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
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.
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