STRECKFUS STEAMBOAT LINE - Revision history

Randylyon at 19:28, 23 November 2024

2024-11-23T19:28:00Z

Randylyon at 19:09, 20 November 2020

2020-11-20T19:09:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:09, 20 November 2020
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	The economic success of the excursion business seemed assured from the beginning. In 1911 the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald reported that the excursion boats W.W. and Sidney "wee taxed to their wonderful capacity by thousands of excursionists." The article continued "the big boats have been chartered until late in the fall by the heavy demand for their services." (12)		The economic success of the excursion business seemed assured from the beginning. In 1911 the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald reported that the excursion boats W.W. and Sidney "wee taxed to their wonderful capacity by thousands of excursionists." The article continued "the big boats have been chartered until late in the fall by the heavy demand for their services." (12)

	~~The fire that destroyed~~ the ~~''J~~.S.~~'' had a profound effect on Streckfus~~. ~~For~~ the ~~rest of his life, Streckfus had~~ the ~~desire to build or purchase~~ a ~~steel~~-~~hulled vessel because~~ the ~~potential for a fire would be less~~. In ~~addition~~, the ~~US Coast Guard had developed stricter standards for wooden hulled riverboats~~. ~~Having a steel-hulled excursion riverboat would not happen within his lifetime~~ as ~~he passed away in 1925. (13) The Streckfus Line's first all-steel~~, ~~air-conditioned liner~~ was the ~~''President'' which was built in St. Louis in 1936 at a cost estimated~~ to ~~be $1 million~~. (14)		In 1915 the W. W. began receiving negative publicity. In trips along the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] it was claimed that the boat needed a barge along side it because it was top-heavy. Potential passengers would not ride on it for fear of it capsizing. The boat was scheduled for the standard test. In this, bags of sand each representing the weight of a single person were placed on the boat. As soon as the capacity of the boat was reached, the vessel was moved to the center of the river and all the bags were moved to one side to determine the maximum amount the boat listed to that side. (13)

	~~[[Image:1917SS.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Travel advertisement from 1917. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]John Streckus chose for his first conversion~~ the ~~largest of the Diamond Jo steamers, the 300-foot~~ ''St. ~~Paul~~''. ~~The company ran~~ the ~~first excursion for the ''St. Paul'' in 1917~~, ~~and~~ the ~~next year it traveled between St. Louis and its namesake city on~~ the ~~Mississippi. The cabin was fitted with electric lights and fans~~. In ~~its third season~~, the ~~steamer ran aground on~~ a ~~sandbar~~. ~~During the 1920s,~~ Streckfus ~~positioned it further south~~, ~~between~~ the ~~Quad Cities and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The next decade, the large steamer plied the Ohio River until 1930 when it was rebuild. Rechristened~~ ''~~Senator,~~'' ~~it ran excursions for just a few more years. While general offices of the new company remained~~ in St. Louis~~, it was announced that Dubuque would remain important since it was~~ a ~~midway point between there and St. Paul~~. (15)		The fire that destroyed the ''J.S.'' had a profound effect on Streckfus. For the rest of his life, Streckfus had the desire to build or purchase a steel-hulled vessel because the potential for a fire would be less. In addition, the US Coast Guard had developed stricter standards for wooden hulled riverboats. Having a steel-hulled excursion riverboat would not happen within his lifetime as he passed away in 1925. (14) The Streckfus Line's first all-steel, air-conditioned liner was the ''President'' which was built in St. Louis in 1936 at a cost estimated to be $1 million. (15)

	A sharp increase in business in 1919 was attributed by Streckfus officials to [[PROHIBITION]] and the saving of liquor money for other recreational activities. (16) The same year, Streckfus Steamers carried out the second conversion from their Diamond Jo fleet, the ''Quincy''. As the ''J.S. Deluxe'' the ship catered to wealthy people from St. Louis until the ''President'' took over in 1934. (17)		[[Image:1917SS.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Travel advertisement from 1917. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald]]John Streckus chose for his first conversion the largest of the Diamond Jo steamers, the 300-foot ''St. Paul''. The company ran the first excursion for the ''St. Paul'' in 1917, and the next year it traveled between St. Louis and its namesake city on the Mississippi. The cabin was fitted with electric lights and fans. In its third season, the steamer ran aground on a sandbar. During the 1920s, Streckfus positioned it further south, between the Quad Cities and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The next decade, the large steamer plied the Ohio River until 1930 when it was rebuild. Rechristened ''Senator,'' it ran excursions for just a few more years. While general offices of the new company remained in St. Louis, it was announced that Dubuque would remain important since it was a midway point between there and St. Paul. (16)

