### New SSHSA Book On Liners INDEPENDENCE And CONSTITUTION

The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of a new book entitled SS Independence/SS Constitution: Great American Liners by William H. Miller.

Publication of this new book is designed to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the maiden voyages of the liners Independence and Constitution. It is a joint publishing project of the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. and Purple Mountain Press of Fleischmanns, New York.

Independence and Constitution were the first important American passenger ships to be built following World War II. At the time, at 29,500 tons, they were the largest liners under the stars and stripes. Owned by American Export Lines, they initially operated between New York and the Mediterranean. When it became uneconomical to operate passenger ships under American registry, they were sold overseas, but made their way back to the American flag in 1980 and cruised the waters around the Hawaiian Islands for the next two decades.

Happily, Independence still operates in those waters and on June 30, 2001 author William H. Miller will be the featured speaker on an SSHSA-sponsored cruise aboard this historic vessel. The book is also being sold aboard Independence and vessels of the affiliated United States Lines. Miller is a well-known maritime historian, specializing in passenger liners. He has published numerous books in this field, and is in great demand as a cruise ship lecturer.

The book is a 116-page, soft-cover volume, featuring 122 illustrations and cover art by noted marine artists William H. Muller and Don Stoltenberg. It covers not only the story of these two classic liners, but also the operations of American Exports Lines' other passenger vessels, the Four Aces and La Guardia.

SS Independence/SS Constitution: Great American Liners is available for $22.50 plus $1.50 postage from the SSHSA Business Office, 300 Ray Drive, Suite #4, Providence RI 02906, or Click Here! to order from the Society's web store.

### April 3, 2001

### Steamship Historical Society To Meet On Martha's Vineyard

The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. will hold its annual meeting from June 8-10, 2001 on the historic island of Martha's Vineyard off the Massachusetts coast.

Participants in the meeting will stay at the Wesley Hotel, a famous Victorian inn overlooking the scenic harbor of the town of Oak Bluffs. The activities get underway the evening of Friday, June 8th with a wine and cheese reception at the Martha's Vineyard Historical Society in Edgartown. The museum is noted for its collection of Van Ryper ship models, depicting vessels of all eras.

A cruise by ferry from Oak Bluffs to Nantucket Island is scheduled for Saturday, June 9th. While in Nantucket, meeting participants will have an opportunity to visit the famous whaling museum and see the many homes from the whaling era that line the island's streets. The ferry will return to Martha's Vineyard in time for the evening dinner at the Winnetu Inn overlooking the ocean at South Beach. Following dinner, society Secretary Barry Eager, a well-known New England maritime historian, will present a program entitled A Short History Of The Boats That Served The Islands. This program will feature many photographs and stories of the varied steamers and ferries that have linked these islands with the mainland. After the lecture, participants will be treated to a program of steamboat songs from that long-ago era.

On Sunday, June 10th, the society's Board of Directors will hold its regular meeting. There will be ample time on Sunday for meeting participants to see the many fishing villages and other sights of Martha's Vineyard on Sunday.

For more information, contact the Steamship Historical Society Business Office at 300 Ray Drive, #4, Providence RI 02906 or by telephone at 401-274-0805 between 10am and 3pm weekdays.

### Rare Booklets Featuring The Work Of Samuel Ward Stanton Now Available From SSHSA

The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. announces that it has purchased the remaining inventory of a series of rare booklets featuring the work of marine artist Samuel Ward Stanton, and is making them available for sale.

Stanton was one of the best known maritime historians, illustrators and editors of the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century. He published Seaboard Magazine and wrote and illustrated the landmark book American Steam Vessels in 1895. His career was cut short at an early age when he was lost on the Titanic.

His daughter, Elizabeth Stanton Anderson, with the help of other family members, later collected and published a series of booklets featuring Stanton's drawings of American steamboats and steamships. There are nine in all: Long Island Sound and Narragansett Bay Steam Vessels; Ocean Steam Vessels; Nineteenth Century United States Naval Steam Vessels; Steam Vessels of Chesapeake and Delaware Bays and Rivers; New York Bay Steam Vessels; Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Southern and Western Inland Steam Vessels; Coastal Steam Vessels; Towboats and Tugs and Hudson River Steamboats.

When these booklets are gone, there will be no more. To purchase Click here or contact the Steamship Historical Society Business Office, 300 Ray Drive, Suite # 4, Providence RI 02906 (401-274-0805).

### February 15, 2001

### SSHSA to publish "SS Independence/ SS Constitution Great American Ocean Liners"

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the maiden voyages of the SS Independence and SS Constitution the Steamship Historical Society of America is publishing, in partnership with Purple Mountain Press, a new book on these important ships. Authored by noted writer and member William H. Miller, SS Independence/ SS Constitution: Great American Liners is expected to be released in time for our society cruise onboard the Independence of American Hawaii Cruises in late June 2001.

The book, which will be a soft cover, will be about one hundred pages and will include many rare photographs of both ships as well as photographs of other American Export ships including the " Four Aces", La Guardia and many of the cargo ships operated by the company.

From the inception of the ships, through the careers of Independence and Constitution in Hawaii, the book will be a must for anyone interested in the history of these great ships. Few ships enjoy a career that lasts half a century, thus SSHSA feels that this book will be a tribute to these liners that were the first big American luxury ships built after the Second World War.

Cover art for the book will be provided by noted maritime artists William Muller and Don Stoltenberg who have painted special works featuring the ships for this book.

