<![CDATA[Message Boards - Blogs - Steamboats.org Captain's Blog by Franz Neumeier]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/ Steamboats.org forum - steamboats - paddlewheelers - river cruises - river history en Mon, 28 May 2012 23:13:24 GMT vBulletin 15 http://www.steamboats.org/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Message Boards - Blogs - Steamboats.org Captain's Blog by Franz Neumeier]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/ Delta Queen Preservation Foundation http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/108-delta-queen-preservation-foundation.html Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:25:47 GMT A non-profit organization called the "Delta Queen Preservation Foundation" has been formed and will be debuted at a "Rally on the River," the evening of Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Leading up the Rally on the River will be an afternoon of excitement and activity we're calling the "Great Steam-up." Between the hours of 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm the public is invited down to tour the vessel. They will be guided through the boat by former passengers and crew who have experienced life on the river first hand. This will also be the first time since the boats arrival in Chattanooga that the public will be able to witness the Delta Queen's mighty engines in operation.

A group of skilled steamboat engineers, several from the Delta Queen's past, will be on hand to exercise the engines and other auxiliary equipment. This effort is to ensure the operational readiness of the vessels systems. Tours will conclude with a grand calliope concert featuring the Delta Queen, Belle of Cincinnati and Southern Belle. This will kick off the evening banquet and activities.

For more information visit the Delta Queen Hotel's website at www.deltaqueenhotel.net. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/108-delta-queen-preservation-foundation.html Delta Queen Hotel: Special Deals for Steamboaters http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/104-delta-queen-hotel-special-deals-steamboaters.html Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:13:17 GMT The Delta Queen Hotel at Chattanooga offers a very attractive Special Rate for past passengers and crew members: $49.00 per night plus tax. This is... The Delta Queen Hotel at Chattanooga offers a very attractive Special Rate for past passengers and crew members: $49.00 per night plus tax. This is the rate per stateroom, not per person and is for standard or deluxe cabins, i.e. not the smaller bunk-bed cabins.

When making a reservation, just mention you're a past passenger or former crew member. The special $49.00 is only valid from today until end of August 2010.

This is not only a fantastic rate for enjoying our beloved Delta Queen for a couple of nights but also gives you the chance to support the good work Harry Phillips and his team is doing on the Delta Queen, keeping her in a good shape and preserving her for - well, potentially - a revival on the rivers.

Check www.deltaqueenhotel.com or call (423) 468.4500 for availiability and don't forget to mention you're a past passenger/crew member when booking. The $49.00 rate is not a published rate on the hotel's website. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/104-delta-queen-hotel-special-deals-steamboaters.html Delta Queen Culinary History http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/103-delta-queen-culinary-history.html Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:00:32 GMT A new book is featuring the culinary history of the Delta Queen from 1927 to 2008. The author has not only collected 125 original Delta Queen recipes... A new book is featuring the culinary history of the Delta Queen from 1927 to 2008. The author has not only collected 125 original Delta Queen recipes but has also interviewed many former Delta Queen chefs, crew members and passengers.

Delta Queen - A Culinary History 1927 - 2008
The History and Recipes of the Legendary Delta Queen Steamboat
by Cynthia Lejeune Nobles

Delta Queen: A Culinary History 1927-2008 is the result of more than three years of research, including a host of interviews with former crew members, chefs, and passengers. The book relates the history of the legendary steamboat, from the early years in California, including her stint with the U.S. Navy during World War II, on through her journey from the West Coast to New Orleans and on to Cincinnati, and her decades of travel on the rivers of America’s heartland. Illustrated with more than 150 historical and full-color photographs and 125 recipes for favorite dishes and drinks served on board the Delta Queen, this beautiful volume depicts the classic elegance and memorable dining that all of her former passengers will remember.

With gold stamping on the front cover and enclosed in a special slip case, a limited edition of 350 copies of the hardcover book will be signed by the author and numbered. Advance orders will be accepted by the publisher, and numbered copies will be issued in accordance with the postmark date on the order.

The price for this special limited edition of Delta Queen: A Culinary History 1927-2008 is US$47.50 per copy plus $7.25 for shipping and handling (U.S. orders). ISBN 978-0-89730-254-8.

