<![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 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:33:33 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/ 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 Cruise Ships American Queen, Empress of the North Up For Sale http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/59-cruise-ships-american-queen-empress-north-up-sale.html Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:55:00 GMT American Queen, Empress of the North river cruise ships are up for sale by MARAD, the US Marine Administration. As Travel Weekly... American Queen, Empress of the North river cruise ships are up for sale by MARAD, the US Marine Administration. As Travel Weekly reports, investment banking firm AMA Capital Partners is in charge of selling the former Majestic America Line vessels.
The American Queen offering Mississippi and Ohio River cruises from 1995 when she was launched, until 2008, while the 2003-launched Empress of the North served the Columbia River and te Alaska Inside Passage, making it into the headline news in 2007 when she hit a rock near Juneau, AK costing their owners, Majestic America Line, not only financial damage but also effected their reputation. Eventually Majestic America Line ceased operations completely in 2008.
Experts are especially positive about the river cruising future of the American Queen, but in the actual financial crisis it might take a while until MARAD finds a buyer for the American Queen. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/59-cruise-ships-american-queen-empress-north-up-sale.html Ship Ablaze - The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/60-ship-ablaze-tragedy-steamboat-general-slocum.html Fri, 15 May 2009 06:59:00 GMT The burning of the Steamboat General Slocum on New York's East River on June 15, 1904, was the worse disaster in New York's history before the 9/11 attacks, killing 1,021 people, mostly women and children, according to the official numbers. Author Edward T. O'Donnell obviously did a tremendous job in researching this horrible disaster by going through thousands of pages of archiv material and old newspaper articles.
For readers only interested in the steamboat related part of the disaster, there are some chapters not too relevant as O'Donnell describes a lot of details from the families effected by the fire and also tells the story of Little Germany at New York at that time which was quite a big and living community before the General Slocum ended this era abruptly. Some of the scenes described are really heart-breaking and the whole story gives the reader a very good impression about how live was in New York around 1904.
The patient steamboats buff is being rewarded especially at the end of the book as O'Donnell describes all the details from the trials against the responsible officers, showing how corrupt the Steamboat Inspectors had been as well as how careless the steamboat's owner and captain had been. It shows in detail all the shortcomings on the General Slocum that eventually led to this incredible disaster, including rotten life vests, unusable life boats, untrained and careless crew and much more.
Verdict: Perfect combination of very well researched facts and an entertaining style of writing. It's one of the most facinating books we've read about steamboat history so far and our rating clearly is 5 stars out of 5 for "Ship Ablaze - The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum" by Edward T. O'Donnell. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/60-ship-ablaze-tragedy-steamboat-general-slocum.html Im Memoriam: Mary Greene Stewart http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/61-im-memoriam-mary-greene-stewart.html Mon, 30 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT Mary Greene Stewart died peacefully at her riverfront farm in California, KY March 30, 2009. Mary is survived by her husband, Richard, son Joel... Mary Greene Stewart died peacefully at her riverfront farm in California, KY March 30, 2009. Mary is survived by her husband, Richard, son Joel Michael and five grandchildren: Harlequin, Morpheus, Blaise, Roman and Sterling. Also surviving Mary are brother's Gordon C. Greene, Tom Greene II and sister Letha Jane Greene. A Memorial will be held on Friday April 3rd 6:00PM. For details see the obituary at steamboats.org message board.


Mary Greene Steward in 2005, riding the BARBARA H. at the Kentucky River Ramble. (Picture courtesy of John Mullen.)

Memorial for Mary Greene (by Richard Stewart)

