A Glimpse into Music "The Sacred Harp Along the Grand River"

Broadhorns: King of the Rivers by Larry Devine

Larry Devine
  Researcher and Riverman

The Broadhorn King of the Rivers

 By Larry Devine

 Author, Researcher, and Artist   

Arks landed along Big Pine Creek, West Branch, Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania 19th Century
(Sebastian, Absalom Shade , Known to hold taxes on a Mill on this Section of river.

This image represents the voyage of Absalom Shade and his crews as they get under way to sell his entire cargo at Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario.

                   

A Comparative History of Life, and Navigation Along the "Great Waterways"

The rise of the “Broadhorn” to royal standing was indeed earned. It's elevation to such a prestigious position was one of honour, not majestic entitlement. It's rise to a respected role was due it's servitude in the humble saga of the early pioneer. It gained favour amongst river folk prior to the coming of the western steamboat. The “King of the River” in every description was crude and rustic leviathan. He was deceptively rigid, yet supple enough to ride the current of a raging river. His design was simplicity itself. The Broadhorn became a God send during the times of danger. It also provided a means for transporting large cargoes of pioneer produce to the early markets. This story is dedicated to both Canadian and |Americans whose early ancestors were the river pioneers and were part of the Broadhorn's legacy







Here the Arks can be view along the shore of Pine Creek. The region of Pennsylvania where Absalom Shade was raised as a child.
  This is a small grouping of Arks. One has been designated for use as a stabling vessel (furthest away), another for an office with diner, and supply boat. They were styled to meet the particular needs of the crew and mission. Absalom embraced this tradition of the river transportation..



This boat was for the practical pioneer who wanted to hire or use  a vessel, which could effectively be navigated down “North American Waterways efficiently, yet economically

It was crowned “King of the River”, because of it's service to our early settlers in times of distress. It gained it's noble reputation, as “hero” because of the function it provided during the Great Run-A-Way. It was an effective and speedy  way to escape formidable enemies. In the spring or fall Broadhorns ruled the waterways. They could be found anywhere along the rivers from the Susquehanna, and as far south as the Red River adjoining the Mississippi, at it's southern extremity. Thousands of immigrants depended on the Ark as they moved away from overcrowded cities in the east, they clamoured aboard flatboats travelling to the southwest from ports at Allegheny and Pittsburgh, after travelling from eastern seaports, such as, Philadelphia, thereby swelling the local Broadhorn population.

This was in                              the celebration of Canada's Mellennium celebration and appeared with this companion below
___________________________________.

The Broadhorn came into use in the 18th and 19th century in western regions of America. As
the United States expanded so to did flatboat take on new appearances, The Flatboats now took on more monikers. At various river ports, ie  Pittsburgh, Pa; Harrodsburg, Ky. The new vessles took on more monikers. The Kentucky Boat, Ark, Broadhorn, New Orleans Boat for a few examples. The voyages began where the  rivers of the northern mountainous territory  met the Ohio, Kentucky, Cumberland river valleys. In one jounrney recorded in the Biography of John Norton, recorded that he had made a journeys to the boyhood home of Joseph Brant,

 Here he witness a magnificient panorama. He could see all sizes of  Flatboats  loading and departing at Pitttsburg, Here the vessels decended in route through the Ohio River Valley to the Cresent city of New Orleans, along the Mississippi River, While traveling down the Ohio river it's recorded the thousands of these vessels could be found into the late 19th century

During this raid, British forces and warriors quickly ancended. and caused havock Settlers were forced  react quickly.  Hastly the cut timber and constructed  numerous craft including Arks. This was a time of tribulation and trepidation! The migrations of escaping settlers were boarding flatboats as quickly as they were constructed.

For generations the Broadhorn was chiefly constructed spring and fall to send harvests to
market.Arks, Along with the Keelboats continued to be built well past the time of Absalom Shade's (founder of Shades Mill, Upper Canada) boyhood. Although, the construction of these river vessels had tapered off along the Susquehanna River region, especially during the logging drives, it continued to be used well into the mid 1800's on the lower tributaries of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Therefore, the knowledge of boat building was common to many children of the many river communities”

This raft is constructed of rough timber, the cabin is constructed of straw, They are headed to market down river".

The Broadhorn on the River Ouse

It would take the knowledge of a few boys from the United States to change the course of history along the banks of the “Mighty Ouse River”, as it was then known. After Absalom Shade arrived, others would follow, therefore adding to the upsurge of flatboat building, skill and navigating experience,
Even though Absalom was not the first nt the first flatboat builder along the River Ouse to enter the newly constructed Welland Feeder and Canal, he was the first to accomplish this success with of seven large and majestic Arks. Absalom realized, in order to attain his dream for the wealth he desired, he needed a more efficient vessel to get his year's inventory to Lake Ontario

William Hamilton Merritt

In this era, the point fo trans-shipping goods to distant markets was by using the Great Lakes. The most popular lake was the Lake Ontario,  Access to this lake was a small was the town known as  Dundas, and it was anything but easy to reach.

Absalom had known this better than most! He had constructed several roads using conventional materials, and was concidered to be admired and respected by others for his engineering capabilities, However, these building materials for road construction could not withstand the heavy traffic and hard winters, Weather only hampered the road conditions in these harsh conditions which included a marshy base. The Spring thaw in Upper Canada.conditions hampered his abilities to reach the port at Dundas before other shippers. Traversing these roads was slow at the best of times due to the long lines of loaded waggons. Traffic along them was arduous, causing massive ruts made by horses and oxen; along with other delays. This district became tretcherous at the best of  times. Their were places along the road where a lone horseman fell victim to Quicksand and mire. They were swallowed up to their head gear.  Ruts caused by the waggons made voyages through the treacherous stretches in the Beverly Swamp, impossible to travel safely.

Connestoga Waggon of the period.

Therefore, until the western steamboat could travel the River Ouse,(Also known as the Grand River) Absalom Shade favoured a plan to to construct a number of large “Arks” as they were known along Susquehanna. In a few short year he would become co-founder of a new and popular canal system to control navigation. It would be called the “Grand River Navigation Company”.

There were many power brokers and stock-brokers such as  the Yates Family of New York State. William Dickson, Sir Allan Napier Mc Nab, David Thompson, Wilkes family, and the Jacksons The list of share holders continues with the powerful Six Nations Confederation being major shares in the company.