Bill Miller, the author, will be the featured lecturer on the SSHSA cruise on the Independence sailing from Maui on a seven-day Hawaii cruise on June 30, 2001.

More information on ordering this book will be included in the spring 2001 issue of Steamboat Bill and on our website in the late spring. The book will be available through the society as well as through Purple Mountain Press.

### September 9, 2000

### SSHSA and American Merchant Marine Museum to Sail on S/S INDEPENDENCE in 2001

She triumphantly sailed from New York on her maiden voyage in February 1951. The S/S Independence brought "Modern American Living at Sea" to post-war travelers. Her decor highlighted America's great maritime history. Henry Dreyfuss, noted industrial designer, oversaw the design of the passenger facilities. She sailed proudly for the American Export Line until 1968. Since 1980 she has been sailing around the Hawaiian Islands for American Hawaii Cruises.

On June 30, 2001 the Steamship Historical Society of America and the American Merchant Marine Museum will sail on a special 50th Anniversary cruise, celebrating the great S/S Independence's 50 years of service.

Joining us for this celebration will be two of America's foremost maritime historians and authors, Frank Braynard and Bill Miller. Bill will lecture on the history of the Independence and Constitution and the tradition of the American flag at sea, while Frank will host the cruise.

Besides the ship and company of fellow maritime enthusiasts, our cruise will visit the beautiful islands of Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii with the highlight of spending July 4th in Honolulu with optional tours to Pearl Harbor on this appropriate day. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Rates begin at $1480 plus air for an inside stateroom and go to $1902 plus air for a large outside stateroom.

Reservations must be made by October 31, 2000 and final payment is due on March 31, 2001.

Contact John Ferguson, Pauline Power or Denise Bonnici at Pisa Brothers Travel Service (800-786-4164) for more information or to book passage on the cruise.

### August 9, 2000

### Steamship Historical Society To Hold Fall Meeting Aboard The Historic Liner QUEEN MARY in Long Beach

The fall meeting of the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. will take place October 6-8, 2000 aboard the historic liner Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.

It all begins on Friday, October 6th with an evening reception aboard the historic ship. Well-known ocean liner expert Peter Knego will present a slide lecture the same evening. Saturday, October 7th will be a full day that includes a visit to the Lane Victory, one of the few World War II-era Victory Ships still in existence. SSHSA members will also have an opportunity to visit the Lane Victory museum. Following the tour, participants will board the ss Spirit for a two-hour harbor cruise narrated by Gordon Ghareeb.

That evening, a reception will be held in the King’s View Room aboard the Queen Mary at which time collectible vendors will be offering maritime items for sale. Dinner follows in the Royal Salon, after which Queen Mary Exhibits and Archives Manager Ron Smith will give a presentation entitled "Queen Mary Restoration and Preservation".

Sunday, October 8th features a brunch in the ornate Grand Salon of the Queen Mary. Marine architect Stephen Payne will then give a presentation on Cunard Line’s plans for its newest liner, the Queen Mary 2, which is being billed as the largest ocean liner of all time. Marine artist Ken Marschall will then lead a panel discussion on the efforts to save the "Great White Steamer", the ss Catalina. Tours of the Queen Mary will be conducted in the latter part of the afternoon.

The Queen Mary made her North Atlantic debut in 1936 for the Cunard Steam-Ship Company, Ltd. and went on to take the Atlantic speed record. She distinguished herself as a troopship in World War II and then, in consort with the first Queen Elizabeth, operated between New York and Southampton, England until she was retired in 1967. Since then, she has been operated as a museum ship in Long Beach.

The meeting aboard the Queen Mary is open to both members of the SSHSA and non-members. For more information on the meeting, contact Bruce Vancil, 21001 Lacebark Lane, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, (949) 454-8849 or the SSHSA Business Office, 300 Ray Drive, Suite 4, Providence RI 02906, (401) 274-0805.

### April 27, 2000

### Steamship Historical Society to Hold Annual Meeting in the New York Area

The annual meeting of the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. will be held in Weehawken, New Jersey and New York City from June 2-4, 2000. It will be an event-filled weekend that includes a cruise liner visit and a presentation by an eminent maritime historian.

Headquartered at the Sheraton Suites in Weehawken, the meeting begins Friday evening, June 2nd with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception aboard the historic M/V Yankee at New York’s Pier 25. Saturday will feature a boat tour of the waters around New York and will include a visit to the Maritime Industry Museum at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx. At that time, the society will present its C. Bradford Mitchell Award to the museum. The award recognizes the museum for its work in preserving American maritime history. Noted maritime writer Ted Scull will provide commentary throughout the cruise.

The society’s Annual Corporation meeting will be held Saturday afternoon in Weehawken, followed by a banquet and the presentation of several more awards. After dinner, there will be an illustrated presentation entitled Steamboat Days On The Hudson by William H. Ewen, Jr., long-time society member and well-known Hudson River historian.

On Sunday, June 4th, the Board of Directors holds its annual meeting while members visit the cruise liner Pacific Princess for a tour and luncheon. Members will also have the opportunity to see other cruise liners at the same time and take in other maritime attractions of the area.

This is one of several meetings the Steamship Historical Society of America holds at different locations around the country each year.

For more information, contact the SSHSA Business Office at 401-274-0805.