			A sharp increase in business in 1919 was attributed by Streckfus officials to [[PROHIBITION]] and the saving of liquor money for other recreational activities. (17) The same year, Streckfus Steamers carried out the second conversion from their Diamond Jo fleet, the ''Quincy''. As the ''J.S. Deluxe'' the ship catered to wealthy people from St. Louis until the ''President'' took over in 1934. (18)

	[[Image:SSletterhead.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Company letterhead. Photo courtesy: Online Steamboat Museum/Dave Thomson Gallery: https://steamboats.com/museum/davet-newdocs.html]]		[[Image:SSletterhead.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Company letterhead. Photo courtesy: Online Steamboat Museum/Dave Thomson Gallery: https://steamboats.com/museum/davet-newdocs.html]]
	[[Image:SSenvelope.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Company envelope. Photo courtesy: Online Steamboat Museum/Dave Thomson Gallery: https://steamboats.com/museum/davet-newdocs.html]] The old sternwheeler, ''Dubuque'', became the ''Capitol''. Not requiring as much water depth as other ships in their fleet, Streckfus put it into use in the Upper Mississippi, while it served local cruises at New Orleans in the winter. Fate Marable performed on the Capitol starting in 1920, leading a band including Louis Armstrong, Boyd Adkins, Norman Brashear, Warren “Baby” Dodds, David Jones, Henry Kimball, and Johnny St. Cyr. (18)		[[Image:SSenvelope.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Company envelope. Photo courtesy: Online Steamboat Museum/Dave Thomson Gallery: https://steamboats.com/museum/davet-newdocs.html]] The old sternwheeler, ''Dubuque'', became the ''Capitol''. Not requiring as much water depth as other ships in their fleet, Streckfus put it into use in the Upper Mississippi, while it served local cruises at New Orleans in the winter. Fate Marable performed on the Capitol starting in 1920, leading a band including Louis Armstrong, Boyd Adkins, Norman Brashear, Warren “Baby” Dodds, David Jones, Henry Kimball, and Johnny St. Cyr. (19)

	As another consequence of the Streckfus Steamboat Line purchase, the people of Dubuque were introduced to New Orleans [[JAZZ]] with the music of Louis Armstrong who went on to musical greatness and international recognition. Musicians on Streckfus Steamers were not given star status. John Streckfus' policy of standard wages offered band members $35 per week, plus room and board (or $65 per week without room and board). In 1919 he lowered compensation in 1919 to $37.50 per week—non-inclusive of room and board—- with much shorter work schedules. Seven years later, the company increased pay to $45 per week and added $5 weekly retention bonuses, without room and board. A few exceptional musicians, like Armstrong, were allowed to improvise for a few bars. The Streckfus family otherwise insisted that the performers play the arrangements as written. This encouraged gifted musicians like Armstrong to advance his career elsewhere. (19)		As another consequence of the Streckfus Steamboat Line purchase, the people of Dubuque were introduced to New Orleans [[JAZZ]] with the music of Louis Armstrong who went on to musical greatness and international recognition. Musicians on Streckfus Steamers were not given star status. John Streckfus' policy of standard wages offered band members $35 per week, plus room and board (or $65 per week without room and board). In 1919 he lowered compensation in 1919 to $37.50 per week—non-inclusive of room and board—- with much shorter work schedules. Seven years later, the company increased pay to $45 per week and added $5 weekly retention bonuses, without room and board. A few exceptional musicians, like Armstrong, were allowed to improvise for a few bars. The Streckfus family otherwise insisted that the performers play the arrangements as written. This encouraged gifted musicians like Armstrong to advance his career elsewhere. (20)

	The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (20) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (21) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (22)		The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (21) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (22) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (23)