The Broadhorn Evolves

The use and evolution of the Broadhorn in North America continued under such names as a Flatboat, Ark, a Kentucky or New Orleans boat. (this means the Kentucky boat would be travelling within Kentucky or the New Orleans be travelling en-route to New Orleans) and remained in use, eventhough their hulls became modified for comparable uses on the river.

These enlarged flat bottom boats became barges, which now made it possible to transport mineral rich Gypsum to markets outside Upper Canada. These barges were towed by steamers which towed them or pushed them along the Grand or Welland Canal. Once reaching Port Robinson or Chippewa, barges would be connected in groups, and continue to be towed to Buffalo or Flat Rock. Grand River millers and merchants relied on river transportation for transporting their produce.

With interests centering on river transportation and mining, canal boats and scows eventually ended trade for the Broadhorn. The River Ouse, also received it's former name "the Grand river" instigated when new territories were renamed from Upper and Lower Canada to Canada East and West just years before Confederation. From this point onward, the River Ouse was called the Grand River. (Note: Another river was in use at Grand Rapids, Michigan known a the Grand River)

Simultaneously, steamers were being constructed, (for instance the Grand River Chief, the Queen, and the Red Jacket" were using 10 hp high-pressure non-condencing steam engines for propulsion ) were constructed for towing, freight, and passenger service. The Wilkes family, The Thompson Family, had heavily invested in this river trade, They were amongs't those who ordered their vessels with engines that would be suitable for both river and lake voyages. These river steamers were ordered based cost, river characteristics, and  intended use.

Visionaries like Absalom Shade, and William H. Merrittwould support this river project until major railway companies became a major source of interference that made slack waterways a disadvantage. Other men in partnership with Absalom including Sir Allan MacNab, Wm. Merritt, would work diligently on behalf of their settlement's progress and to build their own personal wealth.

Absalom's key contribution would  prove to facilitate the introduction of the Broadhorn for river commerce on a larger scale and usher in a period of mass river transport. This growth had not been conceived prior to to the steamer or the railway.

This Ark, is early in the construction stage. It is receiving the hull.

Building Broadhorns

The Broadhorn became popular due to two basic yet momentous reasons. It was simple and quick to build and easy to or recycle it's construction materials. The latter became the most important reason. The name was established by settlers and by the region in which they were located. For instance, along the Grand the Broadhorn wad called an Ark because someone thought the flatboat looked like Noah’s Ark. Seriously, the name was brought to the Ouse by Absalom, This was due to the truth that they were called Arks along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Perhaps they called it an Ark due to the way it carried itself on the spring floods like the biblical tale.

“On western waterways, they have a variety on names”, said Josephine Philips. They used the moniker “Kentucky or New Orleans Boat according to the probable destination of it's freight and passengers, a Broadhorn because of the huge oars that appears like horns in the water. Some reports say that the pilots and crew would mount cattle horns to the front for decoration or to distinguish the front from the rear of the vessel. (A mast head on a sea going vessel) Shade himself, more than likely called it an Ark, because it was name he had known all along. Anything else was just prattle. He was most interested in using it as the best alternative to circumvent the Beverly Swamp and get to were he could sell his cargo.

Building and navigating the Broadhorn was second nature to him. Likely his sister son “James Fargus” who assisted him in the day to day operation of his business also worked as a crewman, along with William Dickson junior, who was recorded in Mr. Ferguson’s reminiscences of Upper Canada. Interestingly enough most of the earliest residents of Shades Mills were American and had been located in Upper New York State or Pennsylvanian before being hired by Absalom.

The Ark on the River Ouse was almost with certainty constructed in the same method as the craft built along the Susquehanna, or those of the Shakers of Pleasent Hill settlement along the Kentucky River. They were known to be suppliers of this vessel through out America. Most often Broadhorns were purchased along the river banks or at the headwaters. Pittsburgh, Cincinnati.

Absalom without a shred of doubt had everything he would need to build as many boats as he needed. This included a substantial supply of timber, a lumber mill, and a selection of strong and able crewmen. Most importantly, he had the skills passed down from generation of millers, lumbermen, carpenters, teamsters, and navigators. To provide a look into those practices of early boat building, I was fortunate to to receive a manuscript written by Mrs Josephine Philips . Here she documents ,both the use and construction, of the Broadhorn. It contains an excerpt from Capt. Miles Stacey as he builds his Ark. This manuscript was a gift from the Ohio Historical Society.

Akin to the needs of farmers, flatboats were constructed along any American river. In Phillip's “ Flatboats on the Great Thoroughfare” , Capetian Stacey, inexperience flatboat builder and farmer shares his construction methods.” When building my boats, I go into the forest and cut my timber. I select logs from stands of White Oak and Yellow Poplar due to their strength and buoyancy.

Using Oxen, I haul these logs to the river for rafting to the village mill. Here the oak is sawn into planks, shingles, and framing timbers. The Yellow Poplar is milled for use in the gunnel. They are prepared by lining, scoring and hewing. Once the logs are hewn on both sides by a broad axe to an 18 inch thickness. At this point they are loaded into skids to be ripped into two using a whipsaw. The gunnels measure 9 inches thick and as wide as the tree could make them. On the gunnels, 2 stingers are placed running the length if the boat. 80 – 90 feet in length. Now they are ready to be pinned to the cross members by wood pegs. No nails are used anywhere only White Oak pegs.

1 1/2' planks are fastened to the frame, which up to this point have been constructed wrong side up. The gunnels were placed onto skids reach out over the river bank, the hull is calked, and it is launched by knocking the skids from the boat. It slides into the river. After loading a wagon with rock, it is reloaded into one side of the the boat, it is placed across the river. Gradually, the stone is tossed off and the river's current flips the boat's hull right side up.

The hull is brought back to the bank. Water left in the hull is bailed out and mortices are cut 3 feet apart along the gunnels. Into the mortices we fit 5' dovetail tee studding and secure them with more Oak pegs. The first courses of cabin planks are 2” thick and 18”.wide. Then planks 1 1/2 wide were used for the next rows until they reached the roof of the cabin. The roof was

constructed and vaulted using shingles. A stairway was installer the cabin complete with a hatchway leading to a lazy board. This board was used by the captain,pilot, oarsmen, and for attaching the sweeps This Lazy board was also used as a resting place when the crew members were off duty.