### April 15, 2000

### SSHSA Long Island Chapter hosts Trans-Atlantic crossing on Millennium.

The Long Island Chapter is hosting a Trans-Atlantic crossing on the Millennium, the newest ship of Celebrity Cruise Lines. The crossing sails from Genoa, Italy on November 3, 2000 and makes port calls at Livorno, Villefranche, Barcelona, and Gibraltar before arriving in New York on November 15, 2000.

The Millennium is one of the most anticipated ships of the new century and is now under construction at the famed Chantier's de L' Atlantique shipyard in France. She will be the first cruise ship to use the power of gas turbine propulsion. Her interior will be magnificent with beauty found in every detail, from the finely finished woods and marble to etched glass and polished granite. Her interiors take inspiration from the great liners of the past culminating in the Edwardian splendor of the Olympic Restaurant which features the original paneling from the a la carte restaurant onboard the famous White Star liner Olympic of 1911.

Joining the SSHSA group on this historic maiden crossing will be noted maritime artist Ken Marschall. Ken will lecture on the legendary Olympic and Titanic, his magnificent maritime artwork, and on the mega film Titanic on which Ken was the visual historian. Besides these lectures, other special events are planned which include cocktail parties, ship interior and bridge tours and special commemoratives for the SSHSA group only.

Fares begin at $ 1,214.00 p/p for an inside stateroom, $ 1,560.00 p/p for an outside stateroom and $ 1,914.00 p/p for a deluxe oceanview stateroom with verandah. All fares are plus a port tax of $ 185.00 p/p. Air add-ons from New York are only $ 499.00 plus PFC of $ 34.20.

For reservations or more information, contact Pisa Brothers Travel Service at 1-800-786-4164. All reservations must be made by May 5, 2000. Final payment is due on September 1, 2000.

### April 11, 2000

###

History of the Merchants And Miners Line is Published by the Steamship Historical Society

The Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. is proud to announce the publication of Queen of the Sea Routes: A History of the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company by Edward A. Mueller.

Founded in 1852 and liquidated just twenty-four days short of a century of opeations, the Merchants and Miners Transportation Company was one of the most important steamship lines to have operated along the east coast of the United States. It was founded in Baltimore by a group of merchants associated with the leather-tanning trade to carry hides from Maryland to New England which was the center of boot, saddle and shoe manufacturing. The steamers also carried coal from the mines of Western Maryland and the part of Virginia which later became West Virginia, hence the name of the corporation. Passengers were also an important segment of the business.

The Merchants and Miners Transportation Company ultimately evolved to the point where it touched virtually every major east coast city except, somewhat oddly, New York. What began as a fleet of wooden sidewheelers developed into one of the most modern fleets of steel steamships anywhere in the United States.

Edward A. Mueller is a respected maritime historian living in Jacksonville, Florida. He was Florida’s first Secretary of Transportation and is now executive director of the Jacksonville Maritime Museum Society. He has served as editor of Steamboat Bill, the quarterly magazine of the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc.

This book tells, for the first time, in complete detail, the history of this fascinating steamship company, both in war and peace. Included is the story of the sinking of its passenger ship-turned-troopship Dorchester during World War II and the famous four chaplains that went down with her.

Queen of the Sea Routes: A History of the Merchants and Miners Line is a hardback volume of 192 pages with 177 photographs, plans and advertisements, many of which have not been published before. It sells for $37.50, postpaid from the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc., 300 Ray Drive, Suite 4, Providence RI 02906.

###

Steamship Historical Society Sponsors Cruise on Holland America Line's Veendam

In conjunction with its Autumn National Meeting in Long Beach, California, the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. is sponsoring a five-night cruise aboard Holland America Line’s Veendam.

The cruise departs Vancouver on September 30, 2000 bound for San Diego with a stop in Portland, Oregon and two full days of cruising the Pacific Ocean. There will be several special events on board sponsored by the Steamship Historical Society of America, Inc. including a private cocktail party.

Veendam is among the newest vessels in Holland America’s rapidly growing fleet of modern cruise ships. She carries the same name as several other famous vessels in the company’s history. Built in 1996 in Italy, the 55,000-ton Veendam is the fourth ship in the Statendam class of cruise ships. She is known for her classic interiors, reminiscent of the era of great transatlantic liners.

Special rates are available for participants in this cruise. A flyer detailing the itinerary, rates and other information is available from Pisa Brothers, Inc., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2207, New York NY 10111 or by calling 212-265-8420.

### April 8, 2000

###

SSHSA announces winners of 1999 awards

The 1999 awards of the Steamship Historical Society of America have been selected. All will be honored at the annual meeting that is scheduled to be held in New York the weekend of June 2-4, 2000.

The H. Graham Wood Award for Distinguished Service to the Society is awarded to past editor-in-chief and current associate editor of Steamboat Bill, Peter T. Eisele. Mr. Eisele has been instrumental is helping to raise the quality of Steamboat Bill to the position where it is today, the leading journal of the history of engine-powered vessels. His continued service to the society is appreciated by all members.

The Samuel Ward Stanton Award for Lifetime Achievement is awarded to Ted Arison, the founder of Carnival Cruise Lines. Mr. Arison is the "father of the modern cruise industry" who built Carnival Cruise Lines into the largest cruise company in the world from a one ship operation in only twenty years. His insight and leadership were important in the development of the cruise industry as it exists today. The many shipboard innovations that he pioneered will forever be a part of the cruise industry and his willingness to "take a chance" on a new idea will be missed by all who worked with and competed with him. Mr. Arison died suddenly in October 1999 and this award honors his lifetime of contributions to the shipping industry.

