Form Prepared By (812) 945-9772 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Verbal boundary description and justification Located on the Muskingum River at its east bank New Albany, Indiana 47150 approximately 225 feet northerly from the intersection of said river bank and the street & number 237 Front Street, P.O. Box 572 NPS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior Item number #9 MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES David Rich, Public Affairs Office Department of the Army Memphis District, Corps of Engineers 9381 Parkside Drive Brentwood, Missouri Little Rock, Arkansas November 20, 1960, edition 700 Channel Lane September 8, 1975, and October 9, 1975, editions The Parkersburg News 519 Juliana Street August 31, 1975, edition Robert Badger City Engineer City Building - 304 Putnam Clay, Floyd M., Ph.D. U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, January 1976 63144 Inventory-Nomination Form Page National Register of Historic Places Continuation sheet (3-82) received Ruth Ferris (614) 373-5495 Mississippi III, Marietta, Washington County National Park Service The Arkansas Democrat The Marietta Times U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1876-1976 521-3348 A Century on the Mississippi:A History of the Memphis District date entered For NPS use only 668 Clifford Davis Federal Building Memphis, Tennessee 38103 Marietta, Ohio 45750 Parkersburg, West Virginia 26101 WAR DEPARTMENT 1 October .. 19 46 LENGTH OVERALL DRAFT, LIGHT. FORWARD LENGTH OF HULL DRAFT, LIGHT. AFT BEAM OVERALL DRAFT, LOADED, FORWARD DEPTH, AMIDSHIPS. MOLDED DRAFT, LOADED. AFT DISPLACEMENT, LIGHT (LONG TONS) 761 DISPLACEMENT.LOADED (LONG TONS) MATERIAL OF HULL MATERIAL OF SUPERSTRUCTURE WHERE BUILT PURCHASED FROM S.
Engineer Office, New Orleans, La.** CONSTRUCTION COST PURCHASE PRICE OTHER FIRST COSTS COST TO DATE NUMBER OF SHIFTS NUMBER IN CREW ACCOMMODATIONS ON VESSEL: OFFICERS (27, MAIN PROPELLING POWER: TOTAL MOTORS: NUMBER, MAKE, AND TYPE - ENGINES: NUMBER, MAKE, AND TYPE Iwo Gillett & Eaton, Tandem, compound, condensing steam. HORSEPOWER PER ENGINE 400 PRESSURE CARRIED 250 LB. PER SQ. IN.: TOTAL HEATING SURFACE 4916 SQ. FT.: DATE INSTALLED FUEL: KIND : BUNKER CAPACITY 1360 bbls.
HOURS VESSEL CAN OPERATE ON BUNKERS PADDLE WHEELS: SIDE OR STERN : DIAMETER FT.: LENGTH 24 NUMBER OF BUCKETS 16 : WIDTH OF BUCKETS 36 PROPELLERS: NUMBER : NUMBER OF BLADES - : PITCH SPEED: STATUTE MILES PER HOUR (STILL WATER) LIGHT DERRICK: TYPE - : CAPACITY CARGO CAPACITY NAME OR DESIGNATION TYPE OF PLANT 220 983 800 1927 BUILDER Steel Stern 185 FEET INCHES None DISTRICT Memphis ENGINEERS MISSISSIPPI Sternwheel Towboat 270,440.68 311,763.72 See Remarks * 18 Commissioners and Guests 2/63 340 : OTHERS C. Groffel, Jr. HORSEPOWER PER MOTOR Fuel 0il :TUNNELS OR NOT :TYPEOF BURNERS Steam atomizing 761 Wood 250 John 12.5 ;MEN 9 1983 JUN SPECIAL MACHINERY: REMARKS: * Contract with Ayer & Lord Tie Co. Paducah, Ky. for transfer of cabin from old Str. general towing. single cylinder steam engines Co..
Jeffersonville, Ind., for construction and delivery of new hulli contract with John delivery ef ene pair tandem compound condensing engines.In addition to the above mentioned contrect viork, there vas hired labor vork amounting to $15,215.92 covering purchases made not District 1 Dec. 1932, and transferred back to Memphis District July 1946 Vessel used by Mississippi River Commission for semi-annual inspection trips, and for under contract and servicesrendered by various N.R.C.districts.The cost of the recon- 9 1983 MEMPHIS DISTRICT, CB - FLOATING PLANT - STEAMER MISSISSIPPI Built in 1927at Paducah, Ky., by Ayer and Lord Tie Co. Cost $289,370.76. Jeffersonville, Ind.in l927.Propelling engines; two Gillett and Eaton, tandem compound condensing steam,15"32"x84"stroke,400 IHP per engine U. 3. ARMY 38'2", depth amidships molded 7'3".