The two sweeps measure 30-40' long and placed 1/3 of the way back from the bow, and steering oar measures 65-70 feet and fastened to the stern. It reaches over 1/3 of the roof of the vessel, along with poles and paddles to help keep the keep the Ark within the current, the boats

were equipped with sleeping quarters, fireplaces for serving meals. Other arks may have stables or storage areas for cargo.

The flatboat, as I said previously, was difficult to navigate but the Shades were experienced in navigating most vessels. Notably his brother Paul Shade was and experienced Keel-boat pilot, his nephew Absalom Shade Tipton was a legend in Pennsylvania, There was Wm, Dickson Jr. Who also piloted scows for Absalom as early as 1827. Along with others from New York that worked to build Shades Mills. Without a little doubt could have fulfilled the position of crew. Therefore, a six to seven member crew was obtainable by 1827. His total crew for seven Arks would reach 49 members in all.

As James Young had not completed the in depth history of the Arks, we have to look to American navigation history to find comparisons to explain the methods used by Absalom Shade and his crew.

Editor and Authuor of the Galt Reformer  and  "Reminisciences" of  Galt and  Dumfries. 

Mr Young  had this image of Shades Mill commissioned  Homer Watson  a famous Canadian  artist to  sketch 

an apporvimate  likeness of the river and the village during the year 1820. 

 The Broadhorns Heroic Past
The reputation, as a hero has been acclaimed because of it;s service to patriotic during the dark days when it was required for evasive action to escape invasion from enemies. It was also required as a suitable Honeymoon suite and research vessel by President Roosevelt’s great uncle , Nicholas. It was used to discover mineral deposits, such as, coal which became a significant element in the growth of Pittsburgh and to the State of Pennsylvania. In fact the Broadhorn carried cargo essential to the growth of America and Upper Canada .

The Broadhorn, known as Ark on the Susquehanna played a part in three separate and definitive occurrences in American history.

Although many were patriots , others were not, and the raiders were indiscriminate in this quest. One day the settlers were warned that such a party was advancing. They quickly began to assemble every type of vessel they could float, including Arks.

These “Broadhorns” were fast and easy to build , were used during the spring floods, late into the mid 1800's for the log drives. These vessels were designed to carry sleeping quarters, equipment, and stabling for the horses needed at the camps.

Williamsport, and Lock Haven located along the West Branch of the Susquehanna where important milling towns. Sabastian Absaloms Father milled along Pine Creek It is proven by tax records in the states archives. It was the location of many the largest logging booms, and the destination of Arks building .

Arks and logs decending Pine Creek enrout to  Williamsport.

 their way from the many of the creeks, including Pine Creek, a place where Absalom's father was taxed on a mill. The last drive ended in 1862.

Along the Grand, little was written about the early river craft, their were accounts written by Bill Moyer of Waterloo County. He opines; that “Galt and Preston owes it's success, in part, to the timber trade up river. Many of the mills in Shade's Mills by 1827, were kept busy  manufacturing wood for the various cooperage products such as barrels for pork, and high-wine both building planks, sashes, doors and other goods. These were exported by Absalom Shade on his journey south toward the Welland Feeder Canal. This historical account had been first recorded by James Young, of Galt in the 1870's.

Most Canadians and Americans know of Lincoln's presidential achievements, but little was taught of his exploits along the river, and of his flat-boating experience. Honest Abe, as he was affectionately refereed to, was fortunate as a young man, to have the opportunity to obtain varied perspectives concerning the slave trade.This was a common practivce. Passing along the Ohio, there were slaves everywhere.  He was also contracted to build, and pilot such craft southwards to New Orleans. He was well known for these navigation skills, and drew upon them to accomplish such tasks. For instance, between farm chores, he assisted in the operation across the Ohio River into Kentucky. He was 18 when he built his first vessel to row out over the shallows, to steamers out on the river. (This story was furnished by the Kentucky Historical Socitey)

This image is taken at the Historic Societies Museum at Frankfort, Kentucky. It id the set for a play based on the History of the  Kentucky and Ohio River. A Keel boat is revealed  in the backgroun painting. A keelboat moves both up and down river using pullies, poles, rope or sail. An ark uses poles rudder,s and sweeps. Paul Shaded asended the Susquahana to Kettle Creek  using a keel Boat.

The story of Abe's Broadhorn voyages commenced, one night after supper while living at his home, now on the Ohio side of the river. Allen Gentry and Abe built their Broadhorn travelled

piloted it south to New Orleans. It was 1,000 miles down the twisting Mississippi River and they travelled from sun up to sundown. The two brawny boys pulled hard on the long sweeps as it moved through the current. Although, their flatboat was not equipped with a cabin, they had built a rickety lean to on deck. When night fell they, tied down the boat to a tree or stump on the muddy bank.

While at New Orleans, he saw his first auction of slaves. At this time, slavery was lawful throughout the states, south of the Ohio River. This tall youthful man winced at the sight of the gangs of men, tormented and tethered by chains, onward to the multitude of plantations. Later Lincoln lamented,” Slavery is a continual torment to me. It was mostly these experiences that motivated him to achieve great success in his role as president.

Great men achieved their greatest skill while navigating aboard this noble vessel. Many stories have re-focused our attention about their exploits. The story tellers like Mark Twain and James Young have drawn our attention and have provided us the opportunity to reflect into our past.

In Conclusion

After the Grand River Canal was constructed the Ark was no longer used, however, the scow hull of the classic flaboat was used in barge design and continued to be towed between various ports between Buffalo and |Brantford. The Runchey Brothers built a large number of barges to carry the rich plaster, sand, and rock from the mines and quarries along the Grand River.

The stylish quarried stone used in constructing Ruthven , a stately mansion belonging to David Thompson. It was barged to the building site at Indiana.. There were many barges in use to import and export goods along the river and it's canals. The flatboat deck remained unchanged but it's cabin was removed to adapt him for new payloads . The hull was mad deeper, and now resembled the canalers used along the Erie or Welland Canals. Sometime later steel replaced wood in constructing their hulls. Size in their breadth and length was increased to double and even triple their normal size.