The C. Bradford Mitchell Award which recognizes an achievement that contributes to the aims of the society is awarded to The Maritime Industry Museum at Ft. Schulyer in New York. The museum, now beginning its' second decade, is one of the leading maritime museums committed to the history of the engine-powered vessel.

The Ship of the Year award is awarded to the M/V Yankee. This former ferry and excursion boat is almost one hundred years old and is being restored in New York City. She has sailed in Maine, New York and for many years served Block Island. She is in excellent condition due to the perseverance of her owner, Jim Gallagher, who is committed to preserving the Yankee as a true piece of American maritime history. Many of our members have enjoyed her when she was in service and since her restoration has begun and we hope to enjoy many more years of this wonderful vessel.

An article detailing all award winners will be included in the summer 2000 issue of Steamboat Bill.

### October 24, 1999

###

SOHO Offers Prints To Save S/S Catalina

The Save Our Heritage Organization, the group working to save and preserve the S/S Catalina is offering prints of this great vessel to SSHSA members.

The original painting of the Catalina, sailing from Avalon in 1924, was painted by internationally renown artist Ken Marschall in 1999. The painting will be featured on the rear cover of the fall 1999 issue of Steamboat Bill, which will also include an article about this historic vessel. All proceeds from the sale of the prints will be used to help raise the Catalina and return her to California.

The prints, which measure 18'' X 25'' are offered at the following prices:

Limited edition art print on archival paper, numbered and signed by the artist Ken Marschall and the Catalina's chief engineer, Charles Beal, accompanied by a brief biography of each signer- $150.00

Limited edition art print on archival paper, numbered and signed by the artist- $95.00

Unlimited edition art print on archival paper, unnumbered and unsigned- $30.00

Orders can be mailed, with a check enclosed, to: SOHO
P.O. Box 3429
San Diego, CA, 92163-9327

Shipping and handling are included with each price. SSHSA member, and Southern California Chapter Chairman, Shawn Dake has been designated to be the official representative of SSHSA to the board of SOHO. The board of directors urges all members to support this worthwhile project, as time is running short to save the S/S Catalina.

###

SSHSA Long Island Chapter to cruise on the S/S Rembrandt in August 2000

The Long Island Chapter of SSHSA will be cruising on the S/S Rembrandt, which sailed as the Rotterdam for thirty-eight years, in August 1999. The chapter will accept national members of SSHSA as cruise members onboard this special cruise, chairman Tom Cassidy has announced.

The northbound cruise onboard this great vessel of Premier Cruises sails from New York on August 13, 2000 and will call at Bar Harbor, Halifax, Saguenay Fjord and Quebec before ending in Montreal on August 20, 2000. The southbound cruise sails from Montreal on August 20, 2000 and calls at Quebec, Sydney, Portland and Newport before ending in New Yorl on August 27, 2000.

The northbound historian/lecturer will be Bill Ewen, Jr. who will lecture on New England and its maritime history. the southbound historian/lecturer will be author Gordon Turner who will speak about Canadian Pacific's history and the evolution of cruise ships. Noted ocean liner memorabilia collector Richard C. Faber, Jr. will be onboard for the entire 14-days with exhibits for all to enjoy.

Cocktail parties, bridge tours and other special events are planned for members of the group.

The 7-day cruise is priced from $759.00 for a deluxe inside stateroom to $839.00 for a deluxe oceanview stateroom. All prices are plus port tax which is $139.50 for a 7-day cruise. The 14-day cruise can be taken by doubling the 7-day rate and subtracting a $100.00 credit.

Reservations must be made through Pisa Brothers Travel in New York City. They can be reached at 212-265-8420 or 1-800-786-4164.

Reservations are on a first come/ first served basis and must be made by November 15, 1999. Final payment is due by June 9, 2000. Space is expected to sell-out quickly, so interested members are urged to make their reservations as soon as possible.

### September 11, 1999

###

SSHSA TO VISIT CINCINNATI FOR FALL "TALL STACKS" FESTIVAL

The fall 1999 meeting of SSHSA will be held over the weekend of October 15-17, 1999 in Cincinnati, Ohio. "We will be visiting Cincinnati during the exciting "Tall Stacks Festival' which happens only once every four years" said president Timothy Dacey. "Meeting coordinator Thomas Cassidy really developed an extra special program that our members will remember as a highlight of 1999" he added.

The meeting will begin with a 4 p.m. parade of Tall Stacks on Friday, October 15 followed by a wine and cheese reception at the Covington, KY Hampton Inn, headquarters for the meeting, at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 16 will have members on the Creole Queen of New Orleans for a harbor cruise with tours of the other steamboats scheduled for the afternoon. Evening dinner and a lecture on the Port of Cincinnati and Ohio River shipping will be held onboard the Mike Fink, a 200 foot steam sternwheeler built in 1934 and now a floating restaurant in Covington, KY.

On Sunday, the group has a private charter of the sternwheeler Mark Twain that will take members along the Ohio River. Local SSHSA member David Massie will provide commentary and history while sailing onboard the vessel and a full breakfast will be served to participants.

From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the society will be onboard the Majestic, a riverboat from Pittsburgh, which will race the Creole Queen. This race is a re-match of the North vs. South from the 1995 festival and will be very exciting. Live entertainment, complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will make for a real party atmosphere onboard the boat during the race.