Send check or money order for $54.75 (payable to American Food History Press) to R.J. Berg Publisher, P.O. Box 30225, Indianapolis 46230-0225. For additional information, please contact the publisher at rjberg@americanfoodwayspress.com or at 317.251.4640.
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]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/103-delta-queen-culinary-history.html Race for the Silver Antlers http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/100-race-silver-antlers.html Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:53:33 GMT On April 28, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will race for Silver Antlers instead of Golden Antlers as it has been tradition... On April 28, the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will race for Silver Antlers instead of Golden Antlers as it has been tradition since 1963 when the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen first raced on the Ohio River at Louisville, KY.

Part of the Great Steamboat Race between the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati will be a crew competition including a tug of war and an obstacle course before the two boats actually race on the river.

During the race they boat crews have to retrieve a VIP passenger from the shore and a buoy flag from the river. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/100-race-silver-antlers.html <![CDATA[Captain Larry "Buford" Wilkinson passed away]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/99-captain-larry-buford-wilkinson-passed-away.html Wed, 24 Mar 2010 18:58:22 GMT Former Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen crew member Captain Larry "Buford" Wilkinson passed away this morning at a hospital in Vicksburg, MS. He suffered from congestive heart failure, after his condition had been growing worse over the last couple of days.

Born on December 20, 1962, Capt. Wilkinson began work on the Delta Queen more than 20 years ago as a deck hand and worked his way up to serve as Captain. Capt. Wilkinson was one of the most noted and loved former Delta Queen Steamboat Co. crewmembers of all. He has been a very good friend to many and one of the special steamboat family members. And as Capt. Mike Williams just wrote in an e-mail, the Delta Queen is holding him close to her heart for ever.

On his Facebook page, Capt. "Buford" participated in "What Poem Are You?" - he selected Shakespear's 18th sonnet which we'd like to quote in memoriam Capt. Larry "Buford" Wilkinson:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/99-captain-larry-buford-wilkinson-passed-away.html Showboat Becky Thatcher probably gone forever http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/95-showboat-becky-thatcher-probably-gone-forever.html Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:35:42 GMT The Marietta Register ( The Marietta Register Online - Web Extra: Becky Thatcher Sinks (http://Mariettaregister.com/index.php?content=1805) ) reports... The Marietta Register ( The Marietta Register Online - Web Extra: Becky Thatcher Sinks ) reports that the historic, 83 year old paddlewheel showboat Becky Thatcher sank on Sunday near Neville Island. Not much more information is available at this time except that a heavy snow load may have caused the disaster.
According to the newspaper eyewitnesses say they find it unlikely that she may be saved. The online article at the Marietta Register also has some - very sad - pictures from the Becky Thatcher. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/95-showboat-becky-thatcher-probably-gone-forever.html <![CDATA[Entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/94-entertainer-charles-chip-saporiti-passed-away.html Wed, 30 Dec 2009 07:05:37 GMT We just got the sad news that long-time Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen entertainer Charles "Chip" Saporiti passed away on December 19 at the age of 52 at his home at Glendora, California. Chip's version of "Ol' Man River" will stick in our memories for ever, together with a memory of a wonderful singer and a great man. Requiescat in pace. See Chip's obituary for more details about Chip Saporiti's life. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/94-entertainer-charles-chip-saporiti-passed-away.html America Cruise Lines to expand http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/93-america-cruise-lines-expand.html Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:55:13 GMT American Cruise Lines has announced further expansion of their West Coast operations. Besides the purchase of the former Majestic America Line vessel... American Cruise Lines has announced further expansion of their West Coast operations. Besides the purchase of the former Majestic America Line vessel "Queen of the West", which is supposed to run on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in 2010, American Cruise Lines said they'll announce further expansion plans to the West Coast in early 2010.
Fact is the addition of the newly built Independence to be completed in 2010 and speculations are that the company is also planning to operate either the Columbia Queen or the Empresss of the North - both former Majestic America Line vessels as well.
The modified and capacity-decreased Queen of the West will start cruising in summer 2010, departing from Portland, Oregon and Clarkston, Washington. Stops along the rivers will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helen’s, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/93-america-cruise-lines-expand.html Delta Queen Crew Club recognizing former crew and passengers http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/92-delta-queen-crew-club-recognizing-former-crew-passengers.html Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:41:36 GMT Delta Queen Hotel has announced the Delta Queen Crew Club, a program that recognizes the beloved boat’s most loyal fans by offering an opportunity to... Delta Queen Hotel has announced the Delta Queen Crew Club, a program that recognizes the beloved boat’s most loyal fans by offering an opportunity to commemorate their trips and service with the purchase of a brass-plated nameplate.