Displacement 761 long tons (11ght), 983 8861 6 long tons (loaded).Hull built by Howard Shipyards and Lock Co., PHOTO NO. 41392 MISSIS:SIPFI ceeding downstream at Mem- Steamer "MISSISSIPPI" pro- phis U.s. Engineer Office. MEMPHIS DISTRICT, CE- 27 August 1954 Steamer "MISSISSIPPI" bound Bayou Light, river mile MISSISSIPPI FLOATING PLANT STEAMER upstream passing Four Mile MEMPHIS - FLOATING PLANT Mississippi River Commis- sion high water hearing. Steamer "MISSISSIPPI" pass- ing Memphis front bound U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, downstream on the annual MEMPHIS DISTRICT, CE - FLOATING PLANT - STEAMER NO. 3 MISS. New Hull Build, new machinery and two water tube boilers install, and cabin moved from at Paducah, Kentucky-1927. 1927 old Leota hull and new hull 8601 MISSISSIPPI May 26, 1938 "U.S.
Mississippi." MEMPHIS - FLOATING PLANT STEAMER "MISSISSIPPI" Steamer "MISSISSIPPI" passing sippi River Commission high steam on the annual Missis- water hearing. Memphis front bound down- U.S. ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT, 41391 Steamer "MISSISSIPPI" Memphis U.S. Engineer NOTE: Strip Title negative proceeding downstream at photograph is the in Files.This Official Photo of the Office Mar C.F. Franks 52892 52893 MEMPHIS DISTRICT, CE -- FLOATING PLANT "MISSISSIPPI" 12.5 MP: light (still water), 10 MPH loaded (without tow). Built In 1927 at Paducah, Ky., by Ayer and Lord Tie Co. Cost $239,370.76. TOWBOAT two Gillett and Eaton,tandem ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT, Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 20, 1960 America, no story holds more magical time.
In fact, she's been workin has had her moments of distinction numerous senators, congressmen, as ant secretaries of the Army, the i of engineers, and other high-ran were the gingerbread-trimmed "show- is beautiful, with a beam of 39 feet and same time pushing as many as 16 barges opportunity to view her in all her power, her draft is 7 feet, 8 inches, While the outward typical packet ap- in the line of steamers bearing the name lingered on, even into this age of jet efficient service on the rivers of Ameri- when the first steamer Mississippi was Captain Cook thinks she's a fine ca, while their more frivolous sisters and that she has lived up to her portation by train, plane, auto and bus. hold her own in competition with more modern towboats.
With a conservatism DESIGNED IN 1926 FOR THE PUR- that gladdens the heart of the Ameri- One of the most majestic of these tion trip during the spring and the low- equipment of the steamer in operation. in service in 1927, the steamer has plied those who live at the river's edg the muddy waters of the lower Missis- riverboat was modeled after the typical the first Mississippi in 1908, still op- sippi River for 33 years, carrying out texas-deck sternwheel packetboat. Her who fight a continuing battle to outward features are an exact copy of the great stream, to the crews of boats that make up thei liquid way's steady traffic, to those hi 1932, after certain changes were made able for towing barges, her salad days just folks who happen to be near Capt.
Bennie Bernstein, who enjoyed over the golden waters of the riy year on inspection trips of the lower ture of an experiment, since it was not steamboat pilot on the river," was mas- The 'steamer Mississippi has we push a barge, but the experiment paid enduring place in the memories c matters offflood control and naviga- The old girl established an out- standing record as an efficient and pow- friend in a vanishing era, but the day. From 1946 until the present, Capt. but for her splendid, unflagging atten- David M. Cook has been her master. tion to duty, as well as her lovely, smnoothlined appearance, the Mississippi combed the flooded lowlands and gath- early part of 1961 provokes wisthi But the rigid, unsentimental opening her cabins and salon to them.
of the Army takes the official at ment from pushing barges of riprap for retrospect just another in a long Cairo, 200 miles of the upper Missis- sippi, over a hundred miles up the Mis- of workboats employed by the Co of fuel oil for the engineers' river work. souri and Ohio Rivers, part of the White During river inspection trips she has River, all of the Atchafalaya River, and controlling and improving the n 100 miles of the Intracoastal Canal from Sunday, November 20, 2960. Mississippi River. Her lounge has been Mississippi River. down the Mississippi. and navigation improvements was un- have been replaced in passenger trans- She had several masters during her ters have been used by the Mississippi Engineers in accomplishing its t her regular commander-escort up erful towboat.
acted as hostess to passengers enjoying whistle is still a heartening sign Vicksburg and New Orleans Engineer big bell and engine room signal bell der way on the Mississippi River and as a towboat during the working sea- pi River more than 100 years ago.In revetment to towing dredges or barges THE QUEEN OF THE MISSISSIPPI Asa rescue boat the Mississippi had Mississippi which have served the U.S. pose of handling semi-annual commis- has reigned for many years as queen placed in commission. boat during floods. She's been a seri- River in her travels has worked the the steamer's throaty notes floa public she has served so faithfuil son when construction of flood control before her workhorse bow. Districts and finally the Memphis En- er age steamers. the workers on and along the known whether the boat could even She's never quailed before any assign- for decades held a prominent place.
ous and hard-working gal all her life, live TV sequence on Dave Garrov Ed Murrow's TV show and again River Compission at least twice each The spirited blast of the Mississ a meainghouse for public hearings on the packets operating on the Mississip- being referred to as "the only Jewish has been a working girl for a long, ment by the Corps of Engineers sion trips only (the high-water inspec- pearance of the steamer has been pre- long that she's ready to retire. tion, and she has served as a rescue when she appeared in a film stri gineer District, where she remains to- Her double-life asa towboat and in- ered the fearful valley folk to her, she will be deconnissioned durin ter from 1931 to 1946, during which In.deck and wheel to make her.suit- 1,000 miles of the lower river below Morgan City to New Orleans,La. pulls are still in use.
