As a ninety day wonder ensign I was sent there from Treasure Island to take charge of a detachment of 250 draftees that were to be quartered there temporarily. I received my orders at about 9:00 a.m. The net tender that was to take me to the Net Depot did not arrive until about 3:00 p.m. By the time I arrived at the Delta Queen the recruits has been sent elsewhere. I lived aboard the Queen until I was given command of the Katlian YNT 16 a tug that was built for service on the Mississippi, but worked the Antisubmarine nets in San Francisco Bay.Seven Ways You Can Help Us Save the Delta Queen
1. Contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to support Sen. Voinovich’s upcoming bill. Suggest that their Legislative Directors get in touch with Lauri Hettinger, who is Sen. Voinovich’s L.D. The office number in Washington is (202) 224-3353.
Check this page for Contact Information for your Senator.
Note: Please make every effort to meet with your Senator in person or get him/her or his/her Legislative Director on the phone personally.
Please stress how much the DELTA QUEEN’s visits mean to your community. And don’t forget by all means to make sure your Senator knows the Delta Queen is a very safe boat, no matter what other Senators or the Coast Guard might tell them. It they’re in doubt, encourage them to talk to Sen. Voinovich or Rep. Steve Chabot about this issue - both can give them all the details about the Delta Queen’s safety. And give them the following web address for details about the Delta Queen’s safety: deltaqueen.wordpress.com/deltaqueensafety/
2. Contact your Representative in the U.S. House, and urge him or her to vote for the DELTA QUEEN’s exemption when the bill reaches the floor there. Your House Rep’s Legislative Director can contact Congressman Chabot’s LD, Kim Betz, at (202) 225-2216.
Note: If a personal meeting is not possible, send a fax or an email message, or make a phone call (anyone who is shy about speaking with a staff member can call after business hours and leave a voice mail message). If you choose to send a written letter, direct it to a District office, rather than to Washington. Postal mail takes up to three weeks to get through Capitol security.
3. Speak with your state and local elected officials, including your governor, and encourage them to meet personally with your Senators and Congressman.
4. Ask everyone you know to do those same three things — and to ask at least three more people to do the same.
5. Encourage your local media to cover the Save the Delta Queen Campaign. One of the campaign leaders, especially Vicki Webster, is always available to speak with reporters from either print or broadcast media. They can also contact Sen.Voinovich’s press secretary, Garrette Silverman. Congressman Chabot’s Communications Manager, Todd Lindgren, is also happy to speak with members of the media.
6. Ask your town, your state, and any historical or preservation groups to pass resolutions urging Congress to save the DELTA QUEEN. (Forty-some cities, states, and organizations have already done this.) Send copies of the signed resolutions to your state’s entire congressional delegation.
7. If you spent extra time (and money) in any community as a result of a trip on the DELTA QUEEN, contact the director of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the Senators and U.S. Representative for that state and district, and tell them so. For instance, perhaps you flew into Nashville, Memphis, or Pittsburgh a day or so before boarding the boat, or stayed on a day or so after debarking. Or maybe you took a side trip to nearby points of interest, or came back later to explore the area on your own. You can find contact information for CVB and chamber of commerce directors on the internet. If you have trouble, contact me, and I’ll send you the details.
Contact Information:
Vicki Webster, 335 W. Fifth Street #401, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Tel: (513) 381-3571
Email: vjw__at__olypen.com
www.save-the-delta-queen.org
September 28th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Sometimes the progress of the future inhibits preservation of the past. Please do not allow that to happen to the precious Delta Queen.
October 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I go down to the waterfront every time the Delta Queen is coming through….I grew up in Marietta, Ohio and currently live in Wheeling, WV. The loss of the Delta Queen on the river will be a loss of American history and culture.
October 5th, 2008 at 2:14 am
I live in Huntington WV. The Delta Queen is/has been part of life on the Ohio River as long as I can remember. How can we here in Huntington help save the Queen? I currently serve on the Board of the Huntington CVB.
October 7th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
I think that the Delta Queen is an important part of our history and should be allowed to continue as it is now. We live near the Ohio River and always go to see the Queen when she passes. It is important for our children to see this part of history.
