Topic starter
06/04/2012 9:44 am
I was just looking through some old pictures and when I came across these, I couldn't help but think that when this picture was taken, I'll bet no one could imagine that all three of those boats would outlast the Mississippi Queen.
06/04/2012 12:44 pm
Technically only one has, the BELLE OF LOUISVILLE. The other two have been laid up since 2008. The DQ is still operating as a hotel...at least for now (Please contact the town council of New Smyrna Beach, FL and let them know how you feel about this!). The JULIA BELLE SWAIN has been laid up and barely cared for since 2008. Rumor has it she may not be in the condition to ever run again if something doesn't change soon.
Isn't it odd to think the oldest operating Mississippi River Styled Sternwheeler is the proverbial Energizer Bunny of the pack?
Topic starter
07/04/2012 5:51 am
I realize that only one of the three is still operating at this time, but none of the three have been shipped to China in pieces, only to be melted down and sold back to us as a Hyundai...
07/04/2012 3:24 pm
MQ Memories
During museum tours, when showing the models of the DQ and MQ, I always relate the fate of the MQ. Many of our visitors are familiar with the MQ and are somewhat shocked and saddened to hear that she is no more. One man listened intently to my story, became red in the face and aired his opinion, with colorful words, of all those who played a part, however great or small, in turning the once proud steamboat into piles of scrap!
07/04/2012 7:53 pm
*Hull 2999 April 30, 1975 More than a generation now*
Steamboating colleagues:
The B/W MQ christening photos from John Vize, April 30, 1975, not only gave me a jolt but reminded me how the years have slipped by--a generation plus now. Those of us there recall the day almost didn't come off due to the rain, high water at the Louisville landing. The pictured parking garage already had water on the base floor. Capt. Wagner pushed the DELTA QUEEN to make the event nursing her tenderly, carefullly with much maneuvering in place for the big event. The MQ, already behind schedule in construction, was towed over and docked. And the rains continued.
With all crowding decks of the boats, a long, low black limousine or two pulled up to unload Congresswoman Lenore Sullivan, Betty Blake, Steedman Hinkley, Overseas National Airlines and his mother, among other dignitaries while we all ogled with snapping cameras, news cameras rolling. Secretary of the Navy John Warner was special guest and speaker surrounded by his protectors and staff. The crowd disappointed that his then wife, actress Elizabeth Taylor, was not part of the party. With the ceremony beginning, Warner approached the microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy a good 'sailor's mist.'"
But wait. The Secretary of the Navy asked Betty Blake, "How would Congressman Sullivan reach down over the deck to break the champagne on the hull?" Betty stood back and with her charm said, "Mr. Secretary, that may be how ships on the ocean are christened; but no red blooded riverman here would ever christen a riverboat but on the top of the capstan." Or something along those words as I remember. And so it was hull No. 2999 christened MISSISSIPPI QUEEN with the carefully braided [an old custom] champagne bottle sending a shower of bubbly over Mrs. Sullivan and her fine mink coat. Suddenly in the sky a group of ONA planes flew over with, I seem to remember, red/white/blue decorative smoke streaming behind. Later the MQ was towed back to JEFFBOAT for an additional 13 months of outfitting. The Great Steamboat Race of 1975 continued as scheduled. Indeed, that was a L-O-N-G time ago. How many here were there that day?
R. Dale Flick
Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
08/04/2012 5:17 pm
The Big Event
I was there with movie camera in hand and got the christening and Capt. Wagner dancing with someone, can't remember who. Unfortunately it was silent. As you mentioned, it was a long time ago. Good color film, though.
08/04/2012 5:21 pm
The Launch
I wasn't at the launching but Fred Way wrote a detailed description of that event, which was subsequently printed in the S&D Reflector. Pure Fred way, it is hysterically funny.
09/04/2012 7:54 pm
Remember
It was not the Chinese who destroyed the Mississippi Queen, it was majestic or Ambassador cruise lines. Remember the confrence call that Travis shared about how they were joking about making sure she never sailed again. I do feel the Chinese persons who bought her would have bucked orders and returned her to the river, but they do try to honor the wishes of "parties" involved. I have found they generally don't like to offend people. In my humble opinion the MQ was scrapped by ambassadors cruise lines / majestic.
19/05/2013 11:36 pm
I think it's even more funny that the oldest of those boats is the only one still taking cruises. Still, I'm shocked that the MQ didn't last even close to those 3... I think that they could have at least kept it docked up in New Orleans for sale? I just don't really get it.