Is now the last of hese romantic,oth- "Wide Wide World" telecast in 19 U.S. Eneineers is last of its kind. IN ALL TRE COLORFUL SAGA OR boats", packetboats and passenger Army Corps of Engineers since 1882 conditions through the years. This ac- Engineers Steamer Mississippi. Placed erates 24 hours per day. The original her assigned missions. She has served Tributaries Project. Her mobile quar- is running out of steam. The anno of the texas-deck, sternwheel tow- boats, In fact, this lady of the river The whole country had counts for her ability until recently to ¿reputation during the years he has, lounge during inspection trips, ai guessed from her appearance. The boat officials. PAGE colorful captains in charge.
river craft of our inland waterways esteem and historical importance are first years,then two outstanding and water inspection during the fall) the appeal than that of the riverboats of that the Mississippi will rema ments have kept paco with changing wherever practicable,kept tho original ing to attend public hearings ir many seasons. She has been a fai were left behind and she was placed her gleaming staterooms,while at tha JUN 91983 In January of 1893, at Paducah, Ky., main deck line. Local fire departments were able to put out the blaze since she she did flood relief work and towing. The was moored to the bank by steel cables last Mississippi River Commission trip on She was towed to St. Louis for repairs, her was in October, 1960. In ceremonies at and a new cabin was constructed. From steamboat was decommissioned. A new diesel boat, Mississippi IV, was placed in Orleans.
President Theodore Roosevelt made a trip on her from Cairo to New Becky Thatcher I and II By ERMAN D. SOUTHWICK service, the Mississippi No. 3 was sold to Ky., and rode to New Orleans. Albany, Ind., came to Marietta in Sep- Mark Twain Enterprises of St. Louis. She tember for the annual meeting of Sons & spent the winter of 1963-64 there, tied up should lead a more diverse life, so she was Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen, he found transferred to the U.S. Army Engineer following May, she was towed upriver to District at Memphis, Tenn. Her name was waiting to get started on a new career in Hannibal, Mo., where she opened as a owner, Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. Sinced "Frank C. Pierson of St. Louis pur- then, he has furnished Harry Robinson, Tamble fleet at Memphis as late as 1961." Louis March 17, 1966. Her name was changed to Becky Thatcher II. She Steamer Mississippi No.
1 replaced a restaurant boat, Becky The commission selected the Leota for Thatcher, also owned by Pierson, which copied by Bob Ley of Leyfoto studios. steamer Actually, what Marietta has acquired 1899. She was the fastest of a group of five towboats serving in the Memphis district. Thatcher I, which formerly was the She once overtook and passed the packet steamboat C.B. Reese, later the Wood with it, for use as landing barge, the hull Kate Adams, and was the only towboat River, and also the I.A. O'Shaughnessy. of Becky Thatcher I, according to the (Becky Thatcher I was raised Aug. 3/. Indiana steamboat buff. We'll get to the There, new boilers were installed, and a Il began in June, 1968, and was completed new cabin completed in 1922. Leota was in February, 1969. On the main deck was renamed Mississippi (No. 2).
She Lreproduced from photos in the Norrington The curator, Miss Ruth Ferris, one of the foremost authorities on river history, had Photocopies of old pictures of steamers Mississippi No. 1 and No. 2 are included in under Capl. David M. Cook, master. The museum was open to the public for a small charge. house, an appreciation of the steamboat's spirit when churning the river with her and machinery of the second Mississippi converted into dining rooms, as visitors big paddlewheel, and two scenes of the were no longer serviceable, a new steel Jeffersonville, Ind. New engines and BIG EXCITEMENT. "In June, 1969, a dining room. boilers were placed aboard, and the cabin severe storm hit St. Louis levee, breaking of Mississippi No. 2 was still in such ex- and barge. A full scale replica of the condensed from the material furnished by 'Becky All were swept downstream for Mr.
Norrington that brings us up to the several miles, safely clearing two bridges before crashing into the Illinois bank. The ancestral line was available for the move information that the forward Texas was done to the railings on the 'Becky' Ap- proximately 100 restaurant patrons were 1934. The steamer had accommodations taken off the 'Becky' by the towboat for 65 persons on board One of the duties of the commission was to "The Mississippi measured 220' x 39' x make annual river inspection trips. In 7.5'. She displaced 983 tons (loaded), and had 800 horsepower.. HER AVERAGE harbor, she remained there until Aug. 5, HOUR... The cost of the boat was when she was returned to her place on the It was during that summer of 1969 that St. Louis, Mo. She measured 174' x 32' x and enjoyed being referred to as the only Jewish pilot on the river. Capt. David M. ) running, and no vibration.