	The ''SS Admiral'' was the first of the Streckfus fleet to be built with a metal superstructure on a steel hull. Originally the 1907 Albatross, a railroad ferry, built by the [[DUBUQUE BOAT AND BOILER WORKS]], Streckfus Steamers stripped it down to the steel hull and rebuilt it with a steel superstructure and an Art Deco finish. The company docked on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, at the base of Washington Street. SS Admiral commenced excursions in 1940, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a large ballroom with maple flooring. The top deck allowed guests close-up views of the riverbank sights through coin-operated telescopes. In 1973, the company removed the steam engine and converted SS Admiral to diesel power. Streckfus Steamers ran excursions on the SS Admiral through the 1978 season, retired the ship in 1979 due to weakness in its hull, and ended its business. The company sold the ship to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, he converted the ''SS Admiral'' in St. Louis to be one of the first casinos in Missouri after that state legalized gambling. (23)		The ''SS Admiral'' was the first of the Streckfus fleet to be built with a metal superstructure on a steel hull. Originally the 1907 Albatross, a railroad ferry, built by the [[DUBUQUE BOAT AND BOILER WORKS]], Streckfus Steamers stripped it down to the steel hull and rebuilt it with a steel superstructure and an Art Deco finish. The company docked on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, at the base of Washington Street. SS Admiral commenced excursions in 1940, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a large ballroom with maple flooring. The top deck allowed guests close-up views of the riverbank sights through coin-operated telescopes. In 1973, the company removed the steam engine and converted SS Admiral to diesel power. Streckfus Steamers ran excursions on the SS Admiral through the 1978 season, retired the ship in 1979 due to weakness in its hull, and ended its business. The company sold the ship to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, he converted the ''SS Admiral'' in St. Louis to be one of the first casinos in Missouri after that state legalized gambling. (24)

	The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the ''Delta Queen'', one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the ''Mississippi Queen'' to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (24)		The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the ''Delta Queen'', one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the ''Mississippi Queen'' to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (25)

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	12. "Captain John Streckfus and His Sons of the Streckfus Line of Steamers and Founder of the Diamond Jo Line," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', June 25, 1911, p. 8		12. "Captain John Streckfus and His Sons of the Streckfus Line of Steamers and Founder of the Diamond Jo Line," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', June 25, 1911, p. 8

	13. Museum Ships Series IV: The J.S." Online: https://jayseaarchaeology.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/museum-ships-series-iv-the-admiral/		13. "The Columbus Test," ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'', August 9, 1915, p. 4

			14. Museum Ships Series IV: The J.S." Online: https://jayseaarchaeology.wordpress.com/2018/05/12/museum-ships-series-iv-the-admiral/

	14. "Steamer J.S. to be Scrapped," ''Telegraph-Herald'', December 20, 1938, p. 9		15. "Steamer J.S. to be Scrapped," ''Telegraph-Herald'', December 20, 1938, p. 9

	15. "Streckfus Steamers..."		16. "Streckfus Steamers..."

	16. "Our Past," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 17, 1994, p. 2		17. "Our Past," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 17, 1994, p. 2

	17. "Streckenfus Steamers..."		18. "Streckenfus Steamers..."

	18. Ibid.		19. Ibid.

	19. "Streckfus Steamers..."		20. "Streckfus Steamers..."

	20. "Capitol to be Here on June 3," ''Telegraph-Herald'', May 19, 1936, p. 14		21. "Capitol to be Here on June 3," ''Telegraph-Herald'', May 19, 1936, p. 14

	21. "Moonlight Excursion Scheduled September 14th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 3, 1937, p. 9		22. "Moonlight Excursion Scheduled September 14th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', September 3, 1937, p. 9

	22. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10		23. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10

	23. "Streckfus Steamers..."		24. "Streckfus Steamers..."

	24. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," ''Quad-City Times'', Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html		25. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," ''Quad-City Times'', Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html

	[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]		[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]

Randylyon at 04:19, 15 March 2020

2020-03-15T04:19:30Z

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Randylyon at 04:10, 15 March 2020

2020-03-15T04:10:23Z

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	[[Image:jscard.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The famed "J. S."]]		[[Image:jscard.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|The famed "J. S."]]
	Moving freight on steamboats had been a dying business for a few decades, but this made many steamboat owners motivated to sell. At the time an article in the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald commented:		Moving freight on steamboats had been a dying business for a few decades, but this made many steamboat owners motivated to sell. At the time an article in the ''Dubuque Telegraph-Herald'' commented:

