This ship log goes back in time, with newest entries at the top. We cover the Save the Delta Queen Campaign, general steamboat news, steamboat ancestry, paddlewheel boats wanted or for sale, and model boats; and anything to do with river or boat history.
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Steamboats.com has been online since 1998 and our blog archive goes back to 1998. Click here to see the oldest posts.
C-SPAN Feed of Delta Queen Vote
Sept. 27, 2013
Jim Whetzel send an link to the footage of the debate to save the Delta Queen. He says: "The discussions on H.R. 1961 start at the time of 25:50 and ends at 01:12:53. Then the actual vote starts at 01:54:10 and ends at 02:21:33." Watch here: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/videoLibrary/transcript/transcript.php?id=224752
Jim adds:
I am still trying not to let myself get too excited yet. It is just so nice to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel after all of this time and work we all have done over the years trying to get this to happen. I think it will make it through Senate all right I hope, but I am not going to rest until this bill is signed. Then I will be one happy boy. Let's keep our fingers and toes crossed still. Then after all of this is done. Hopefully Xanterra does the right thing and lets "DQSC, Inc." purchase it.
Steamboats.com editors add: YEAH! Everyone who wants to see this work, cross your fingers, toes, and eyes, and stay like that until the bill hits the President's desk, and the reigns go to DQSC.
House Votes to Save the Delta Queen
Sept. 25, 2013
This afternoon the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to save the Delta Queen. Here is a screen shot of the final vote, sent in by Delta Queen advocate Jim Whetzel.
Now it is up to the Senate to pass the identical bill, then Xanterra needs to turn her over to the care of the people who understand and love her.
Media coverage: maritimematters.com, bubblews.com, topix.com, theintelligencer.net, dispatch.com, mariettatimes.com, natchezdemocrat.com, communitypress.cincinnati.com [podcast], cruisecritic.com, cincinnati.com, timesfreepress.com, arkansasnews.com, Youtube.com, Railway Preservation News, floridatoday.com, wsmv.com, myworldnews.com, cincinnati.com, cruisemates.com article by Paul Motter.
Someone sent this purdy poster of the Delta Queen in Sacramento, enjoy!
House will Vote this Week
Sept. 23, 2013
The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to vote to save the Delta Queen on Wednesday, Sept. 25! House Bill 1961 is on the Suspension Calendar, which means that debate will be limited to forty minutes and it needs a two-thirds majority to pass. IT IS TIME TO CALL YOUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVE! Make the call today (202) 224-3121. Have your Representative's name handy so the switchboard operator can connect you immediately. Click here to find your Representative.
Researcher Seeks Feedback
Dr. Shane K. Bernard is working on a book about Bayou Teche and asks readers to respond to his inquiry about steam power. Please send him your two cents worth. (You can collect your two pennies next time you visit Arizona, where this site is based.) - Editor
On Sep 20, 2013, at 10:22 AM, Shane K. Bernard, Ph.D. wrote:
Nori,
Hi, Shane Bernard here. You kindly helped me with a steamboat question a few months ago.
I have another question I'm hoping you or your readers on steamboat.com can help me with:
In the early to mid-20th century the last riverboats in my part of Louisiana seemed to be diesel-powered. Once local historian thus claims these riverboats were not "steamboats" because they didn't actually use steam.
But isn't it possible that diesel fuel could be used to produce steam, just as coal or wood could be used to produce steam?
In other words, did diesel-powered riverboats by definition or design not use steam to turn their paddle wheels?
Sincerely,
Shane (email Shane directly)
Visit Shane's blog Bayou Teche Dispatches
Like Shane on Facebook SouthLouisianaHistory
Buy Shane's books Amazon.com
Editorial:
Delta Queen to Move
Sept. 16, 2013
People are discussing moving the Delta Queen to a new location. This could also be seen as the City of Chattanooga evicting, or strongly encouraging the boat to leave. We thank the City of Chattanooga, the managers, volunteers, and people who have sheltered the boat and taken care of her the last five years. Now it is time for Xanterra and the attorneys handling the transaction to pass the boat along to the river people who can understand her and assist her in her plight.
The Delta Queen is a national historical treasure. Here are a few articles coming in across the Google Alert transom:
timesfreepress.com, newschannel9.com-DQ granted 6 month extension in city, timesfreepress, timesfreepress, wrcbtv.com, wdef.com, chattanoogan.com editorial, sfgate.com (sanfranciscochronicle), nooga.com, chattanoogan.com, wrcbtv.com, wdef.com, timesfreepress.com, wsmv.com, topix.com, chattanoogan.com, timesfreepress.com, timesfreepress-facebook.com.
House and Senate Bills Aim to Save the Delta Queen
August 26, 2013
Call your U.S. Representative and two U.S. Senators and tell them it is time to save the Delta Queen!
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House of Representatives H.R. 1961 was introduced May 14, 2013, confirmed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee July 18, and is expected to go up for a vote in September. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) introduced the bill and it has twenty-two cosponsors. Text of H.R.1961 |
Senate S. 1022 was introduced May 22, 2013 by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH). Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and David Vitter (R-LA) joined them. Text of S. 1022 |
The Delta Queen also provides jobs and contributes to the economy in the river towns it visits, from Minnesota to Pennsylvania to Missouri and Louisiana.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Maritime Officers, and the Seafarers International Union support the Delta Queen, and you can show your support today.