The sturdy hull Cook was master from 1946 until the boat clearing more interior space, and sold to a new boat. Then in May, 1974, came hard times. "Bank of St. Louis forecloses on owners," Mr. Norrington writes, "and the Sponsored by growing need for river improvements. the Norrington collection. Mississippi River Commission held its 1882. Lafayette Motor Hotel Santa Maria was moored alongside the restaurant and museum. operated until declared unserviceable in alongside the Goldenrod Showboat. The machinery were sent to New Orleans. conversion to its use as an inspection historical photographs that are being River Commission in 1879 to meet the president of the non-profit corporation Thatcher when she was the Mississippi, photographs anywhere in the country. chased the Mississippi from Mark Twain Besides the annual river inspection trips, sequential details arrival in Marietta have seen.
housed the Midship Steamboat Museum. Norrington about this boat include the sank during the spring flood in 1965. The his favorite sternwheeler moored here, U.S. Congress created the Mississippi vessel for its beautiful lines,smooth The second and Texas decks were 1966.) engaged in the restoration and conversion stripped down and her hull and Restoration work on Becky Thatcher towed to the Eagle Marine Industries boat's interior beauty-the former main ever to accomplish this. The Leota was The iron hull was in the Warner and the entire superstructure burned to the cellent condition that it was moved over onto the hull of the new Mississippi. This make space for a bar. Engines were These give you a look into the pilot SPEED WAS TWELVE MILES PER Santa Maria sank and minor damage was dock. Due to flooding in the St.
Louis boilers were removed from the boat to first executive session on board April 28. Mississippi River Commission and sailing Enterprises and she was towed to St. Illustrations for today's column are Bernstein was master from 1931 to 1946, service at that time. steel hull which is the landing barge for was done at Paducah." point when the descendant of a proud New Orleans firm for possible use on a Howard Taft came aboard at Columbus, renamed Becky Thatcher Il and along hull was built at the Howard Shipyard in her varied life on the rivers under new annual trips from St.
Louis to New as a new downtown river attraction is the removed during the summer of 1973, Mississippi was used by the MRC to make It was decided in 1919 that the boat was decommissioned in 1961." riverfront.' When it was determined that the hull Becky Thatcher II is the hull of Becky transferred to the Memphis district. 1926.' lounge and a corner of the former main had no need of bracing or hog chains.The of the Becky Thatcher into a showboat, to a new home in this old river town: "Becky' is closed and put up for sale. New Orleans district until 1947, when Memphis April 19, 1961, this superb Orleans. In 1909, President William serviceable and converted into a barge amassed one of the most complete who have toured the "Becky" since her extended as part of the upper works in 1881, the commission was authorized *Mississippi (No. 1) was built in 1882 at $348,572.91 (estimated). Capt.
Bennie mooring lines holding Becky Thatcher collection showing the present Becky Here is some steamboat genealogy collections of artifacts and steamboat Steamboat men acclaimed this and her antecedents plus a loan of changed to Piomingo. After several $45,oo0 for procuring an inspection with extensive information on "Becky When Keith E. Norrington of New "The Leota was a dredge tender built in 9 1983 JUN to be sold at Foot of Locust St. St. Louis, Missouri 63102 Friday June 7, 1974 Beginning 11:00 A.M. ICDST) Under Section 9-504 of the Missouri Uniform Commercial Code and pursuantto Security Agreements with Port of St.Louis Yacht Harbor: Inc: and the Great River Steamboat sale on June 71974 beginning at 11:00 A.M: at the foot of Locust Street, St. Louis: Missouri 63102 Collateral of Port of St.
Louis Yacht Harbor, Inc: to be sold - includes: "Becky Thatcher" floating restaurant constructed 4 deck wooden superstructure, restaurant and bar on upper two decks. Second deck bar, 52" by 29' capacity 100 persons; second deck dining room, 60'by 29, capacity 130 main deck museum 48 by 29' Capacity 88 persons. Total partments. Equipped for use as restaurant, bar, museum and gift shop. Moared depth of about 10' at center line. Together with: steel mooring pavilion or landing station 160 by 36 by 5.8: walkway ramps and winches sold includes: all restaurapt and bar equipment, furniture and fixtures now located in the Becky Thatcher"floating The restaurant and mooring pavilion, and the, equipment furniture and fixtures will berseparately offered and sold Cash bids are invited.