	... the trade interests of St. Louis and the valley of the upper river		... the trade interests of St. Louis and the valley of the upper river
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	The ''SS Admiral'' was the first of the Streckfus fleet to be built with a metal superstructure on a steel hull. Originally the 1907 Albatross, a railroad ferry, built by the [[DUBUQUE BOAT AND BOILER WORKS]], Streckfus Steamers stripped it down to the steel hull and rebuilt it with a steel superstructure and an Art Deco finish. The company docked on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, at the base of Washington Street. SS Admiral commenced excursions in 1940, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a large ballroom with maple flooring. The top deck allowed guests close-up views of the riverbank sights through coin-operated telescopes. In 1973, the company removed the steam engine and converted SS Admiral to diesel power. Streckfus Steamers ran excursions on the SS Admiral through the 1978 season, retired the ship in 1979 due to weakness in its hull, and ended its business. The company sold the ship to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, he converted the ''SS Admiral'' in St. Louis to be one of the first casinos in Missouri after that state legalized gambling. (22)		The ''SS Admiral'' was the first of the Streckfus fleet to be built with a metal superstructure on a steel hull. Originally the 1907 Albatross, a railroad ferry, built by the [[DUBUQUE BOAT AND BOILER WORKS]], Streckfus Steamers stripped it down to the steel hull and rebuilt it with a steel superstructure and an Art Deco finish. The company docked on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, at the base of Washington Street. SS Admiral commenced excursions in 1940, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a large ballroom with maple flooring. The top deck allowed guests close-up views of the riverbank sights through coin-operated telescopes. In 1973, the company removed the steam engine and converted SS Admiral to diesel power. Streckfus Steamers ran excursions on the SS Admiral through the 1978 season, retired the ship in 1979 due to weakness in its hull, and ended its business. The company sold the ship to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, he converted the ''SS Admiral'' in St. Louis to be one of the first casinos in Missouri after that state legalized gambling. (22)

	The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the Delta Queen, one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the Mississippi Queen to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (23)		The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the ''Delta Queen'', one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the ''Mississippi Queen'' to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (23)

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Randylyon at 04:08, 15 March 2020

2020-03-15T04:08:48Z

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Randylyon at 21:34, 14 March 2020

2020-03-14T21:34:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:34, 14 March 2020
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	Streckfus bought his first steamboat in 1889 for $10,000. ''Verne Swain'', a small steamer, measuring just 120-feet in length and 22-feet in width, was constructed in Stillwater, Minnesota at the Swain Shipyard. ''Verne Swain'' operated daily during the boating seasons with several stops between Davenport and Clinton Iowa making a three-hour, one-way trip. The boat then left Clinton in the afternoon and returned to Davenport every evening. (2)		Streckfus bought his first steamboat in 1889 for $10,000. ''Verne Swain'', a small steamer, measuring just 120-feet in length and 22-feet in width, was constructed in Stillwater, Minnesota at the Swain Shipyard. ''Verne Swain'' operated daily during the boating seasons with several stops between Davenport and Clinton Iowa making a three-hour, one-way trip. The boat then left Clinton in the afternoon and returned to Davenport every evening. (2)

	By 1891, Streckfus had acquired his own operator’s license and the title of Captain. Previously he contracted for established operators to manage his steamers and later he earned an engineer’s license. The same year, he bought his second steamboat, the ''Freddie'', a triple-decked, 73-foot sternwheeler with a 16-foot beam. He transported freight and passengers on both the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers, though eventually, he ran his packets on the Mississippi, north of St.Louis. Though he gained a reputation for punctuality and efficiency, he complained about the small profits his packets earned. (3)		By 1891, Streckfus had acquired his own operator’s license and the title of Captain. Previously he contracted for established operators to manage his steamers and later he earned an engineer’s license. The same year, he bought his second steamboat, the ''Freddie'', a triple-decked, 73-foot sternwheeler with a 16-foot beam. He transported freight and passengers on both the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers, though eventually, he ran his packets on the Mississippi, north of St. Louis. Though he gained a reputation for punctuality and efficiency, he complained about the small profits his packets earned. (3)