The Broadhorn of the Ouse, would suffer the same fate as other Arks along other waterways, such as the Susquehanna, Kentucky, Ohio and Mississippi. Similar fates were shared by other river craft like the keel-boat and raft which came in the form of the high-pressure steam-boat which also became victimized to the speed of the railway service. The steamboat would feel the political hoo-ha, as the developers lobbied for public's financial support. Arguments were almost identical as steam boatmen believed that more incidents and accident would increase do to excessive speed, while the railway interests claimed that steam-boat succumbed to more boiler explosions than what was tenable.

Although, it is true that the railroad was faster, and less expensive, their claim to safety could be contested. In Canada West the various news papers were spewing out the anti-canal rhetoric and pro railway propaganda. Eventually, the press was reporting railway disasters, The derailments on the Great Western, Bridge at Galt, and the greatest ever at the “Desjardin's Canal Bridge in Dundas.

Many families lost loved ones, the Devine family was not an exception! Sisters, Ellen and Mary were snatched in the prime of their youth. While aboard the Great Western Railway steam locomotive Oxford departed Hamilton and was approaching the swing bridge crossing over the Desjardin's Canal disaster struck. As the were on the bridge it collapsed from underneath and the entire train dropped below into the canal below. The official report stated that faulty construction and inferior materials caused it to cave. Another two railway bridges collapsed, one occurred at Galt where it crosses the Grand River the second at St. George. There was loss of life at both. Derailments still occurred with even greater risk of catastrophic out comes.

The the debates continued, the railways, eventually came out victorious. Their operating season, ability to successfully lobby political support and public favour won out. Barge work was lost and the steamboat on the smaller waterways lost business. Eventually, the Grand River Navigation Company became insolvent and the navigation locks, and dams fell into disrepair. Only water power was sold to run mills until stationary coal fuelled steam engines replaced water-powered mills. Even-though, the Grand River Navigation Company were in the belief that co-existence with the rail interest was possible and there was enough business for both, the truth is that the railways were not willing to share anything. By the 1870's the last river traffic ceased. Both Absalom Shade and Wm Hamilton Merritt had swung their support away from the G.R.N.C. navigation not reaching Galt, thereby not fulfilling the spirit of the original charter. He aligned his loyalties with the Great Western, and other rail projects. Mr. Merritt also kept a limited interest in the Welland, but heavily invested with the Welland Canal Rail. These gentlemen believed in the possibility of navigable water-ways. But like Absalom he believed that the Arks were never considered to be permanent method to fulfilling the difficult answer to his freight handling difficulties. The Hon. James Young would later criticize the Arks as being a failed and comical venture. But the Arks, sufficiently transported, his goods at reasonable cost until the Charter for the G.R.N.C was awarded.

Perhaps, the failure of the G.R.N. C. Would have succeeded if they ha complied with the original charter least. At would have kept the railways interests at bay. I was impracticable for business interests above Brantford to do their shipping at there. I was too distant! The Canada Land Company above Galt, were reluctant to participate due to this distance from their lands above Galt. Other Shade allegiances, would not support a depot so far south, and they all but ignored doing business. The supporters of navigation kept up a fight to lure the head of navigation away from Brantford as late as

After Absalom Shade and his crew returned home to Galt with a fist full of money from the sale of his shipments, he prepared himself for the beginning of a rewarding directorships in the designation of Commissioner. Working with the “Committee for the Improvement of Inland Navigation”, during the first “Welland Canal . He also served as the co-founder and a director Grand River Navigation Company, Great Western Railway, the Gore Bank, and his continued interests in politics.

Finally my research into the Broadhorns story has revealled the true nature in Absalom's decidion to use the Arks. James Young and David Wood  wrote that the fleet of arks was a failed venture. I do not concur.  At the Hamiliton Library Special Collections " Land Family Collection, I found new material to support my point of view. I have also visited a number of collections which lists  Absalom's activity  as he served on varios Select Committees, committe for the Improvement of  Inland Navigation,  Absalom has placed himself in the most rellevant commissions,  which made the best of  skills to develope the canal systems.

He was always aware of the risks and values while making important decidions he always accessed  each project. I believe that he viewed the Arks as a short term solutionn to his business needs as a methode of transporting his trade good to Lake Ontario. His know how in the use of navigating Arks would bridge the time gap. He makes effective use of the Arks untile a formal slack water navigation system can be develope. I am also fully aware he was deeply involved with  developing a railway into Galt, making certian that Galt would  always gain an upper hand in developing  its industrial sstrength..

Shade's  Arks succeeded in their task, Absalom passed he years trade goods to Port Dalhouse on Lake Ontario. Sold the lumer used to construct the Arks, and finally and AS USUAL MADE A PROFIT IN DOING SO! 

James Young and other' Doulbting Thomas's  would not succeed in the end. 

STEAMBOATN' on the Mighty MISSISSIPPI

The Rivermen Series was published in the Cambridge Reporter (formerly known as the Galt Reporter). There have been many contributions between "The Rivermen Series and Clive Warrington it's editor. This newspaper has been a victim of publishing wars and take overs and is no longer published.

There will be articles added to the Rivermen Researcher from the Rivermen Series or other publishing companies.  The Harrodsburg Herald, Kentucky. The Southern Horsemen, Meridian Mississippi,  and others.

All Photographs and video clips have been produced by myself while travelling the Mississippi River between Memphis, Greenseville, Mississippi, and New Orleans

Travel

                                     10B The Cambridge Reporter Wednesday Feb 3, 1999

    The Delta Queen was the vessel I chose to travel from New Orleans to Memphis .

STEAMBOATN' on the mighty MISSISSIPPI

While researching Cambridge history, I was fortunate to find this article in the January 1860 edition of the Dumfries Reformer.

I have decided to share it with you. It is nice example of some of the wonderful and descriptive scenes of the Mississippi River. A scene which remains with us today,although altered by new social ans river transportation practices.

The Mississippi River by night is a scene of startling interest and has within it magical splendour.

Hundreds of lights glancing in different directions, from villages, towns, farms, plantations, along the shore line, and from magnificent “floating palaces ”- steamers that frequently appear as moving mountains of light and flame so brilliant are these enormous leviathan, illuminated, inside and outside. Indeed steamer after steamer, sweeping, sounding, thundering ablaze with thousands of lights which cause brilliant reflections upon the rolling water,arriving with so many sparks within an Indian's fire.