Call your Representative and two Senators!
Media coverage: Mississippi Delta Grass Roots Caucus press release, Cincinnati.com, Fox19.com, bloomberg.com, bloomberg.com 2, nbcnews.com, trainorders.com - includes wording to contact your U.S. Representative, ualrpublicradio.org, wrcbtv.com, travelmole.com, friendsforourriverfront.org, Sacramento Bee, theadvocate.com, Valley Community News, courierpress.com, o.canada.com, brown.senate.gov, sherrodbrown.com/blog/, Baton Rouge Advocate,
Passing of Captain Harold E. Howe
Sept. 7, 2013
We sadly report the passing of Captain Harold E. Howe, a captain and pilot for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. His obituary in the Paducah Sun.
Info. Requested: Cap'n Albert S. Kelley
Sept. 1, 2013
The grandson of Albert S. Kelley is seeking information. So far we have learned that Cap'n Kelley was one of the last licensed Falls Pilots on the Ohio River, and that he was captain on the Delta Queen at one time. Anyone with information or a photo of Cap'n Kelley on the Delta Queen, please contact us and we will pass the information along.
Ralph Law Watercolor
On Apr 9, 2013, at 1:26 PM, L.J. wrote:
I have orignal Ralph Law watercolor steamboat paintings, which I would like to sell. They were purchased prior to his death and have been in my family since.
If this of interest to you, know someone or know of a venue for his paintings - I will send pics and all info promptly.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Editor's Note: If you are a museum or collector interested in this painting, please contact Steamboats.com. Click here for contact info.
Dimensions: frame 40"x 29"; picture 29"x17"
Steamboats.com New Acquisitions
The Dave Thomson Wing of the Online Steamboats.com Museum has thirty-eight new items for June and July 2013. The collections include illustrations, movie stills, photos of old boats, and other treasures. To see the entire Dave Thomson collection, click here. Click on June and July 2013 to see the newest items.
Studying steamboat materials has proven therapeutic effects, so we especially invite anyone who is down in the dumps and in need of a dose of stimulating nostalgia to cheer 'em up. Thanks, Dave, for your generosity in sharing these great finds.
American Queen News
The two sister ships Delta Queen and American Queen are making news this month. I have a collection of Delta Queen news below, so this will be an American Queen news wrap-up.
The American Queen Steamboat Company also completed a technology update, adding a new-fangled satellite ball to the American Queen's roof that will make the wireless faster and more reliable. They also added more TV stations. You may scoff at the need for wireless on a paddlewheel steamboat, but all the better for blogging the cruise!
In other news, the American Queen Steamboat Company has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, donating $5 for each cruise they book. Passengers have the option of matching the donation. For the full story, see preservationnation.org.
Recent Delta Queen Media Reports
There is a new bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to Save the Delta Queen Steamboat: H.R. 1961. Without the nod from Congress, the Delta Queen could be lost. Functioning as a hotel will not cut it. She needs the freedom to operate in the American cruise industry, and H.R. 1961 will restore her rights!
All Americans will benefit if this vessel gets her exemption, since she is a national treasure that belongs to all of us—Democrat, Republican, and Independent; North, South, East, and West. Ask your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 1961. Make the call today (202) 224-3121. Have your Representative's name handy so the switchboard operator can connect you immediately. Click here to find your Representative.
H.R.1961 - To amend title 46, United States Code, to extend the exemption from the fire-retardant materials construction requirement for vessels operating within the Boundary Line.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to Congressman Steve Chabot from Southwest Ohio for introducing the bill. Following are recent media reports:
City Council member P.G. Sittenfeld in talks to bring Delta Queen back to Cincinnati, May 10, 2013
Bidding War Could Take The Delta Queen Away From Chattanooga, The Chattanoogan
Delta Queen could call Cincinnati 'home', Fox19; or long in through: wxix.com
Editorial: Congress, save the Queen, May 10, 2013
Cincinnati icon may soon be returning, Business Courier of Cincinnati (blog); Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld is working to bring the
Good Riddance To The Delta Queen - And Response (3) The Chattanoogan, Monday, May 13, 2013. This one is really sad, sad, sad. How did things get this bad?
Groups dueling in effort to buy famed Delta Queen, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Chabot touts bill that would get Delta Queen moving again, Cincinnati.com (blog)
Could The Wheel Turn In Delta Queen's Fortune? Maritime Matters
Delta Queen would greatly benefit Cincinnati | Letters to the Editor, Cincinnati.com, 05/15/13
Investors dueling to buy Delta Queen, timesfreepress.com, Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Delta Queen through the years, a photo essay, cincinnati.com, Cincinnati Ohio News
Massie fights for return of Delta Queen, The Ledger Independent, Maysville, Ohio, May 16, 2013
Investors dueling to buy Delta Queen, Times Free Press, May 14, 2013
Supporters Want Delta Queen Back in Cincinnati, May 10, 2013
Race to return Delta Queen to rivers, by Evan Bevins, Marietta Times, June 2, 2013