Former passenger plaques will be engraved with the name of the passenger, their home port, the year of their first cruise, and the number of cruises they have taken on the Delta Queen. For those that served on the Delta Queen, plaques will be engraved with their name and title, their home port, the year they started, and the number of years of service.

The plaques will be adhered to one of the vessel’s three decks just below the handrails at ankle level. Sydney Slome, proprietor of the Delta Queen Hotel, assured that the process will not compromise the boat’s historic integrity in any way.

The weather resistant 3x6-inch plaques are available for purchasefor $100. This special offer is limited in number and is only available to past passengers and former officers, crew, staff, employees and entertainers of the Delta Queen; plaques may be purchased in memory of a loved and/or respected one.

To become a member of the Delta Queen Crew Club and order a plaque for yourself or someone you love this holiday season, call (800)499-9877 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or purchase on-line at www.deltaqueenhotel.com. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/92-delta-queen-crew-club-recognizing-former-crew-passengers.html Belle of Louisville accident ends 2009 season early http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/91-belle-louisville-accident-ends-2009-season-early.html Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:13:27 GMT The steamboat Belle of Louisville has been pushed into a drydock by strong winds on early Saturday afternoon. On board were about 300 passengers,... The steamboat Belle of Louisville has been pushed into a drydock by strong winds on early Saturday afternoon. On board were about 300 passengers, several of them suffering minor injuries. The Belle of Louisville's paddlewheel crashed into a drydock of the McBride fleet near Harrods Creek breaking a few bucket boards as well as suffering damage on the jockey bar (which is the beam behind the paddlewheel that is attached to the ends of the cylinder timbers, holding the cylinder timbers in alignment. Thanks to Capt. Alan Bates for this explanation.) The Belle of Louisville's hull obviously was not damaged and the boat did not take on water.

According to the local TV news, Belle of Louisville CEO Linda Harris said that all remaining cruises of the boat this year will probably be cancelled and events scheduled will be held on the boat whiled docked at 4th street wharf at Louisville.

The Courier-Journal reports that the Belle of Louisville was under the command of Capt. James Donahue and pilot Steve Mattingly when the accident happened, both very experienced steamboaters and long-time Belle officers.

WLKY has some pictures and Wave3 has more details on the accident.

It seams that 2009 has not been a good year for steamboats at all, to say the least. With the American Queen and Delta Queen out of cruise business and the Julia Belle Swain docked, the Str. Natchez at new orleans now is the only actually operating steamboat on the rivers, though at least the Belle of Louisville for sure will come back, soon. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/91-belle-louisville-accident-ends-2009-season-early.html Showboat Becky Thatcher has left Marietta for Pittsburgh http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/89-showboat-becky-thatcher-has-left-marietta-pittsburgh.html Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:35:07 GMT The showboat BECKY THATCHER (http://www.steamboats.org/steamboat-pictures/becky-thatcher.html) has left her long-time mooring place on the Muskingum... The showboat BECKY THATCHER has left her long-time mooring place on the Muskingum River at Maritetta, Ohio, for Pittsburgh on October 14, 2009, and will rest there temporarily, according to her owner, Jeffrey Levin of Nashville, TN.
The Becky Thatcher, originally built in 1926 as MISSISSIPPI (III) as an inspection boat for the Army Corps of Engineers in 1926 and a National Historic Landmark since 1983 has served as a showboat and restaurant at Marietta since 1977, but closed down a few years ago and hasn't been in use since then.
Steamboats.org member C.R. Neal shot some great pictures from her departure at Marietta and the Marietta Times has the full story about the Becky Thatcher leaving town. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/89-showboat-becky-thatcher-has-left-marietta-pittsburgh.html Ghost investigation on the Delta Queen, Discovery Channel at Chattanooga http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/87-ghost-investigation-delta-queen-discovery-channel-chattanooga.html Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:38:51 GMT Discovery Channel's Ghost Lab is investigating on the Delta Queen at Chattanooga, trying to find scientific evidence for the existence of Delta Queen Capt. Mary Greene's ghost.

In an interview, long-time Delta Queen Master Capt. Mike Williams told his experiences, especially from 1984 where he says the spirit of Capt. Greene has saved the boat when she alerted him that the Delta Queen's hull had a hole and was going to sink eventually if he hadn't found it in time, with the help of Capt. Mary Greene. Also, Capt. Williams believes Mary Greene led him and his wife to eventually marry after an encounter in 1985.