Some of these are so marvellously and dazzlingly lighted, they really look like Aladdin Palaces on fire, set scurrying and dashing down the stream. Idelighted too in seeing the twinkling in the numerous cottages and homesteads here and there, while large wood fires litvupon the banks. These bonfires, I believe, are usually are usually signals for the steamers to stop and take aboard passengers, goods, and animals.

I have witnessed some of these wonderful traditions while travelling aboard the American Queen a great Mississippi steamer. My traditional steamboatn' experience acme about from the time I reached the levee at Memphis. As I left my baggage with the purser, he said thatvour departure would be delayed. This did not bother me! In fact my research into this era dictated folly of of trying to estimate the timing of arrivals and departures.

Departures were consistently late from trying to secure extra commerce. This was something both river trades had in common. It happened on the Mississippi and it happened on the Grand River too. This experience lends a sense that this too was part of reliving the steamboat tradition.

I found the food, the Southern Hospitality, and the riverlore made up for any inconvenience the delay may have caused.

Although, my excitement had been escalating for some time prior to boarding this decked out and well stacked vessel painted in festive colours of red white and blue. I decided that a sojourn in downtown Memphis would appease my adventurous appetite, until the Queen was ready to to leave. Therefore, I walked into the heart of the city.

I was amazed at the city's cleanliness and beauty. Near the center of town I found a restaurant called the “Yellow Rose”. It was bright yellow, quaintly decorated, with fresh cut, long stemmed; yellow roses placed on each table gave the restaurant a traditional touch of elegance. From my table, I could see the hand-painted yellow roses on the walls. At first a diner could thing that there was to much yellow. However, the complimentary colours worked well. And the food! Oh the food! It was in my opinion the best. The feast included traditional corn bread, Southern Catfish, Hush-puppies, Black-eye peas, and more. Desert was “Out” I was full already.

During this sojourn, I took numerous photographs. When it was time to depart, I returned to the levee, where I crossed the boarding stage, and onto the American Queen. Immediately. I ascended the Grand Stair case into the hall that led to three distinct rooms:to the right the ladies parlour, immediately in-front of me was the Mark Twain Gallery. On the left was the Gentleman's card room. It was in this room that I met our pilot Mr. Harold Shultz. I listened quietly as he told of his experiences piloting the Queen and the many vessels he guided along the rivers he worked. Another man entered the Card Room. He was introduced as Charles Reed, the American Queen's resident “Riverlorian”. (a moniker created by the steamboat company)

His manner was eloquent, his knowledge of river-lore exceptional. I especially enjoyed his wit. We all got along famously. I re-entered the Mark Twain Gallery en route th the Grand Saloon. I was surprised, It was massive, and gave the illusion of an area three times it's actual size. This illusion continued as I passed through the hall way to my room. This vessel had the grand appearance of length. It is 400 feet from the Bow to it's Sternwheel. The entire vessel gave you a sense of de je vue. It left you feeling that you were a cartoon character entering a sultan's tent. Indeed ! Bugs bunny would have made you feel welcomed. The Queen's staff excelled in this service also. What a piece of marine architecture this vessel has come to be!

The Mark Twain Gallery is unique. On the port-side (left) there are numerous models of famous boats, including the J.M White. The formal dining room is designed identical; with the exception the fret work is like the rest of the vessel; constructed of steel. However, the cabinetry is magnificent ! Fine furniture, made of the finest hard-woods, book cases contain a collection of assorted hard-bound books for our reading pleasure. It was a common occurrence to see somebody reading on the finely upholstered, antique couches and chairs. Near the grand piano, also found in the Mark Twain Gallery, you are welcomed to listen to the melodic tones as the musician tickles the ivories. At times this gallery is silent for the exception of a purring sound which is simultaneously accompanied with the feeling of gentle vibrations. At times you would believe there were cats contently sleeping in the room.

If you chose a livelier social atmosphere,you'll find it in the above the engine room in the bar. Here you can drink hearty and be merry. There is always a chance to join in on a chorus of Billy Joel's “Piano Man” with the robust moving water splashing over the paddle wheel. Our calliope player was also our “PIANO MAN” and entertained us in the Saloon; just located above the engine room,

There are so many genres of music to hear you are often encouraged to dance in the Grand Saloon . Get involved in games, or listen to various entertainers of your choice. There was a group named the Should you like Pat Boone he was also entertaining on my particular cruise. After the night life had worn me down. It was close to 3:30 in the darkness of predawn; I decided to walk the length of the American Queen stopping to watch the big red paddle-wheel turn over, and over again. These were wonderful experience to capture and reminisce over.

Lastly in the Grand Saloon other speciality orators such as Ethnomusicologist Melony Bernum who presented her research on the movement of Black gospel music from the deep southern states into northern cities like Chicago. As a talented speaker and musician, she quickly captured the audiences interest. Later we met and spent almost an hour in conversation, sharing our similar interests in music research and her experience connected with religious music. Come Sunday a traditional church service was hosted by the crew. I stayed up to watch the sun rive over the Queen . The older vistas have changed some. Many of the passenger boats are no longer working the river. Therefore, the motorized towing vessels have taken the place of paddle-wheel steam tows. There remain several steam-boats that remain working on the waterways of north America. Some continue to operate on steam. Most excursion vessels run on Diesel as a source of fuel. My return to Memphis was not Quite as eventful for me, but from the Queen I could see others on shore awaiting their opportunity to cruise the Great Mississippi River. I believe what an experience it would have been to be expectantly awaiting any of the memorable riverboats of the River Ouse (Grand River 19th century). Here the scene was filled with other steamers such at the steamers Red Jacket, Grand River Queen , Brantford, the Dunnville, along with a host of other River boats. Awaiting them would be numerous horse conveyances like Carriages, Drays, Stages coming from as far away towns of Hamilton, Galt, Stratford and London. Were any of your family members living in Upper Canada, Canada West, during the hay day of the steamer. Keep a close watch over any of the Steamboat blogs as I will be incorporating video clips and photographs of my River-boat journeys

Please send a comments about any navigation experience you are willing to share.