	By 1901 rather than using his slow paddle-wheelers to compete with the railroads for the freight business, he transitioned to the excursion business and installed a calliope on the City of Winona. The next year he increased his investment in the new venture with $25,000 in capital to convert a packet. Using his own design, Streckfus commissioned work on a 175-foot steamboat with a capacity to hold 2,000 passengers, sleeping berths for the crew and the entertainers, a 100 x 27 foot maple dance floor, a bar, a dining room, and electric lights. His first custom-built excursion boat was named the ''J.S.'' (4)		By 1901 rather than using his slow paddle-wheelers to compete with the railroads for the freight business, he transitioned to the excursion business and installed a calliope on the City of Winona which when played along the carried news of the ship's arrival for many miles. The next year he increased his investment in the new venture with $25,000 in capital to convert a packet. Using his own design, Streckfus commissioned work on a 175-foot steamboat with a capacity to hold 2,000 passengers, sleeping berths for the crew and the entertainers, a 100 x 27 foot maple dance floor, a bar, a dining room, and electric lights. His first custom-built excursion boat was named the ''J.S.'' (4)

	By the turn of the century, Streckfus recognized the impact of railroads on the shipping trade. To reduce losses, he reorganized his company. In 1907, he incorporated Streckfus Steamers to raise capital and expand his riverboat excursion business. He maintained a few packet boats but began operating an overnight passenger trade before converting the ships into excursion boats. (5) Streckfus was also an innovator. The first system of incandescent and arc lighting whose current was generated from one dynamo was installed on his "Verne Swain." The "J. S." carried the first soda water fountain, telephone system, and running water.		By the turn of the century, Streckfus recognized the impact of railroads on the shipping trade. To reduce losses, he reorganized his company. In 1907, he incorporated Streckfus Steamers to raise capital and expand his riverboat excursion business. He maintained a few packet boats but began operating an overnight passenger trade before converting the ships into excursion boats. (5) Streckfus was also an innovator. The first system of incandescent and arc lighting whose current was generated from one dynamo was installed on his "Verne Swain." The "J. S." carried the first soda water fountain, telephone system, and running water.

Randylyon at 20:05, 14 March 2020

2020-03-14T20:05:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:05, 14 March 2020
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	By 1901 rather than using his slow paddle-wheelers to compete with the railroads for the freight business, he transitioned to the excursion business and installed a calliope on the City of Winona. The next year he increased his investment in the new venture with $25,000 in capital to convert a packet. Using his own design, Streckfus commissioned work on a 175-foot steamboat with a capacity to hold 2,000 passengers, sleeping berths for the crew and the entertainers, a 100 x 27 foot maple dance floor, a bar, a dining room, and electric lights. His first custom-built excursion boat was named the ''J.S.'' (4)		By 1901 rather than using his slow paddle-wheelers to compete with the railroads for the freight business, he transitioned to the excursion business and installed a calliope on the City of Winona. The next year he increased his investment in the new venture with $25,000 in capital to convert a packet. Using his own design, Streckfus commissioned work on a 175-foot steamboat with a capacity to hold 2,000 passengers, sleeping berths for the crew and the entertainers, a 100 x 27 foot maple dance floor, a bar, a dining room, and electric lights. His first custom-built excursion boat was named the ''J.S.'' (4)

	By the turn of the century, Streckfus recognized the impact of railroads on the shipping trade. To reduce losses, he reorganized his company. He maintained a few packet boats but began operating an overnight passenger trade before converting the ships into excursion boats. (5) Streckfus was also an innovator. The first system of incandescent and arc lighting whose current was generated from one dynamo was installed on his "Verne Swain." The "J. S." carried the first soda water fountain, telephone system, and running water.		By the turn of the century, Streckfus recognized the impact of railroads on the shipping trade. To reduce losses, he reorganized his company. In 1907, he incorporated Streckfus Steamers to raise capital and expand his riverboat excursion business. He maintained a few packet boats but began operating an overnight passenger trade before converting the ships into excursion boats. (5) Streckfus was also an innovator. The first system of incandescent and arc lighting whose current was generated from one dynamo was installed on his "Verne Swain." The "J. S." carried the first soda water fountain, telephone system, and running water.