Chattanooga Times Free Press has the whole story and also some video footage of Discovery Channel's attempt to prove the existence of a ghost on the Delta Queen.

Ghost Lab premieres on October 6, and the Delta Queen episode is expected to air in December. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/87-ghost-investigation-delta-queen-discovery-channel-chattanooga.html Ambassadors to sell the QUEEN OF THE WEST http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/56-ambassadors-sell-queen-west.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:45:00 GMT Ambassadors International Inc. has announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to sell the Columbia River paddlewheeler QUEEN OF THE... Ambassadors International Inc. has announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to sell the Columbia River paddlewheeler QUEEN OF THE WEST to Blue Spruce LLC, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines (details, see press release).
The 142-passenger vessel Queen of the West is the first of the Majestic America Line boats to be sold after Ambassadors' announcement from February this year to sell of the Majestic's assets and focus on their business at Windstar Cruises.

]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/56-ambassadors-sell-queen-west.html <![CDATA[Jim Herron's new video: Last Cruise of the Delta Queen]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/57-jim-herrons-new-video-last-cruise-delta-queen.html Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:51:00 GMT I've always enjoyed Jim Herron's videos because of his ability to find the best spots for spectacular and unusual views. His newest set of 3 DVDs, "Last Cruise of the Delta Queen", is no exemption. Though I strongly disagree with the title of the video - there will be future cruises of the boat! - it's a great documentation of this historic cruise in October 2008.

Jim Herron did follow the Delta Queen all the way from Cincinnati to Memphis, not only at the port stops but also along the rivers while on her way. The DVDs are covering every arrival and departure with lots of whistle signals blown and calliope music played. It has sad and sentimental moments like the escort from the Belle of Louisville at Louisville as well as funny and exciting situations like the stop at Grandview, IN, where the deck hands had a tough job arranging the stage where the boat couldn't get close enough to the levee for a regular landing.


The 3-DVD-set "Last Cruise of the Delta Queen" is a must-have documentation for every Delta Queen fan, playing 3 1/2 hours in widescreen format and stereo sound. Jim Herron is selling the DVD on his website for 39,95 Dollars. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/57-jim-herrons-new-video-last-cruise-delta-queen.html Delta Queen songs must-have CD by Laura Sable, Bill Wiemuth http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/58-delta-queen-songs-must-have-cd-laura-sable-bill-wiemuth.html Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:53:00 GMT Admittedly it's weeks ago that Laura and Bill sent a review copy of their new CD "Delta Queen - A Musican Journey". I thought I couldn't stand that many Delta Queen songs in a row without breaking out in tears so I postponed listening to the their songs until today. And what a blast this CD is!

Imagine sitting in the Orleans Room in a warm, not too humid night on the Mississippi River, lights off, Cruise Director Jazzou Jones announces an evening of Delta Queen memories and the good times on the river. Then Laura and Bill come to the stage. Close your eyes, remember the wonderful smell of wood and varnish, the soft vibrations from the paddlewheel. Lean back and just listen.


The CD includes a reminiscence of the Delta Queen's early life on the Sacramento River,"I left my heat at San Francisco", as well as the songs that everyone expects, like the "Delta Queen Waltz", and "Roll on, Delta Queen" - just sensationally, this blues version by Bill Wiemuth.

I made one mistake, though: I put the CD in the car CD player and listened while driving to work this morning. But "Lovely Lady, Delta Queen" on a German autobahn at 120 mph - not a good idea, because the song, Laura's devine voice, the memories are simply dragging you away, emotionally. I had to slow down, quickly.

Overall, don't be afraid of getting too emotional; the CD is emotional, but Laura and Bill managed to have versions of the songs that simply make you smile and remember the good old times on the steamboat Delta Queen without today's grief over her situation.

There is just one song where you sure will not be able to hold back your tears. That's when Bill sings Johnny Cash's "So Long Delta Queen".

Thanks Laura and Bill for this wonderfull CD full of good memories of the river and the Delta Queen. Thanks for the wonderful and sometimes (positively) surprisingly new versions of good old Delta Queen songs.
To order the CD, please check Bill's blog (deltaqueen.wordpress.com/dq-music-cd/). ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/58-delta-queen-songs-must-have-cd-laura-sable-bill-wiemuth.html