Hudson and a modern ACL Towboat. (I forget the name) The Hall is well done and worth a visit. I was there briefly last month and no, there is not a section about politics destroying nearly 200 years of American steamboat history. Thats unfortunate.
07/08/2009 11:41 am
What a bummer that the IDLEWILD is not displayed! If they don't want the model, the Howard Steamboat Museum would be pleased and proud to have it -- and we certainly will prominently display it!
Speaking of models, the museum was asked to set up a small exhibit at the Indiana State Fair, which runs from August 7-23 at Indianapolis. The large encased model of the INDIANA, a model of the SPRAGUE and the Lunkenheimer whistle from the towboat DONORA have been lent for the display. So, if you happen to attend the fair, look for these prize artifacts!