Topic starter
13/01/2007 11:17 am
I am kooking for information about the Steamer Albatross, more specifically the launch date at Dubuque Boat and Boiler. From what I know so far is it was before June 1907. Any information would be appreciated.
Thamks,
Jim
13/01/2007 6:56 pm
It made it over the Des Moines Rapids on its delivery trip due to a sudden summer rise... it had been waiting at Montrose Iowa for more water.
14/01/2007 10:38 pm
There was an "Albatross" that went up the Wisconsin & Fox through the the Portage Canal...it supposedly went from the Mississippi River to Green Bay...
15/01/2007 1:11 am
Dear Jim:
The ALBATROSS of 1907 listed in WAY'S PACKET DIRECTORY Entry No. 0104 Pg. 8. "Built Dubuque. 308X53.8X7.6 ft., width 90 ft. Engines 26's - 10 ft. stroke. Four boilers 72" X 18 ft. for 'Louisiana & Mississippi Valley Transfer Co.' 1920-1921 was taken to U.S. Drydocks, Keokuk enlarged to 365 ft. length. On/around 1937 sold to STRECKFUS STEAMERS, St. Louis. Brought under own power from lower Mississippi. Over the next several years she was converted into an excursion boat named ADMIRAL." [*See WAY'S] Interesting, the name comes from 'albus' or white and 'alcatraz' for port. A great bird of the South Seas.
A number of postings appeared on this web in the recent past with photos showing the ALBATROSS before and during her conversion to the ADMIRAL. It's an interesting story well presented by Judy and others on the web. Hope this helps--a little. Never saw her as as the ALBATROSS but have a couple of period B/W snaps here in the boxes.
Cheers,
R. Dale Flick
Topic starter
15/01/2007 2:17 pm
Thanks for all the information.
Jim
15/01/2007 4:12 pm
Dad, always suspected that the ALBATROSS' machinery came from another boat. He said that they looked ancient. Her engines were shipped up by hand and her valvegear was set up "broad horn" style. By the early 1900's this generally wasn't done.