Deadline for reservation for this meeting is October 5, 1999. Questions about the meeting may be directed to Tom Cassidy at 516-261-8995 or to our business office at 401-274-0805.

Plans for the spring 2000 meeting, which will be held in New York City, are being worked on and will be released later this year.

###

SSHSA TO OFFER BOOK, "RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 OF 1969"

"RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 of 1969", the latest of the Liner Books by authors William H. Miller and Luis Miguel Correia will be offered for sale by SSHSA through our Providence business office. "Our society offered special publishing assistance for this wonderful book as a service to our members and to liner fans worldwide" said president Timothy Dacey. "We are pleased to be able to offer this latest book by Bill Miller and Luis Miguel Correia to our members and friends" he added.

The book, which has ninety-six colorful pages of history and photos of this great liner, is the latest in a series which have also included books on the Rotterdam of 1959 and Canberra of 1961. Bill and Luis have another planned covering the history of France/Norway which will be published in 2000.

The latest book on QE2 has countless exterior and interior photos of the ship, many taken by Luis Miguel Correia, a noted ship photographer and historian who lines in Lisbon, Portugal. It also includes photos of many famous Cunard ships, including Caronia, Maurentania of 1939, Carmania with a green hull, Franconia with her cruising hull,, Cunard Adventurer with her short-lived red and black stack and others.

The book is very nicely done and should be in the collection of all QE2 fans.

It will cost $20.00 ($18.00 for SSHSA Members) including shipping and will be available after October 1, 1999 from :

Steamship Historical Society of America
300 Ray Drive, #4
Providence, RI, 02906

or from The SSHSA's Ship's Store

### June 15, 1999

###

SSHSA MEETING IN PORTLAND A GREAT SUCCESS

Over one hundred members gathered in Portland, ME this past weekend for the spring 1999 annual meeting. Beautiful weather and interesting speakers and tours made the meeting one of the most memorable in recent years. Thirty-two members stayed on for the three-day trip to Nova Scotia on the M/S Scotia Prince which was offered as an add-on to the meeting.

At the annual meeting, the following members were elected to the board of directors for three-year terms:

Thomas E. Cassidy of Northport, NY
Robert C. Cleasby of Cranston, RI
George H. Foster of Tucson, AZ
John H. Shaum Jr. of Baltimore, MD
Arthur H. Sulzer of Springfield, PA

Additionally, Bruce Vancil of Lake Forest, CA was elected to fill a vacant two-year term on the board.

At the director's meeting on June 13, 1999 the following officers were elected to a one-year term:

Timothy J. Dacey of Perth Amboy, NJ as President
Donald W. Eberle of Voorheesville, NY as Vice President
W. Bradford Hatry of Brooklyn, NY as Treasurer
Barry W. Eager of Berlin, MA as Secretary

It was noted that the Winter issue of Steamboat Bill is in the mail to members and that the Spring and Summer issues are well on their way to completion. The board is looking forward to seeing over 300 members on the Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise of July 3, 1999.

###

PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR FALL 1999 MEETING

The fall 1999 meeting of the Steamship Historical Society of America is scheduled for the weekend of October 15 through 17 in Cincinnati, OH. It will run in conjunction with the "Tall Stacks Festival" which is held every four years in Cincinnati. As the festival draws thousands of steamboat fans to the area, early planning for air travel is recommended. The actual festival begins on October 13, but the SSHSA meeting will not begin until October 15. Hotel space has been secured as have tickets for the major weekend events.

A detailed mailing will be sent to members in July, but our hotel rates are $ 130.00 per night with a three night minimum stay, so if you want less expensive accomodations, now is the to reserve them.

SSHSA has a fun weekend planned starting Friday evening and continuing through Sunday's late afternoon, so plan your arrival/departure accordingly.

The spring 2000 meeting will be held in New York City and will be coordinated by the Long Island Chapter and the fall 2000 meeting is scheduled in Southern California and will be coordinated by the Southern California Chapter of the society.

### March 3, 1999

###

1998 SSHSA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Steamship Historical Society of America's Awards Committee has announced the winners of the 1998 awards.
Many excellent nominees were sent in for consideration, making the task of the committee that much more difficult.
The winners are as follows:

The C. Bradford Mitchell Award recognizes a single achievement, such as an important book, that contributes to the society's aims. The winner of 1998 is Brian J. Cudahy for his book Twilight on the Bay: The Excursion Boat Empire of B.B.Wills.
This book was published in 1998 by Cornell Maritime Press, Inc.

The Ship of the Year Award honors a vessel that has or is making a major contribution to the purpose of the society.
The 1998 winner is the Delta Queen, a paddlewheel vessel operated by the Delta Queen Steamboat Company headquartered in New Orleans. The Delta Queen is still in active service , now in her 72nd year of almost continuous service. The vessel is an active, living reminder of America's great steamboat heritage and is also listed as a National Historic Landmark. She continues to carry passengers on 3 to 7 day cruises on the Mississippi River and other inland rivers.

The Samuel Ward Stanton Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented to honor an individual for the accumulated value of ongoing work in the society's areas of concern. The 1998 award winner is maritime artist William G. Muller. A master painter of the sea for almost fifty years, William G. Muller has painted wonderful scenes of vessels on the Atlantic Ocean, Hudson River and many of the great ports of America. Mr. Muller has also contributed many paintings that have been used on the covers of Steamboat Bill, the quarterly journal of the society.