Mary Cavendish Greene was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 26, 1933. She was the first of four children born to Captain Tomas R. Greene and Letha Cavendish Greene.
Mary lived on the steamboat TOM GREENE for the first two years of her life. Upon the birth of her oldest brother Gordon, the Greenes moved their household 'up the bank' to East Walnut Hills. Although the Greene residence was in Cincinnati, Mary and her brothers Gordon and Tom, and sister Jane spent much time riding the family steamboats. Beginning with the CHRIS GREENE and TOM GREENE, then the GORDON C. GREENE and finally the DELTA QUEEN, Mary's life was a childhood fantasy. Under the tutelage of her grandmother Captain Mary B. Greene (one of the very few women steamboat captains) Mary learned the grace and finesse of entertaining passengers on these luxurious inland steamers. When Mary was only 5 years old, Captain Tom would stand her on a chair and she would croon 'When I Grow too Old to Dream.'
Mary grew to appreciate academics and flourished at Withrow high school. When she asked her Latin teacher why the school had an extracurricular Latin Club, but not one for Greek?, the teacher replied, 'Why don't you start one?' That's exactly what Mary did.
Her love for classic languages as well as her love for liturgical vocals and music led her to an appreciation of the Bible. This love motivated her to enroll at Wooster Presbyterian College. Then she transferred to the University of Cincinnati and after being inducted as a scholar into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, she graduated. However, at those institutions, she found the Bible was assailed as fantasy, falsehood and outright foolishness. Having sung in choir and in acapella ensembles for 14 years in Christ Episcopal Church in Cincinnati and Knox Presbyterian Church in Hyde Park for four years she learned to love Scripture. Yet, frequent discussions with ministers, pastors and priests about Bible doctrine and truth, left her spiritual thirst unquenched.
In 1958 Mary met two women who while having merely a modest secular education, were able to answer directly from the Bible many of her perplexing questions. For instance, Mary wondered why a God of love would torture people eternally after they died? Or why should this beautiful earth be destroyed by fire? Or, if God has a name, what is it, and why doesn't anyone use it? When these humble ladies gave satisfying answers to Mary's inquiries…it was as if 'scales fell from her eyes.' She had found the "truth."
After two years of intense Bible study, Mary dedicated her life to Jehovah God and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This dedication brought many changes to Mary's life.
As Vice President of Greene Line Steamers she still worked as a full time crewmember on the DELTA QUEEN. Drawing from the experience learned from her gracious mother Letha Greene and grandmother Captain Mary B. she was competent to serve as Cruise Director. She was vocalist for evening entertainment and worked days as Assistant Purser and manager of the Gift Shop.
Mary's free time while the boat was moored in the various river towns was devoted to house to house witnessing or attending meetings at the Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses. She also conducted Bible studies with many of the crewmembers. In 1964 Mary explained the Bible truths to Assistant Purser Richard Stewart. Soon he too dedicated himself to Jehovah and was baptized.
Richard and Mary were married the following year and served together on the DELTA QUEEN, just as her parents and grandparents did. The next year Mary stayed home to expand her share in the ministry. Later when Richard left the boat to join Mary, they made their home in Kenwood, Ohio. At their quaint little Cape Cod home Mary tended her square-foot garden, attracted and fed wildlife and relished her used-brick New Orleans style patio. Much to the delight of their neighbors Mary and Richard would spend summer evening hours playing music and singing on their pleasant little patio paradise. Mary would play the autoharp and Richard would play the dulcimer.
In August of 1968 their marriage was blessed with a son named Joel Michael Stewart. He too shared in the spiritual activities of his parents. He has his mother's love for academics, becoming a computer instructor and administrator at Blue Mountain School in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Like his father, Joel had a penchant for mechanics and construction. When they built their log house in California, Kentucky he did all of the plumbing and electrical work, not to mention much of the carpentry and masonry work.
In 1976 Mary and Richard opened the 'Captive Rainbow' stained glass studio. At their downtown Cincinnati location they created stained glass lamps and windows and taught classed. In 1979 they completely restored the rotunda in the historic 1904 Carnegie Library in Covington, Kentucky.
In the spring of 1988 Mary and Richard moved to a farm in California, Kentucky. Their farm has a riverfront beach nearly a thousand feet long, a large Indian mound, a tobacco barn, creek and 10 acres of tillable bottom land. To make their paradise complete, Mary, Richard and Joel disassembled log-by-log an antebellum log home in Falmouth, Kentucky. This they moved to their farm and reassembled exactly as it was originally built. There they reside until present with an array of dogs, cats, ducks and geese.
When Richard met Mary he was curious about a phrase she had handwritten in the front of her Bible…'Jehovah Jireh.' When he asked what it meant she replied, 'Jehovah will provide.' He certainly has, in the most gracious and abundant way!
Whenever Mary would perform publicly she would always dedicate the song "Always" to Richard because she knew it was his favorite.
I'll be loving you always
With a love that's true always
When the things you plan
Need a helping hand,
I will understand, always, always.
He enjoyed it so much because it precisely expressed how Mary supported all his endeavors, be it the Christian ministry, creating with stained glass or moving a log house.
As Mary sleeps in death (in her one last nap before she wakes in paradise) her name is indelibly written in 'Jehovah's book of remembrance. We should not say 'good bye' to her. But, more appropriately say as do the Germans, 'Auf Wiedersehen'…"To seeing of you again." ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/61-im-memoriam-mary-greene-stewart.html Delta Queen arrived at Chattanooga http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/81-delta-queen-arrived-chattanooga.html Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:35:00 GMT The Delta Queen has arrived at Chattanooga where she'll be serving as a floating hotel, temporarily. Her owners, Ambassadors International Inc. said the leasing contract with the hotel operator Harry Phillips of Chattanooga will be terminated in case the Delta Queen earns another exemption from Congress to allow her back into service as overnight cruise vessel.