Bank of St Louis reserves ight to bid at sale: Items for sale may be viewed on the Riverfront at the foot of Locust Street prior to sale by appointment within 24 hours. BANK OF ST. LOUIS ((314) 241-3600 Member F.DLC Floating Restaurant & Mooring Pavilion restaurant "BECKY THATCHER' NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the purchase price in cash or suitable banker's exchange persons; third deck.bar 84by 10capacity 100 persons; Company. all repossessed collateral security generally Terms of Sale:Earnest money deposit amounting to 25% Collateral af the Great River Steamboat Company to be due and payable immediately.balance payable in like kind described below will be sold by Bank of St.Louis at public.
of riveted steel plates, 220" by 39', 24' by 24' paddle wheel persons allowed 318 25 separate watertight com- Call 241-3600 station 622 SYNOPSIS Shrieks Hello tle of the Mississippi afternoon sun shone orr a McKellar Lake shore ceremony featur- ing band music, speeches and the quiet dabbing away of tears. afternoon to its successor, the long and one short, powerful blast that echoed across Presidents A crowd of workers lined the from her successor, the moderh Diesel-powered Motor Vessel deck towboat. It will become the Maj. Gen. Thomas A. Lane of "bugs" are Ironed out. to the steamer eulogized by sion, praised the old steamboat deep-throated air horn with Capt. David M. Cook push- sippi River, the great reservoirs for Captain Cook, who as skip- "No worn out hulk of wood the floor waters, have all con- per of the paddle-wheel steamer sel of a bygone age.
He also is which he calls the longest and fastest on the Mississippi River wheel Mississippi. It was 3:15 p.m. when the new and honors earned start of a 750-mile Journey from the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp at Pascagoula, Miss. William Dubuisson, Ingalis port He said, "I feel worse tuming lion-dollar Argentina." (He de- said it couldn'i be done but she Three long blasts sounded or York in September, 1958.) sippi TV yesterday, pending cor- veloped on her maiden voyage Memphis District Enginer way between a steel deck plate n operating one of the 1,86 Proud Whistle captain. 1961 Whistles Blow, Tears Flow The famous steamboat whis River. Hands Role To Successor home to Memphis. days and nine hours after the roared its welcome yesterday piers of Ensley Engineer Yard Excessive vibration on the The famed Army Engineers Steamer Mississippi blew three Almost as excited as Captain lake.
Just as enthusiastic were To New Queen country." Steamer Mississippl as blast As Weary Old River Lady livered the Argentina to New Diesel-operated Mississippi IV Mississippi River." after blast echoed across the It was a sentimental moment The hand of Capt. John Rus Lake to greet the new Texas and supporting beam-resulting this one over than that 2-mil operated the whistle on the Island to signal the start of the2p.m ceremony. The same vibration apparent- Cook over the trip was Capt works for the Mississippi Valley A hushed crowd of400 listened the Mississippi River Commis- An era of steamboating ended here yesterday as a bright scribed by Representative Clif- rection of some troubles that de ing the button.
She is an old engineer soldier from A.H.McPae of Washing General Lane Speaks ly knocked out the main steer- Mississippi-as speaker after Then she rested quietly in the lake-a barge's width away ing gear but the vessel handled The great system of levecs, wind eshe lauded the paddle-cane. was-many a time going where the executive committee of the on the tributaries to hold back By LOUIS SILVER Steamer Lauded Both boats also drew praise as the s1.500,000 towboat came mission inspection boat able togo-into the Cumberland J.Mayo of Pascagouia.Miss knows every whim of that ves The sell, who will serve as pilot, p.m. announced the vessel "is in service." ades of service, the old steamer Vicksburg. Miss., president nf Carley whose words shared a new promised land of milk and her-into watery highways and Enginners; Harold T.
Council of and along the White-down the president of Ingalis Shipbuild- did itt" sippi is now considered decom- Doreepower engines at reduce- speed cover of which man has huilt a missioner!" The time was 2:30 queen of the Memphis District speaker lauded the three dec- performed on the Mississippi vessel tied up. That was three said Mr. make that mistake. stem caused welding to give at the south end of McKellar Jack writer for fora generation of service in JUN91983 EVALUATION / RETURN SHE Mississippi Fed. Reg. Data: - REJECT Federal Agency: Be continuation sheet Name Location Classification 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description completeness Washington County clarity comments: summary paragraph resubmission alterations/integrity Action: technical corrections cited below 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Working No 7.
Description nomination by person or local government boundary selection owner objection Xsubstantive reasons discusssd below .Nomination returned for: Substantive Revlew Reviewer Date RETURN7 JUN 9 1983 124/83 7/2483 8. Significance Checked relating significance to justification of exception 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data APPROPRIATE. 11. Form Prepared By Signed Date context completeness Maps Photographs summary paragraph Other clarity justification of areas the resource 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet applicable criteria OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp.
10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms and/or common SHOWBOAT BECKY THATCHER 237 Front Streete street & number not for publication city, town - vicinity of - State 3. Classification - unoccupied - public XX private .structure work in progress XX site . entertainment in process yes: unrestricted XX other: Tourist 4. Owner of Property Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. 237 Front Street, P.O. Box 572 Ohio 45750 title NONE has this property been determined eligible? - yes _ federal - depository for survey records both Location museum Category Attraction transportation date educational Accessible code Ownership government commercial Marietta religious park district agriculture historic Status industrial Inventory-Nomination Form military building(s) 5.