The Rivermen Series Revised

Larry Devine

Newest Press Release- The  American Queen Steamboat Company located in Memphis Tennesee. US.A.       Delta Queen Steamboat Company, Kimmswick, Missouri, USA

Published Poems & The Rivermen Series

This Poem reflects my precious memories and the time I spent amongst my many friends in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky. It has appeared in  the Harrodsburg Heard at Harrodsburg, Kentucky.

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"The Return"

Printed in the Harrodsburg Herald

A Memoir of my life while living in, and attending trade school in Kentucky. I write "The Return" as a record of my life in this state.

This poem was published in the Southern Horseman , located at Meridian Mississippi, USA

I later had the poem translated into the French Language.



My Facination With Ragtime And Plantation Music

The Rivermen Researcher Presents

My Facination with Ragtime and Plantation Music

                Joseph Lamb: A Grand Ragtime Composer 

 

    Wood's

Minstrels Are Coming

Wood' s Minstrels are to perform in Galt on Monday and Tuesday next. In all the large towns of the Province they have been received with the highest applause and their performances have never failed to to give the utmost satisfaction. We have no doubt they they will expect a full house next week in Galt.

The Galt Reported and Waterloo County Advertiser 1862

Rag time music in it's primitive form, had been compared to “Coon Music” or otherwise known as “Tin-Pan-Alley”. This form of music was performed by numerous musicians with blackened faces or were actually of African decent. They constantly travelled through the southern states. At other times troops like ” Wood's Minstrels “ would travel as far north as Buffalo or into Canada. “Wood's Minstrels were known to be very popular where they were scheduled to arrive. In this case they were to appear in my home town, Galt, during the 1862 touring season.

However, this music was not always welcomed by all! For some people, it was ill received and considered to be brash at best. Perhaps it was due to the venues where the performances were held. Especially in saloons, sporting houses,and burlesque halls. The 1890's brought a new level of segregation in the United States, and the venues for black musicians were changing. Now they were forced to accept even more unfavourable opportunities, when it came to venues to perform. They began to transform themselves, and also their music styles.

During this era, Scott Joplin had become integrated amongst a group of pianists and musicians who invested themselves with the status, and entitled themselves to be named “Professors”. Together they were devising a new form of musical composition. They began tickling the ivories in a new and splendid way. They composed in a method known as syncopation. This style rests on accentuating the melody with the right hand and maintaining a slow and steady movement with the left hand. According to Scott Joplin's publisher John Stark , Scott was pure genius. He was extremely talented and was as he developed this style of piano music. This was not Jazz, but a new combination of and highly technical adaptations of early forms on Negro folk, and Plantation Melodies made popular by Stephen Collins Foster.


I

Scott Joplin, at that time was engaged, in composing a number of Ragtime scores. The finest score and most popular was his “Maple Leaf Rag”. This tune was published while  he was living in Missouri, where he met John for the first time. Here the two had a chance meeting as Stark was tuning the pianos prior to a competition amongst numerous Professors. It was held, at the Maple Leaf Club. Stark was also a judge for this event. He was impressed with Scott's performance and genius. So much so, that Stark offered to publish, and sell the scores. Despite attempts to kill the popularity of Ragtime, it flourished, and the proof of this was the mass of sheet music produced. It was sold, as fast as it could be printed.

The society in which Joseph Lamb was raised was anything but conducive, to the development of a rag time player. Also this music was anything but acceptable to James and Julia, were strict adherent of the Catholic church. In New Jersey, James and Julia Lamb were making ends meet, a carpenter by trade , in his leisure he found immense listening to Joseph as he played the piano.

James felt that this skill should be reserved for the church and performances amongst his companions within the Knights of Columbus. When James had succumbed to a devastating injury on the job site, he had died. Shortly after Julia, uprooted the family and they departed for New York City. Many forms of music were evolving in the city of New York. For Julia, she was fearful that Joseph was falling prey to bad influence which seemed to surround them Fearful that Joseph was beginning to adapt to this troubling environment due to the music scene, where the influences were plentiful, Coon-Music, Tin Pan-Alley, Ragtime and Jazz plentiful. Other fears that must have plagued Julia's mind about New York City, is that the city was rapidly evolving into a new Sodom and Gomorrah. There was a large population of Afro-Americans to be found, and they frequented many of the brothels and disrespectful dens of iniquities located near by. There were other non-religious tripe being played, along with many other opportunities for Joseph to find trouble. Therefore, Julia decided remove him from the city's influences.

As Ragtime was expanding in popularity, the publishing houses moved into New York City. And musicians, such as, Scott followed. The large cities, became the new centres for Ragtime music. John Stark was one of many publishers who decidedly moved, his publishing company from Sadelia, Missouri. It appears that Joseph had already taken an interest in Scott Joplin's music. After this it was but a short time before Joseph was getting into trouble. So Julia she sent him off to Berlin.

Whoa! Why Berlin. What possessed her to send him to Canada? There must have been other choices, after all! The United state must have some good schools, why not choose one of them? The provocation for this decision must have been on her mind for some time. There was another subversive influence at work. A stronger influence, an facet within this era, I call,. “The “AGE OF THE ORATOR” It was the age when great people of intellect, spoke candidly, and shared information on any number of subjects from Agriculture to Phrenology to Religion and Education . 

Samuel Langhorn Clemmens was among the top Orators of the 19th Century

Many orator of note, beginning with “Mark Twain”, “Charles Dickens”, worked the theatres and society halls while others continued throughout the 19^th Century and into the 20th to lecture in church halls and Fraternal halls on any number of particular subjects. These touring orators, were mostly specialized for entertaining, however, other employed themselves to raise money for their numerous organizations, which had been expounding their special need for support. Perhaps! this was the time that St. Jerome's sent it's evangelistic angel bearing “Gabrielle’s horn”, summoning Julia onward to Berlin.

This query came to me, as I gleaned Berlin’s social history, event calenders, and other small bits school history located at St. Jerome's College. According to Mrs. Dirk “ librarian and curator of the college” the information she provided, directed me to small village in my county called St. Agatha. Here a small orphanage was located. A Jesuit order of teaching priests organized a small school went about educating these boys to enter the priesthood. The school grew, and the time came for both the relocation to a large town, and for the construction to enlarge the number of students who could attend. As success increased, even more room was needed. They found space at the church rectory, however the out grew this building also.