October 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
SAVE THE DELTA QUEEN! I HAVE CRUISED THE ENTIRE MISSISSIPPI, OHIO AND TENNESSEE RIVERS ON HER. SHE IS THE “CROWN JEWEL” OF STEAMBOATING! I ATTENDED THE PITTSBURGH RALLY MAY 11 AND WATCHED HER AS SHE PARTICIPATED IN PITTSBURGH’S 250TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OCTOBER 3-5.
October 11th, 2008 at 2:17 am
What possible reason could there be to force the Delta Queen to stop operation?
October 11th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I grew up in Hannibal, Mo., and I used to love to see and ride on steamboats. That was many years ago, and now my wife and I take river trips, including the DQ whenever possible. A large part of Americana will fall by the wayside if the DQ is not saved.
October 21st, 2008 at 8:22 am
I sailed on the Delta Queen about six years ago on the Tennessee and Cumberland River cruise. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. My mother, who will be 100 years old next month, remembers the personal attention that several of the crew members paid to her. My sister and I this summer went on a half-day river cruise on a sidewheel steamer over 100 years old from Dresden, Germany. If they can do it safely, why can’t we? Please continue the fight to keep the Queen going.
October 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
The Delta Queen is nothing less than an ambassador to the world for the inland waterways infrastructure and commerce of the United States of America. No ad campaign, public works project or marketing gimmick can do what this boat does for the USA economy, with its ability to remind investors of the capability of the waterway systems that generate billions of dollars each year for the world’s economy. To scuttle the boat during this time of economic uncertainty is a stab to the heart of what America stands for–both in legacy and economic capability. In these troubled times, America needs to market itself in every way possible. Even something as small as having a few dignitaries travel up the river in luxury is a practical method for building up the heartland of America. For Congress to vote against this boat is akin to a vote of “no confidence” in middle America. We need our pride and our resolution in this matter to travel around the world like the sound of a mighty steam whistle. God Bless America And God Save The Queen!
October 25th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
My generation and the generations after me have become apathetic and don’t bother to vote. This is a wonderful example of why many are just this way. The government is no longer of the people, by the people, for the people. It is of the rich people who can buy politician, by the rich people for the rich people. Politicians make many promises while campaigning, but it is the ones that they make behind closed doors that matter! THIS BOAT SHOULD STAY AFLOAT!!!!!!!! Shame on the Congress! (again)
October 25th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Let politicians get involved and man there goes to the neighbor hood. I was a SIU union member for more than 19 years, and they do have influence in the congress and senate.
Being a riverboat captain for more than 29 years that vessel is as save as any home or building standing. What are they going to do next tear down the white house because it is old as well shame on us let’s stand together on this one, we do not want a piece of our river history go down the drain?
October 25th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
A trip on the Delta Queen is something that my husband and I were saving for retirement. We were looking forward to a piece of history to share together during our quiet time. Now I find that it may not be possible….because of more political promises and lobbyists. This is unacceptable. We have ruined our little corner of the world with “new, improved” things….but have shunned the real essence of Americana for ourselves and our children.
This is a floating museum - something to be shared for decades to come.
Shame on the politicos who make their quiet deals without our voice. Just another tragedy of the great, grinding, American government doint something else to step on the neck of the average citizen.
Please don’t let this happen to this great lady! Allow her to be shared for those who believe in the American way and the American people.
October 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I am a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN.
I’m a friend of the Late Great John Hartford,
who did a lot for the river boats and the history
of them.
I’d be more than willing to try to put something
together with the Nashville music community
if there was anything we could do to save the
Delta Queen. Please let me know if I can
help.