Location of Legal Description National Register of Historic Places Public Acquisition 6. Representation in Existing Surveys scientific (3-82) 1. Name date entered Ohio private residence Type all entries-complete applicable sections For NPS use only Present Use NPS Form 10-900 MISSISSIPPI III Deing considered 9 1983 . county - _ object - yes: restricted _local 167 received JUN - excellent XX altered . original site XX fair passenger boat, and was the showpiece of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. than occasional painting and maintenance repairs, and the installation of mooring lines, her duties as a workboat, such as the hull, smokestacks, tow bar and paddlewheel are especially the interior, has been discovered.
information from Ruth Ferris, curator of the Midship Steamboat Museum, indicates that Democrat, from Little Rock, Arkansas, noted in an article dated November 20, 1960, that for the BECKY THATCHER II, was the hull of the BECKY THATCHER I. BECKY THATCHER II is no longer in service as a travelling vessel. 7. Description Condition unexposed changed. ruins deteriorated The smokestacks are on the roof, bow end of the boat. They are black with red and white It has been documented by Mr. Norrington and Miss Ferris, that after retirement and into forty-six watertight compartments with a "crash compartment" on either side of the indicates when the renovation took place or what was involved. Frank C. Pierson of Although considerable interior alteration has taken place over the years (as described to make her suitable for towing barges, and she was placed in towing service.
her outward features are an exact copy of the packets operating on the Mississippi Check one material, and contacting the Corps of Engineers in Marietta, Ohio, Huntington, West bar and bell have been painted on several occasions, but other than that have not been The second and Texas decks were restored as dining rooms.Boilers were removed during up alongside the GOLDENROD SHOWBOAT.In May of 1964,she was towed upriver to Hannibal, St.
Louis, purchased the MISSISSIPPI III from Mark Twain Enterprises and she was towed The cabin and superstructure of the MISSISSIPPI III were completed in1922 as part of Interior restoration work on the BECKY THATCHER II began in June,1968,and was the last steamer MISSISSIPPI.She dates from 1926,when the hull was constructed and in 1926,the cabin of the MISSISSIPPI II was still in such excellent condition that it decommissioning on April 19,1961,the MISSISSIPPI III was sold to Mark Twain Enterprises and is on the stern end.Itmeasures 24'x 24'and has 16 bucket planks which are 36'each. The MISSISSIPPI III was the third of a line of river craft bearing that name.She is good e new boilers and propelling engines were installed. The new hull was steel and was divided as the "dignitary" seat, which was used by the V.I.P.'s on the inspection tours.
The windows, even with the massive interior renovations, have not been altered. The tow the MISSISSIPPI II. was moved over onto the hull of the new MISSISSIPPI. After seeking out all available Virginia, and Memphis, Tennessee, no further information on the original structure, the summer of 1969 to make space for a bar. The engines were removed during the summer Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance attachments), the MISSISSIPPI III measured 220' x 39' x 7.5'. She displaced 983 tons, detail and have the original decorative carving on top.
The paddlewheel is painted red According to information gathered by Keith Norrington and other articles (see Missouri,where she was opened asa restaurant and museum.None of the documentation she was the last of the Texas-Deck(three deck)sternwheel packetboats.The Arkansas to St.Louis on March 17,1966.The steel hull which was is) the landing barge OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Mississippi III, Marietta, Washington County Continuation shéet Item number #7 DESCRIPTION The MISSISSIPPI III was not so ornate as the present day BECKY THATCHER II. The interior of the boat was largely rebuilt, both structurally and from the standpoint of decor. all floors and fire-proofing and fire detection systems were added. All of the material in the boat is completely fireproof; the paint used is fire retardant.
The restaurant portion consists of the second and third (or Texas) decks, each of which but old-fashioned paddle fans have been installed to add to the riverboat atmosphere. In 1975, the BECKY THATCHER II was purchased as a Bicentennial project by Ohio Showboat Drama, Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization of local Marietta, Ohio citizens. The boat was towed 1,080 miles up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and permanently moored on the make-up and dressing room area with a laundry area for costume maintenance. The restaurant has continued in operation with much the same decor as it had in St. Louis. in September of 1977. been to the landing barge, which used to be the barge of the BECKY THATCHER I. A Box Office building was constructed on the barge the summer of 1978, and pole umbrella tables were added the summer of 1979.
Page (3-82) Inventory-Nomination Form National Register of Historic Places NPS Form 10-900-a date entered JUN 9 1983 order to conform with city building codes in St. Louis, structural steel was placed under is completely air-conditioned and seats 170 people in house seats and more when the rear alcoves are used. It has a proscenium stage measuring 16' wide by 12' deep, The only other building alterations that have been made since that time have The theatre began operation in August of 1977, the restaurant reopened in Marietta received Areas of Significance - Check and justify below .