Berlin was growing and so did the college's ability to accommodate the students arriving, therefore a building fund was created, However, With the addition of operating both St. Mary's Church, and St. Jerome's simultaneously, fuelled construction costs and expansion expenses. This exhausted their finances.

In order to retire this debt, Rev. Father Funken decided in 1869 that he should engaged his time in creating a speaking tour. The “|Good Father” would visit some of the largest cities throughout, Canada and the Northern America. This tour began in Chicago, Illinois. By reviewing the student list, you can see that the lecture tour was successful. Students enrolled from Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Success was his ! It was like hitting a Grand Slam for God and the school. Based on this itinerary, Julia Lamb had some knowledge of St. Jerome’s educational successes. Therefore, she decided it would be expedient, to enrol Joseph in a Commercial Course, as soon as it would be possible at Berlin.

Comparatively, Scott Joplin was also fatherless, However, (not orphaned). The big difference was, Scott's father had abandoned the entire family to search for work. Intended or not, this placed Scott and his siblings in an orphan like state. His mother desperately searched for work. However, instead of committing Scott into a life of hard labour, Scott's mother searched for opportunities for him to learn the piano. As a house-keeper, she attempted to find employers whose houses were equipped with pianos. She made arrangements with her employers to allow Scott the privilege of using these instruments for practice.

The irony here, is that many of the elements that Julia had tried so to avoid, were subtlety imposing themselves here! Stephen Collin Foster's “ Plantation Songs, “Woods Minstrel Shows”, Jim Crow”, Tin-Pan-Alley, Rag-Time music had already permeated Canadian society. With Berlin being chiefly a German community, the appeal entertainment was prioritized, and any lively entertainment was preferred and could be found.

On the corner of King and Queen Street in Berlin town centre, was the Walper House, It was within close proximity of St. Jerome's and had the reputation as being the liveliest, and most diversified venue in this city block.

The history of this hostelry began as a stopping place for stage coaches on their way to Stratford. It stabled horses, and provided services for the teams and coaches en-route to other larger towns and settlement. The inn always had maintained good food, accommodation, and amusement for their guests. It's originally began in 1833. |This hamlet had a few buildings. which served as a blacksmith shop, and accommodation.

By the time St. Jerome's had relocated from St. Agatha, the Walper had been developed as one of the most important Railway Hotel's in Waterloo, County. By 1900, it even had it's own music hall, where opera was performed regularly. Music was the biggest draw to the hotel, just short of hard liquor, and beer. It could entice “anyone” or any youngster with a degree of stealth; to slide in, to see any of these entertainers perform. Entertainers contracted with it's manager, included the minstrel shows. Mr. Moyer, (a Waterloo County historian ) stated that the minstrels were still performing at the Walper as late as 1900. This is not to say they discontinued performing in other towns until a later date. Jazz and Rag-time began around this time. So it was possible for Ragtime to be performed later.

The Walper Hotel continued to be as lively as a bee hive when it was related to the ever consuming activity which frequented there, and young James Lamb must have been justly inspired to write a Ragtime composition and name it “The Walper House Rag”. It was written in Berlin during 1903; the last year of his school-hood days, and it was the initial marker of his success as a composer. and his “Ragtime” experience in this county. However, he would make the periodic visit.

Looking in hind sight, we need to remember that Julia Lamb was sold on a preparing a controlled environment. She based her decision on the belief that the school was supposed to be maintain rigid standards. She expected that Joe would be far removed from the influence of loose religious standards. Therefore, if the truth had become public of Josephs involvement in Ragtime, she would have horrified to know he was writing ragtime. This style of music was openly performed in a speak-easy, sporting house, or even a brothel.

Therefore, it appears that Joe was leading a double life. In St. Jerome's; he was appeasing his mothers wishes, while appeasing his own need for Ragtime music. He exhibited, and clearly showed himself to be the epitome of self-control. While at school, he demonstrated to the clergy and the community that he was a roll-model, thereby, excelling in his obligatory subjects,which consisted of , mathematics, book-keeping, and business communications. His attendance, as well as his punctuality, were exceptional.

The Walper House Rag was composed in 1903 while attending St.Jermes's College.

He was self motivated and he always maintained his involvement in various social activities with his peers and church societies. He was athletic, however, team sports were not high on his agenda, or his list of priorities. Joe excelled in his selection of track and field events. Throughout, his expected devotions and religious requirements, he found ways to extract the time he needed to experiment with his compositions or to rehearse them.

Joe became a member of the “St. Aloysius Society”. Here he drew a number of class mates around him, and they became close friends. They include Louis Walsh, Frank Zinger, Oscar Wernet, Magnus Schumacher, Paul and Chas Meyer, Edmund Bricks, Padden, and Oliver Galligan. While participating in the he honed his skills, in debating, and rhetoric. The only subject not included in the “Bee”, (a school publication), was Joseph's involvement in musical studies, orchestra membership, or even secret music. There appears there was no choral society or any involvement what so ever. It appears on the surface that music was not included in St. Jerome’s curriculum. It is a wonder with all the daunting school rules, he succeeded in creating “The Walper House Rag”in 1903.

Before returning to New York he had found a publisher for his scores in Toronto. Mr. Harry Sparks Publishing Company began to publish not only “The Walper House Rag”, but published “ The Florentine Valse”, “The Lilliputian Bazaar”, and the “Celestine Waltz”.

What remains unknown to this day, is whether or not Frank Zinger or other classmates, had ever, invited Joesph to engage in water sports, picnics, fishing, boating on the river or other recreational activities. After all we write or compose from inspiration, imagination, Many of our creations flow out of our wonderful memories , into our imagination. It appears that life in this German community may have provided every thing he needed to be creative. For many of us who were raised in close proximity to a creek, pond, or river, it would be inconceivable not to become and share such enjoyable events.