	A unique characteristic of the Streckfus Fleet was the fact that each of the steamers was designed and built for one-day pleasure outings, bringing the joys and thrills of a steamer ride on the river within the reach of nearly everyone. Even on the S. ''S. President'', newest and mightiest of inland passenger steamers, a ticket for an all-day or evening outing costs but a few cents more than the average movie admission. On most of the other vessels, the fare is even lower. The Streckfus organization, by applying the principle of mass handling, made available the luxury of ocean liner service on the inland waterways to everyone who had even a very little money to spend for pleasure and recreation. (6)		A unique characteristic of the Streckfus Fleet was the fact that each of the steamers was designed and built for one-day pleasure outings, bringing the joys and thrills of a steamer ride on the river within the reach of nearly everyone. Even on the S. ''S. President'', newest and mightiest of inland passenger steamers, a ticket for an all-day or evening outing costs but a few cents more than the average movie admission. On most of the other vessels, the fare is even lower. The Streckfus organization, by applying the principle of mass handling, made available the luxury of ocean liner service on the inland waterways to everyone who had even a very little money to spend for pleasure and recreation. (6)
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	The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (18) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (19) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (20)		The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (18) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (19) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (20)

	The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the Delta Queen, one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the Mississippi Queen to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (21)		The ''SS Admiral'' was the first of the Streckfus fleet to be built with a metal superstructure on a steel hull. Originally the 1907 Albatross, a railroad ferry, built by the [[DUBUQUE BOAT AND BOILER WORKS]], Streckfus Steamers stripped it down to the steel hull and rebuilt it with a steel superstructure and an Art Deco finish. The company docked on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, at the base of Washington Street. SS Admiral commenced excursions in 1940, featuring an air-conditioned cabin and a large ballroom with maple flooring. The top deck allowed guests close-up views of the riverbank sights through coin-operated telescopes. In 1973, the company removed the steam engine and converted SS Admiral to diesel power. Streckfus Steamers ran excursions on the SS Admiral through the 1978 season, retired the ship in 1979 due to weakness in its hull, and ended its business. The company sold the ship to John E. Connelly in 1981. In 1993, he converted the ''SS Admiral'' in St. Louis to be one of the first casinos in Missouri after that state legalized gambling. (21)

			The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the Delta Queen, one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the Mississippi Queen to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (22)

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	20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10		20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10

	21. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," ''Quad-City Times'', Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html		21. "Streckfus Steamers..."

			22. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," ''Quad-City Times'', Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html

	[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]		[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]

Randylyon at 19:52, 14 March 2020

2020-03-14T19:52:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 14 March 2020
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	20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10		20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10

	21. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," Quad-City Times, Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html		21. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," ''Quad-City Times'', Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html

	[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]		[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]

Randylyon at 19:52, 14 March 2020

2020-03-14T19:52:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:52, 14 March 2020
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	The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (18) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (19) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (20)		The Capitol, the largest sternwheel passenger steamer on the Mississippi, visited Dubuque in 1936. The excursions that day were sponsored by [[DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL]], St. Mary's Sodality and [[ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH]], and [[IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ACADEMY]] alumnae. The high school excursion left Dubuque at 10:00 a.m. and returned at 6:30 p.m. The St. Mary's Sodality and Immaculate Conception Academy left Dubuque at 8:30 p.m. (18) The ''Capitol'' visited to Dubuque in September, 1937 en route to its fall and winter seasons in New Orleans. (19) In 1942, undoubtedly due to decreased business and rationing during [[WORLD WAR II]], ''President'' was the only member of the Streckfus fleet to operate on the Upper Mississippi River. It visited Dubuque on June 25th. (20)

			The excursion industry on the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]] continued. In 2005 Lisa Streckfus served as captain aboard the Delta Queen, one of the premier excursion boats in the nation. Her father, Capt. William Streckfus piloted the Mississippi Queen to Davenport on October 7, 2005. (21)

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	20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10		20. "Steamer President Coming Here June 25th," ''Telegraph-Herald'', June 22, 1942, p. 10

			21. Wundram, Bill, "A River Runs Through Streckfus Lineage," Quad-City Times, Nov. 15, 2005, Online: https://qctimes.com/cover_story/a-river-runs-through-streckfus-family-lineage/article_25775943-4ab5-5dac-a33b-7401737c5cf2.html

	[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]		[[Category: Steamboat Companies]]

Randylyon at 19:41, 14 March 2020

2020-03-14T19:41:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:41, 14 March 2020
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	13. "Streckfus Steamers..."		13. "Streckfus Steamers..."

	14. "Our Past," Telegraph Herald, August 17, 1994, p. 2		14. "Our Past," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 17, 1994, p. 2

	15. "Streckenfus Steamers..."		15. "Streckenfus Steamers..."