literature - sculpture _ social/ .music - philosophy XX 1900- - politics/government _invention XX other (specify) RIVER INDUSTRY and United States Army Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The MISSISSIPPI III derives much of her significance because she is one of the last and built by the Corps in 1926 to serve the Mississippi River Commission (MRC). She served primarily as a workboat, however, she was also outfitted as a fine passenger boat and low tide inspection tours for the MRC. As an inspection boat she was used to to sustain an embankment.) After 1932, she added towing to her other duties. and redemption" of lands in the alluvial basin of the Mississippi Valley. This commission permanent commission of broader authority. According to Keith Norrington and the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District Public Affairs Office, the United States Congress took Federal action and created the MRC in 1879 to meet the growing need for river Survey; and three from civil life. One of the duties of the commission was to make annual and investigations to improve the river channel; protecting the banks of the river; and Postal Service. In 1881, the commission was authorized $45,000 for procuring an inspection steamer. inspection purposes after the great flood of 1882. The tour convinced the MRC that a a River and Harbor Act which relieved the MRC of the responsibility of carrying on the work of improving the River. From then on the MRC has served as a planning agency, and Act of Congress also gave the MRC its first money for improving the Lower Mississippi. In January of 1893, at Paducah, Kentucky, the entire superstructure of the MISSISSIPPI I 1918.
Such dignitaries as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft were and a new cabin was completed in 1922. LEOTA was renamed MISSISSIPPI II. She operated until declared unserviceable in 1926. 1700-1799 economics 1800-1899 commerce industry engineering communications theater conservation military humanitarian 8. Significance XX transportation exploration/settlement Specific dates law Period RIVER MAINTENANCE -education 1ife,so she was transferred to the U.S. Army Engineer District at Memphis,Tennessee. In 1874,Congress authorized the President to create a commission to study "reclamation the President of the commission;one member from the U.S.Coast Guard and Geodetic -science - prehistoric - archeology-prehistoric - community planning .archeology-historic supervise levee and bank revetment work.
(Revetment is a facing, as of stone or concrete, of five, three of whom were officers of the Corps of Engineers, reported the need for river inspection trips. improving navigation; preventing destructive floods; and promoting and facilitating commerce executive session on board on April 28, 1882. The MISSISSIPPI I was first used for good levee system could have prevented the disaster. In August of 1882, Congress enacted Her name was changed to PIOMINGO. After several years she was declared unserviceable and converted into a barge. The iron hull was in use as late as 1961.
down and her hull and machinery were sent to New Orleans where new boilers were installed President and included three officers of the Army Corps of Engineers, one of whom was to be The Mississippi River Commission selected the steamer LEOTA for conversion to an 1600-1699 1500-1599 1400-1499 architecture Builder/Architect agriculture Corps of Engineers art The other.tasksof the MRC included preparing surveys; examinations Keith Norrington, Riverboat Aficionado/Historian-Collector-Photographer 496 Tyler Drive New Albany, Indiana 47150 Acreage of nominated property - Quadrangle name Marietta Quadrangle scale1 : 24000 UT M References westerly extension of the north line of Butler Street, and approximately 320 feet westerly from the westerly line of Front Street. Janet R.
Herman - Public Relations/Promotions Manager The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _ national State Historic Preservation Officer signature I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register Wkeeper of the National Register code date county Northing Easting Zone Attest: name/title 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification 9. Major Bibliographical References (812) 945-9772 Verbal boundary description and justification Located on the Muskingum River at its east bank 10.
Geographical Data Chief of Registration As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for.the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966(Public Law 89 List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries date January 31, 1983 - 1st Revision Xstate less than 1 local For NPs use only city or town according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. L413|612/41410 telephone (614) 373-6033 or 374-5178 state Ohio 45750 665), I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated Marietta approximately 225 feet northerly from the intersection of said river bank and the OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 National Park Service For NPS use only received JUN Continuation sheet Item number #8 SIGNIFICANCE A new steel hull was built at the Howard Shipyard in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
New engines and boilers were placed aboard; the cabin of the MISSISSIPPI II was still in such was placed in service in 1927. She was operated in the New Orleans district until 1947 when she was transferred to the Memphis, Tennessee district. As noted in the November 20, 1960 edition of the Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, low-water inspection trip during the fall).
In 1932, after certain changes were made in deck and wheel to make her suitable for towing barges, she was placed in towing flood control and navigation improvements was underway on the Mississippi River and wheel tow boats because of her attention to duty, and her lovely, smoothlined Ohio Rivers, part of the White River, all of the Atchafalaya River, and 100 miles of of distinction, including carrying as her passengers numerous senators, congressmen, assistant secretaries of the Army, the Corps of Engineers, and other high-ranking strip on Ed Murrow's TV show and again on a live TV sequence on Dave Garroway's "Wide Wide World" The MISSISSIPPI III was decommissioned on April 19, 1961, at Memphis, Tennessee. name was changed to BECKY THATCHER II. She replaced the BECKY THATCHER I, which was a restaurant boat also owned by Pierson, which sank during the spring flood of 1965.
had been moored alongside her. Both were swept downstream for several miles, along with the 100 restaurant patrons who were aboard the BECKY at the time, safely clearing two bridges before crashing into the Illinois bank. The SANTA MARIA sank and the BECKY had minor damage to her railings. She did not return to her place on the riverfront until August 5, 1969, when the flood waters finally receded. In May of 1974, the Bank of St.