When Joseph arrived back in New York City, he returned expressly to visit Stark's in search of any Joplin scores. He also tried to market his own compositions. Joseph had no knowledge of Scotts progressing ailments. Was he still composing new works? It was during one such visit, and purchasing expeditions, a remarkable co-incidence occurred. Joe opined, “ I enquired of Mrs. Stark if Scott had written anything new. She then spoke to me and said, No he hasn't. There was a man in the store sitting on the opposite bench bench from us. His appearance was dishevelled and his leg was bandaged. It was as if he suffered from Gout. Lamb related to Mrs. Stark some of his personal desires, which included, meeting Scott Joplin some day.” At times this man continued to insert a comment, but for most of the time, Joplin remained quietly seated. “Mrs Stark. said “turn around, here’s your man!” Scott Joseph became quiet for a moment in amazement. There was Scott Joplin, who had been crippled by disease, and there was little that distinguished him as a man of importance. Joseph did not recognizes Scott at all. Joplin provided Joseph with some suggestions which could assist him in composing. They instantaneously warmed towards each other and shook hands.

Joe told Scott Joplin, how pleased he was to finally to meet. The two left Stark's store walking up 23^rd Street and into Madison Park. where they took a seat on a nearby bench. After conversing for a while, Scott invited me to visit him at his home.

The Upright  Grand Piano located in the residence of Scott Joplin.

I accepted this invitation, and after arriving at Joplin's home, I was escorted into the inner sanctum, Around me a number of Scott's close friends sat nearby. I was requested to play one of my own compositions. I began to play the “The Sensation Rag”. After I finished, the room became quiet. Joplin approached me enquiring about the Rag, and then complimented me.

"He said that this is a real negro Rag, played in a real negro way, by a white man who plays with the feeling of the Negro "Scott Joplin

At this point, Scott Joplin was convinced that I had real skill, and agreed to have a talk with John Stark on my behalf. Joplin attached his name with Lamb's and this finally convinced John Stark, to publicize his compositions. Between 1908 and 1919, there were some significant melodies to be published with in America. Stark had remarked at one point, that Lamb had the gift of melody and the genius of harmony unsurpassed by any writer of popular music.

Even-though, Lamb had no intention to perform, he continued to compose. Joseph found employment in the fabric trade and seldom left the states but on occasion he returned to Berlin (now Kitchener) and Toronto in Canada.

This 1949 photograph was taken at St. Jerome’s School It was sent to me by Pat Conn (Joseph's daughter). Here Joseph is sharing a few fleeting moments playing piano next to his close school chum. 

Friends unite around the church piano at St. Jeromes. 

(This Priest is identified by St. Jerome's archivist Mrs. Dirk , (St. Jerome's College Librarian and Archivistas - Father Simon Winter) He also remembers the location of his old desk at the back of the room. Joe had made several trips to Ontario, to visit he friend, Bob Darch and other friends. Joseph was not a man for performing in clubs or concerts. His first love is writing music. He found comfort playing amongst friends such as occasioned at Bob Darch's Club 76' in Toronto. In one momentous gesture, On May 4, 1962, a memorial concert was organized for Joseph Lamb at Massey Hall in Toronto with Robert Darch and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, with more than 2,500 persons in attendance.

However, according to Pat Conn, “ My father was not a man to entertain large crowds, but enjoys company in smaller crowd or travel frequently”. I am uncertain as to the number of times he made return visits, to Berlin (Kitchener) or into Toronto.

For many years, I had been familiar with the career of Scott Joplin, James Scott, and a few others like John Arpin. Then one afternoon, I was listening to CBC Radio, when I heard Mark Miller being interviewed. He was introducing his new book, “Such Melodious Racket”. This was my first introduction to Joe Lamb. Living my life in Waterloo County, I wanted to learn more. So I set out to ferret  out what ever history I could find..

I am in contact with St. Jerome's periodically( located on the campus of Waterloo University). I was kindly escorted through the library while Mrs. Dirken searched for some documents. She provided with a number of School histories that included Jame's involvement in school related activities. All of this information has been used for two objectives . The first a memorial concert at the Walper Terrace Hotel, which unfortunately fell through, in the later stages of the plan. Also following this disappointing task. The news paper which featured the “Rivermen Series” had been sold and was to close down. I decided at this point to shelve the idea, in hope that a new opportunity would present it's self. Interesting enough the first opportunity for me to enjoy Joseph Lamb was through the talented pianist named Marcy aboard the Delta Queen, an authentic stern wheeled riverboat. Her performance of “ American Beauty Rag and Sensation Rag” had me imaging that I was sitting amongst friends, visiting in Scott Joplin's home. I could hear Joseph play “Sensation Rag”.

I am still searching for someone to record the “Walper House Rag”. I couldn't help feeling that within the name of this rag there must be the feeling of gaiety and frivolity of the hotel intertwined. I hopeful, with a degree of anticipation that this opportunity, in time. will present itself. My most infinite and unfortunate regret is that I deserted my piano lessons. I had neither the discipline nor the foresight to learn piano Ragtime as a young boy. If I had, perhaps, I would be unlocking the secrets of the “Walper House Rag” myself not searching for someone willing to share this experience. So now I have a keyboard, I suppose I need to find a teacher.

With the use of YouTube, I have currently enjoyed their performances of James Lamb. On audio cassets sent to me from Patricia Conn, (Joe's daughter) I hhave the enjoyment to broaden my appreciation.  Since 2001 I have communicated with Sue Keller, She has been of assistance to my columns.

However, YouTube has enhanced this experience with visual performances, Cory Hall, John Arpin, and other video clips continue to appease my Ragtime experience. I hope see, hear, and read more ragtime. Since we all “can not” play Ragtime, I can at least appreciate those musician who can play them confidently. I will continue to write, in this way people can be enlightened. My articles will periodically appear.

To date, they are found as part of “The Rivermen Researcher” as independent contributions. 

You may also want to read “ Broadhorn:- King of the River", "William Dickson:- The Sherbrooke Lands” Port Maitland on the Grand  Published with the assistance of the Port Maitland Historical Societie “The :- "Dispatch” or on my Blog “The Rivermen Researcher” for various excerpts of my continuing research. On this site I will post some of my pre-published articles from the “Rivermen Series”. I will continue to write and share my experiences up with my articles, travel experiences through photographic and acrylic illustrations, along with other interesting features.

The enjoyment involved in creating this article will contribute to more research and updates. 

I am dedicating this article is to Joseph Lamb, his daughter Patrica Conn, Sue Keller, Phyllis Devine “my Aunt” and others associated in producing this article. Thank you! To anyone unmentioned. You are appreciated for your assistance.

Joe left Waterloo County and our country, but he leaves me rich memories as I researched this man of Rag-time.