Award presentations to the winners will be made at the 1999 spring meeting of the society which is scheduled to be held in Portland, Maine over the weekend of June 11-13, 1999.

### October 19, 1998

### PLANNING NOW UNDERWAY FOR SSHSA SPRING 1999 MEETING

The Spring membership meeting and corporate annual meeting will be held in Portland, ME the weekend of June 10-13, 1999. This is a wonderful time to visit this historic city and the meeting will be a great opportunity to learn about the vessels that sailed on Casco Bay.

The Radisson Eastland Hotel, a restored landmark hotel that opened in 1927, has been selected as the headquarters hotel for the meeting. A special room rate of $99.00 has been negociated for members attending the meeting.

The meeting will include the society's annual meeting, a lecture by Captain William J. Frappier about the steamboats on Casco Bay, a bus tour to a museum and Portland Head Light and a harbor tour of the historic bay. A cocktail reception for the evening of June 10, including a speaker, is also planned.

Members attending the meeting will also be able to extend their trip by taking a overnight cruise to Nova Scotia on the M/S Scotia Prince sailing from Portland the night of June 13. Very special rates have been negociated that include a round-trip on the ship, including a R/T cabin and meals, along with an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel in Yarmouth. The vessel arrives back at Portland on the evening of June 15, 1999.

Details of the meeting and a sign-up sheet will be mailed in the Spring, but members are advised to plan early as the hotel rooms and cabins on the M/S Scotia Prince are expected to sell-out quickly. This meeting will give members a great opportunity to enjoy the restored waterfront area of Portland, and if desired, spend a full day and night in the interesting town of Yarmouth, N.S.

### September 28, 1998

### SUPERLINERS TO AIR ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25,1998

A brand new, one-hour video, entitled "Superliners", will air on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, October 25, 1998 at 10 p.m. Along with period footage, it will feature on-camera interviews and comments with Frank Braynard, John Maxtone-Graham, Bill Miller and others. Prepared last spring, this presentation was created by CBS Television in New York City. It follows in the wake of A&E's "The Floating Palaces"(1996) and then The Learning Channel's "Castles of the Sea"( also entitled "The Liners") (1997).

### September 2, 1998

### 1999 SSHSA EUROPEAN TOUR TO SWEDEN

Planning is now underway for a second SSHSA European tour, this year to Sweden. Following on the great success of the 1997 tour to Norway, Denmark, and Germany, the tour will provide lots of opportunity to ride historic steamers and, perhaps, mega-ferries as well. The highlight will be the four-day, three-night trip across Sweden in one of the miniature night boats of the Göta Canal Company.

Several days will be devoted to Stockholm, where there are numerous operating steam excursion steamers and, of course, the sights of a great capital city -- this one spread over islands within a magnificent archipelago.

The dates have not been set, but will be mid-summer to take advantage if traditionally lower Swedish summer hotel rates. Every effort will be made to provide reasonably priced hotels and other arrangements in order to offset somewhat the high cost of travel in Sweden.

There may be substantial savings in booking some portions of the trip early, so if interested, please email bworden@worldnet.att.net or write William M. Worden, P.O. Box 43232, Detroit, MI 48243 giving your name and address; you will then receive mailings as the trip takes shape.

### June 18, 1998

### ONBOARD PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR SSHSA CRUISE ON QE2

SSHSA has announced the onboard program for its' July 3- 10, 1999 voyage on the Queen Elizabeth 2. Joining members will be ocean liner historian and author Bill Miller, maritime historian Frank O. Braynard, ocean liner historian Peter Stanford and naval architect Stephen Payne.

Special lectures,events and cocktail parties with these noted personalities will be scheduled for guests who book this special voyage through Pisa Brothers Cruise Service, the official SSHSA agent for this voyage.

This unique one week, special holiday cruise is expected to sell out well in advance. Members are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.

To book, contact Pauline Power or John Ferguson at Pisa Brothers in New York. The phone number is 212-265-8420 or they can be called toll free at 1-800-786-4164. Early booking rates are available if the cruise is deposited by September 1, 1998.

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### FALL 1998 MEETING PLANS ANNOUNCED

The Fall 1998 meeting of the Steamship Historical Society of America will be held over the weekend of September 25-27, 1998 in Norfolk, VA. The plans include a cocktail party at Nauticus on Friday evening, a harbor tour, including a cruise past the James River Reserve Fleet, on Saturday and a dinner program about the S/S United States on Saturday night. Sunday will be dedicated to tours of the Mariner's Museum in Newport News. Commodore Alexanderson, the last Captain of the S/S United States plans to attend the dinner and will speak about this historic vessel.

A flyer will go out to the membership in July that will give full details of the meeting. Special rates have been negotiated at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott which will be the headquarters hotel for the meeting. Details will be included in the July mailing. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, adjoining the Waterside Convention Center. It is within two blocks of Waterside Market, Nauticus and harbor tours.

The meeting will offer members the opportunity to visit many of the maritime related sites in the historic Norfolk/Newport News area.

Planning is already underway for the Spring 1999 meeting which will be held from June 11 to June 13, 1999 in Portland, ME.

### May 26, 1998

### SSHAA ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON JUNE 20, 1998

The Steamship Historical Society of America has scheduled the 1998 annual corporation meeting for June 20,1998. The meeting will be held at 5p.m. at the Ramada Inn in Seekonk, MA in conjunction with the society's Southern New England Chapter meeting also scheduled for that evening.