Louis foreclosed on her owners and the BECKY THATCHER II was closed and put up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to the Muskingum River in Marietta, Ohio, where she (3-82) Page National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form Mississippi III, Marietta, Washington County Arkansas, the MISSISSIPPI III was designed in 1926 for the purpose of handling semi- United States Department of the Interior NPS Form 10-900-a dale entered annual commission trips only (the high-water inspection trip during the spring and the She served as a tow boat during the working season when construction of She was the last of these romantic, other-age steamers. During her career, the MISSISSIPPI III workedthe 1,000 miles of the lower river below Cairo, 200 miles of the Upper Mississippi, over a hundred miles up the Missouri and as a restaurant and museum. Frank C. Pierson of St.
Louis, purchased her from Mark The BECKY THATCHER II was restored and opened in February of 1969 as a museum and restaurant. In June, 1969, a severe storm hit St. Louis levee breaking the mooring lines holding the BECKY THATCHER II and barge. A full scale replica of the SANTA MARIA excellent condition that it was moved over onto the hull of the new MISSISSIPPI. This appearance. JUN United States Department of the Interior National Park Service For NPS use only Mississippi IIl, Marietta, Washington County #8 SIGNIFICANCE restaurant. Page National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form Continuation sheet (3-82) date entered received NPS Form 10-900-a Item number OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 JUN OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp.
10-31-84 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service Mississippi III, Marietta, Washington County Continuation sheet Item number #9 MAJOR BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES David Rich, Public Affairs Office Department of the Army Memphis District, Corps of Engineers 9381 Parkside Drive The Arkansas Democrat November 20, 1960, edition 700 Channel Lane September 8, 1975, and October 9, 1975, editions The Parkersburg News 519 Juliana Street August 31, 1975, edition Robert Badger City Building - 304 Putnam Clay, Floyd M., Ph.D. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 1876-1976 U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis District, January 1976 Page National Register of Historic Places (3-82) received Inventory-Nomination Form City Engineer (614) 373-5495 Ruth Ferris The Marietta Times NPS Form 10-900-a 521-3348 A Century on the Mississippi:A History of the Memphis District date entered Far NPS use only 668 Clifford Davis Federal Building Brentwood, Missouri Marietta, Ohio 45750 63144 WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ('R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Fed. Reg. Date: . Date Due: _ nomination by person or local government _ REJECT - owner objection Federal Agency: _ Lappeal - sample Jrequest - 9/20/83 _ see continuation sheet Nomination returned for: _ technical corrections cited below .substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Public Acquisition 4.
Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? 7. Description Check one J excellent - unaltered - original site J ruins J moved Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance summary paragraph Iclarity Jalterations/integrity Ldates - boundary selection resubmission yes completeness Category Status Ownership unexposed Discipline RETURN good deteriorated Action: NR decision Substantive Review: Working No. Reviewer's comments: Present Use Condition Accessible fair OH10 WASHINGTON Reviewer _ 8.
Significance Areas of Significance-Check and justify below Specific dates Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) I clarity Zapplicable criteria 1 justification of areas checked J relating significance to the resource relationship of integrity to significance J justification of exception - Other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification 11. Form Prepared By 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: _national State Historic Preservation Officer signature - Date .
- Photographs Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Period Builder/Architect Signed completeness title state context Phone: local Maps summaryparagraph September Negatives: facing northwest Mississippi III Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. Marietta, Washington County View: stern of boat show paddle wheel, Marietta, Washington County September, 1982 View: pilot house, facing south Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. Mississippi III Photographer: Janet R. Herman Negatives: View: upper deck showing smoke stacks and Negatives: September, 1982 Marietta, Washington County Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. pilot house, facing north Mississippi III Photographer: Janet R. Herman BECKY THATCHER Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc.
Starboard side of boat, showing i Negatives: September, 1982 Marietta, Washington County docked location, facing southeast Mississippi III Negatives: Marietta, Washington County Ohio Showboat Drama, Inc. September, 1982 View: bow of boat, facing south Mississippi III Photographer: Janet R. Herman 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) U2 MARIETTA QUADRANGLE UNITED STATES OHIO_WRST VIRGINIA MARIETTA, OHIO-W. VA. DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Muskingum ROAD CLASSIFICATION STATE OF OHIO GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR M & R 695 Mississippi III, Marietta, Washington County, Ohio FRONT- BUTLER BUTLER ST. BECK THATCHER LOCATION MAP PIN 433.41 PLAN NO $ 51° 46'51'W NORTHERLY RIW 188.4' SW/ CORNER SCALE 130' YOU WERE CALLED BY- L YOU WERE VISITED BY- PLEASE PHONE - - WILL CALL AGAIN IS WAITING TO SEE YOU L RETURNED YOUR CALL WISHES AN APPOINTMENT Re: Becky thatcher What is its status?
63-110 NSN 7540-00-634-4018 STANDARD FORM 63 (Rev. 8-81) FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6 Bruce TIME MEMORANDUM DATE AUTOVON Previous editions usable RECEIVED BY OF CALL Prescribed by GSA Misioirpi IIt RETURNED - RESUBMITTKA. MESSAGE FTS Karin Ohio Historical Center Signed: Columbus, Ohio 43211
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