I always appreciate hearing from readers regarding these columns. These “old boats” continue to stir memories that some may have not considered for years or make them think of items… Read More
Old Boat Column
A look back into the rich history of the inland waterways transportation industry. From the earliest steam paddlewheelers to the grand sternwheel and sidewheel packets, and the eventual transition from steam to diesel, you’ll find fascinating stories and photos of a different steamboat every week.
In the years following World War II, there were several former military craft converted into river towing vessels. In thinking about the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway issue, this week’s subject came… Read More
In January 1921, the Water Transport Company, Pittsburgh, of which Capt. Charles T. Campbell was head, purchased the Combine (Monongahela River Consolidated Coal & Coke Company) towboat Valiant and had… Read More
In the Old Boat column of the June 19 issue regarding the Sam Craig, brief mention was made of the Reliance. It was an important part of the beginnings of… Read More
In the story highlighting Crounse Corporation’s 75 years in the June 23, 2023, issue of The Waterways Journal, Crounse board chairman Steve Little gave a biography of company founder George… Read More
Sixty years ago this past week, on June 23, 1963, a sternwheel towboat race was held at Charleston, W.Va., in conjunction with the centennial celebrations for the state of West… Read More
Attending the Inland Marine Expo in Nashville, Tenn., recently, one of the highlights of the event was visiting with old friends. One of the first we ran into was marine… Read More
Last week in the June 5, 2023, issue of The Waterways Journal, it was noted in the “This Week (From back issues of the WJ)” column that 100 years ago… Read More
Two weeks ago, this column looked at a boat built by the Nashville Bridge Company, and last week we looked at a boat built at St. Louis. While this might… Read More
In 1932, a small, relatively insignificant towboat was launched at East St. Louis, Ill., by the St. Louis Structural Steel Company. It had a steel hull of 64 by 15.5… Read More