The annual meeting will include an update to members on the national organization and an election of directors. Timothy J. Dacey of Perth Amboy, NJ; Barry W. Eager of Berlin, MA; James J. McNamara of Chatham, NJ; Oliver H. Porter of Noank, CT and William duBarry Thomas of Convent Station, NJ have been nominated to three year terms on the Board of Directors.

The evening program includes a dinner and a presentation on the m/v Yankee, ex. Machigonne by Jim Gallagher of New York City who is the owner of the vessel. Jim is currently involved with a restoration project onboard this historic 1907-built vessel.

Information about the meeting can be obtained from the society's business office at 401-274-0805.

### SSHAA TO CRUISE ON THE QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 IN 1999

The Steamship Historical Society of America has announced that it's 1999 cruise for it's members will be on Cunard Lines Queen Elizabeth 2. The ship will sail from New York to Bermuda, Nassau and Newport News on July 3, 1999. The seven day cruise will return to New York on July 10, 1999.

This sailing will celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth 2 and will be one of the greatest gatherings of ship and cruise enthusiasts ever.

A full program of films, lectures, exhibits and personalities from the maritime community will enhance the incredible variety of activities aboard QE2. Many special events will be scheduled for the SSHSA group.

This unique week long cruise on this special ship is expected to sell out well in advance, so members are urged to book early.

Special pricing has been negociated with Cunard Line and will be available to members only through Pisa Brothers Cruise Service in New York. Reservation forms are included in the Winter 1997 issue of Steamboat Bill which is being mailed to members at the end of May. Reservations must be made by August 1, 1998. Final payment will be due on March 31, 1999. Reservations can be made by sending in the reservation form or by calling Pauline Power or John Ferguson at Pisa Brothers Cruise Service. The phone number is (212) 265-8420 or 1-800-786-4164. Special rates are available in Queen's Grill, Princess/Britannia Grill, Caronia and Mauretania Restaurant grades.

### April 6, 1998

### SSHAA ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SPRING 1998 MEETING

The spring meeting will be held over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, 1998 and will center around the steamer BADGER in Manitowoc, Wisconsin as well as the passenger launch LOUISE on Lake Geneva.

The meeting begins on Saturday, May 23, when members board the BADGER in Manitowoc for the 2:00 pm. departure to Ludington, Michigan. The vessel arrives in Ludington at 7:00 pm.

BADGER is the last of the Lake Michigan carferries, still powered by her original Uniflow steeple compound reciprocating steam engines and is still coal fired. She offers a full range of amenities, including food and beverage service at very reasonable prices, a museum space operated by the Manitowoc Maritime Museum, a giftshop and video theater.

Meeting rates include overnight in cabins onboard BADGER which are double staterooms with sink and toilet. The package includes round-trip on the ship, use of the stateroom for the entire trip, buffet breakfast, pilot house and engine room tours.

On Sunday, May 24, the BADGER sails at 8:30 am and arrives at Manitowoc at 11:30 am. Lunch and a visit to the maritime museum will be on your own. That evening, the group will hold the meeting dinner at the Harbor Shores Resort on Lake Geneva, WI, which is a two hour drive from the BADGER. The evening speaker is Thomas A. Hawley, Director of Public Relations for the Lake Michigan Carferry.

Special rates have been negociated for members at the Harbor Shores Resort.

On Monday, May 25, the group will take a two hour tour of Lake Geneva aboard the turn-of-the-century passenger launch LOUISE, built as a steamer and converted to a motor vessel early in her life. She was returned to steam some years ago by owner and SSHSA member Bill Gage and has a British Admiralty engine and new boiler. The fare includes coffee, tea and rolls, but space is limited to the first fifty people who sign-up.

Members will recieve notice of this meeting in early April. The deadline for reservations is May 4, 1998. Non-members who are interested in joining the society and attending this meeting may call our business office at 401-274-0805.

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### January 31, 1998

### EASTERN STEAMSHIP PUBLICATION DATE SET FOR APRIL 25TH

Not least amoung the casualties of the Second World War were the many steamship lines that once operated amoung ports along America's Atlantic Coast. In the years before the war Americans could enjoy a variety of short and comparatively inexpensive sea voyages lasting anywhere from overnight, such as the route from Boston to Yarmouth or Boston to New York, to two or three days such as the lines that ran from either Boston or New York to Charleston, Savannah, or Miami.

This book recounts the exciting story of Eastern Steamship, one of the most successful shipping lines operating along the Atlantic Coast before the war. Eastern Steamship was founded at the beginning of the century by Charles Wyman Morse, a man from Maine who, starting with a few wooden-hulled sidewheelers along the coast of Maine, made and lost a fortune creating Eastern Steamship, at one time a vast shipping empire operating small ocean liners all along the Atlantic coast.

Morse's elaborate financial manipulations in creating his shipping empire were to eventually land him in a federal penitentiary. But Eastern Steamship carried on under the leadership of the more sober New England businessmen who succeeded him. The company operated through the depression years, surviving by running short cruises to Bermuda, Nassau and even the coast of Maine in addition to it's regular routes.

During the Second World War, the U.S. government requistioned all of the company's vessels for military duty. Although some of the vessels operated in the sub-infested Atlantic during the war, most saw service in the Pacific. When the war ended, only two ships were in a condition to be restored to peacetime service. Given the rapidly rising maintenance costs in the post-war world and the preference of travelers for using their ouw automobiles for short trips, Eastern could not revive the services that it offered before the war. With only one aging vessel remaining, the company went out of business in 1955.