Steamboats.org reporter Ed Jones has posted a report from the Delta Queen’s arrival at Chattanooga and also has a lot of pictures from that day . Great local news coverage also comes from an excellent reporter, Elizabeth Ryan, at the Chattanooga Times Free Press: All hail to the Queen. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/81-delta-queen-arrived-chattanooga.html The Delta Queen Nominated as One of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/83-delta-queen-nominated-one-america-s-most-endangered-historic-places.html Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:37:00 GMT The Delta Queen has been nominated for inclusion on the National Trust for Preservation’s 2009 list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The... The Delta Queen has been nominated for inclusion on the National Trust for Preservation’s 2009 list of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The nomination was submitted today by noted Kentucky preservationist and longtime Trust member Donald E. Clare, Jr.

The Save the Delta Queen Campaign is asking everyone, whether being a member of the Trust or not, to contact the National Trust, by phone, fax, letter, or email to second the Delta Queen's nomination. The campaign's co-leader Franz Neumeier says: "You don't need to go into detail. A simple 'Please include the Delta Queen on your 2009 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places' will do the job."

For more details, please read the full story at www.save-the-delta-queen.org. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/83-delta-queen-nominated-one-america-s-most-endangered-historic-places.html Delta Queen at Pittsburgh pictures http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/37-delta-queen-pittsburgh-pictures.html Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:42:48 GMT Here are a few beautiful pictures rom the Delta Queen visits at Pittsburgh this year. Alexandra from Pittsburgh sent them to me and I'd like to share these. Enjoy. And thanks, Alexandra!
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]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/37-delta-queen-pittsburgh-pictures.html Joe Biden missing on the list of co-sponsors http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/36-joe-biden-missing-list-co-sponsors.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 18:43:17 GMT According to the Marietta Register Online, Joe Biden said in a speach yesterday at Marietta: “And folks, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one thing; Barack Obama reminded me to remind you of. He’s also working to save the Delta Queen. The job security that it generates. That steamboat brings a lot of money here.”
Well said. But what I've recognized: While Barack Obama is co-sponsoring bill S. 3498 to save the Delta Queen, Delaware Senator Joe Biden is not on the list of co-sponsors for that bill.
If you live in Delaware, can you do the Delta Queen a favor? Call Biden's office and request that Biden actively supports the bill, not just talk about it! ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/36-joe-biden-missing-list-co-sponsors.html Rhine River steamboat Goethe under steam for the last time http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/85-rhine-river-steamboat-goethe-under-steam-last-time.html Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:51:00 GMT On Sunday, October 5, 2008, the steam-operated paddlewheeler GOETHE blew her steam whistle, stopped the engines and cooled down the boiler for the... On Sunday, October 5, 2008, the steam-operated paddlewheeler GOETHE blew her steam whistle, stopped the engines and cooled down the boiler for the last time in history. The Goethe was the last remaining steamboat on the Rhine River.

Her owner, the Koeln-Duesseldorfer Rheinschiffahrt AG (KD) has decided to remove the 1913 built steam engine and replace them with a modern diesel-hydraulic engine. The Goethe operates out of Koblenz, serving a beautiful and scenic route on the Rhine River including the famous Loreley bluffs. With the Goethe her long-time captain, Capt. Peter Zoeller, will retire. He was on the wheel when the Goethe ran her daily route the last time under steam on Sunday.

Pictures of the Rhine River Steamboat GOETHE:


The Goethe near Koblenz, Rhine River, Germany in May 2004.



"Capt." Leonie onboard the Goethe in may 2004, enjoying the telegraph and steering wheel exhibition on the main deck. ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/85-rhine-river-steamboat-goethe-under-steam-last-time.html <![CDATA[Delta Queen's Crew Plea to Congress]]> http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/84-delta-queens-crew-plea-congress.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:40:00 GMT The crew of the steamboat Delta Queen has produced a video asking Congress to save this National Historic Landmark -- and their jobs. The video is... The crew of the steamboat Delta Queen has produced a video asking Congress to save this National Historic Landmark -- and their jobs. The video is online at Youtube and the DQ's crew is asking everyone to watch the video there, vote for it, leave a comment and forward it to others.

The video at Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ss0tgXYSPc

This is what the DQ’s crew has to say:

"Please help us, the crew of the Delta Queen, save both our jobs and a national treasure!

The Delta Queen is the last traditional steamboat carrying overnight passengers on our inland waterways, an example of a time when the rivers were our highways. The steamboat is one of the most significant inventions in the history of the world, and it is an American invention. Before the power of steam was harnessed to transportation, the fastest that people could travel was the speed of a galloping horse. The arrival of the steamboat meant that not only could people and goods travel faster, so could knowledge and information. That transforms society!

The people who work on this boat are some of the finest people you could possibly meet. Many of them lost everything they had in Hurricane Katrina; the stories passengers tell of those tragic days when many staff had no idea where their family members were, yet continued to provide exemplary service, are heart-rending. We are family on the boat—black, white, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight—we look out for each other, and cannot bear the idea that after 81 years of service, our boat will end because of political greed!" ]]> Franz Neumeier http://www.steamboats.org/forum/blogs/franz-neumeier/84-delta-queens-crew-plea-congress.html