This book contains many rare photos of the vessels, deck plans of the major vessels and a fleet list of vessels operated from 1901 to 1955.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

David Crockett was born in Bath, Maine in 1927. He loved ships from an early age and became the leading authority on Maine coast steamers. He graduated from the University of Maine and had a sucessful career as an engineer. An active member of the Steamship Historical Society of America, he was serving as president at the time of his death in 1989.

Edwin L. Dunbaugh, a Professor of History at Hofstra University, developed his love of coastal steamboats also at an early age. Spending many happy childhood at the pier where his father worked, Ed became an expert on the steamers that he so loves. His other books include Era of the Joy Line and Night Boat to New England, both which chronical the histories of the night boats that sailed along the coast and in Long Island Sound. Ed seemed the logical person to complete the extensive study started by David Crockett.

This book will be available in bookstores or from the publisher, The Steamship Historical Society of America, P.O. Box 2394, Providence, RI, 02906.

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### January 17, 1998

### SSHSA TO FUND PRODUCTION OF A DOCUMENTARY ON THE FALL RIVER LINE

The Steamship Historical Society of America has reached an agreement to contribute to the production of a documentary detailing the Fall River Line. The film, which will be a hour long, is being produced by Nomad Films, of Shelburne, VT. It is sponsored by The Channel 36 Foundation, Rhode Island Public Television and will be offered to public television stations around the country for a three year period. The film is expected to be completed by March 1998.

The film will detail the history of this historical steamship company along with additional information about other eastern steamboat lines.

SSHSA member Edwin Dunbaugh is the historical consultant on this important project. He is working to ensure the historical accuracy of the film.

As part of the agreement, SSHSA members will be able to purchase a copy of the film, on video, in an offer that will be included in a future copy of Steamboat Bill. All members are urged to check their local PBS station schedule for a showing of The Fall River Line.

### ROTTERDAM TRANS-ATLANTIC TRIP SOLD-OUT

Over 70 members will be enjoying the first eastbound trans-atlantic crossing on the new Rotterdam this spring. The trip, sponsored by the Long Island Chapter of SSHSA will depart from New York on April 26,1998 and will make port calls in Bermuda, Horta and Ponta Delgada before arriving in Lisbon on May 5, 1998.

Tom Cassidy, chapter president, said that the demand for this sailing was much greater than planned and that he expects the trip to be very memorable due to the lectures and tours planned." It is always a pleasure to spend a few days at sea on a wonderful ship with the members and friends of the Steamship Historical Society " said Cassidy. Plans are underway for another chapter cruise in the future.

### SSHSA TO PUBLISH BOOK ON HISTORY OF EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINE

The Steamship Historical Society of America announces that it will publish a book detailing the history of the Eastern Steamship Line. The book, which will be published in April 1998, is written by member Edwin Dunbaugh who used the notes of former society member Dave Crockett ,a long time historian of the line.

Dunbaugh, who is also the author of The Era of the Joy Line and other books, was the co-editor of Night Boat on the Potomac, which detailed the history of the Norfolk and Washington Steamboat Line. This book was published by the society in 1996.

The Eastern Steamship Line was a company that operated along the east coast in the early to mid twentith century. It's ships operated from Maine to Florida and carried both passengers and cargo.

A special pre-publication price for this book, which will include many rare photos, will be offered to members in an issue of Steamboat Bill, the official quarterly publication of the society.

### SSHSA SPRING MEETING TAKING SHAPE

The spring meeting of the Steamship Historical Society of America is in the final planning stages. A meeting notice will be sent to all members detailing the meeting which is scheduled for May 23-25, 1998. The meeting will be centered around the Lake Michigan carferry Badger and will include an overnight onboard the vessel. Additional activities in and near Manitowoc, WI are also being planned.

The fall meeting is scheduled to be held in the Norfolk/Newport News,VA area from September 25-27. The meeting is being planned around the S.S. United States and will include speakers and tours related to this wonderful ship.

The spring 1999 meeting is also in the planning stages. It will be held in Portland, ME and will have an optional trip to Nova Scotia on the ferry M.S.Scotia Prince which sails from that port city to Yarmouth, N.S.

### SSHSA TO CRUISE ON THE M/S VEENDAM

The Steamship Historical Society of America has scheduled a cruise to New England, Bermuda and Nova Scotia onboard Holland America Line's Veendam. Sailing from New York on October 9, 1998, the cruise will call at Newport, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston and Bermuda. It is a ten day cruise that includes three full days at sea and two days in Bermuda.

Other highlights include group discounts, a special cocktail party, New England fall foliage, special souvenirs and maritime lectures by noted historians.

The Veendam is one of the newest ships of Holland America Line. She entered service 1996 and is 55,451 tons. Classical in decor and furnished with every modern amenity, she is considered to be one of the finast contemporary cruise ships. Holland America's reputation for cuisine, service, refinement and overall value is celebrated.

This cruise celebrates the 125TH. anniversary of Holland America as well as the 60TH. anniversary of the introduction of the beloved S/S Nieuw Amsterdam, "the darling of the Dutch".

Information is available from Pauline Power or John Ferguson at Pisa Brothers Travel in New York. They can be reached at (212)265-8420 or 1-800-786-4164. Only members of SSHSA are qualified for the special rates that are being offered. All reservations must be made by April 30,1998 and final payment is due July 15, 1998.