October 25th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
JUST ANOTHER EXSAMPLE OF OUR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION. IF IT’S FINE OR BEAUTIFUL OR EDUCATIONAL OR EXCEPTIONAL OR WONDERFUL OR INNOCENT OR PERFECT IT HAS NO PLACE IN WASINGTON. LOOK AT THE PAST FEW YEARS-LOOK AT THE PAST FEW MONTHS. I REST MY CASE. CRIMINALS RUN THE USA. CRIMINALS RUN OUR LIVES. AMERICA IS DEAD. KICK SAND ON YOUR WONDERFUL BOAT AND FORGET’BOUT’T. DON’T EVEN BOTHER WITH A HEAD STONE. THEY WILL FIND A REASON TO FORBID THAT AS WELL. I’M SO SORRY. SORRY FOR Y’ALL. SORRY TO BE AN AMERICAN. THEY (WASHINGTON)SOLD US OUT A LONG TIME AGO AND THEY INTEND TO REMOVE ALL TRACES WE WERE EVER HERE. R.I.P. DELTA QUEEN, R.I.P. U.S.A. PEACE, THE CACTUSHARK
October 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Oh for heavens sake, firetrap buildings continue to exist indefinately under grandfather clauses.
Let the boat keep on floating. I agree the law should prevent new wooden boats from being built, but as long as it is maintained and kept as safe as possible, keep on floating.
What makes it less safe than it was 3, 7, 12 or even 40 years ago.
Grandfather clauses should remain forever, as long as it is maintained to the current standard at the time of new law.
Next they will not allow antique cars on the road because they don’t have seatbelts … this proves it could happen.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I worked on the Delta Queen in 1975. It was between cruises and docked in New Orleans for some overhaul work to prepare for the next season. The company that owned her at the time called up my high school looking for part-time workers. About 10 of us signed up and we were given jobs sprucing up the crew quarters while they were off at their homes. A friend and I quit our part-time jobs bagging groceries to do this. Next spring, we were invited to ride her when the Delta Queen raced the Mississippi Queen in New Orleans.
I’ve always wanted to take a cruise on her and my wife and I were hoping to do this in a year or two, but couldn’t do it just yet because our aging dog can’t be kenneled.
I will be calling my Senators, though one is retiring (John Warner of VA). Whoever is his replacement will also get my call.
October 26th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
[...] such a beautiful and romantic piece of history that it’ll be a shame to let politics destroy her. Seven Ways You Can Help Us Save the Delta Queen __________________ "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of [...]
October 28th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Last season of 2007, I worked on the Belle of Louisville for the duration of her season, and fell hopelessly in love with steamboats. It was so exciting for me to be on the Belle as she raced the Delta Queen in one of the many events preluding the Kentucky Derby. Steamboating is a class and a world of it’s own, and I was lucky enough to discover it. Now it has changed my life, and my young boys have been exposed to the ways of the river on steamers. On October 25th, my oldest boy and I attended the wharf party in Louisville to see the Delta Queen off, and he was adamant that we climb aboard the Delta, and had a hard time understanding why she was leaving us. The simple fact is, my generation, the generations before mine, and now my children are being denied the availibility and opportunity to experience the beauty of steamers. The Delta Queen raced the Belle of Louisville every spring since 1963, and it’s astounding that we had to watch her round to and head south to New Orleans because of votes and money. She played “My Old Kentucky Home” and “You Are My Sunshine” on her calliope as she chugged away, and I am left wondering—is that the last time I’ll ever see that beautiful boat?
October 31st, 2008 at 1:08 am
the Delta Queen is a chance for every person to experience the past..not look at it in a glass case or over a velvet rope
October 31st, 2008 at 5:44 am
We have to do everything we can to save her. As a child We didn’t have much money so one of my best memorys is getting a bucket of chicken and going down to Fernbank park in Cincinnati Ohio to see the Delta Queen going up and down the Ohio river. Hearing her music and just seeing her was always something I looked forward to every summer. If we lose her it is like saying good-by to part of our childhood and I just can’t stand the though of that. I was there when she left Cininnnati for the last time (I hope not) and when her music started playing there wasn’t a dry eye there. We loved her in the past and need her in our future. DON’T LET HER GO AWAY. PLEASE HELP SAVE HER.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I was brought up in Dumbarton Scotland where the Delta Queen was built before being shipped out for assembly in the USA.My Father in Law worked at Wm Denny and Son in Dumbarton.Everyone in Dumbarton had Friends and Family who worked there. It is sad that such a historic vessel should end its days because of petty,Dull,witless and stupid people who cower behind rules and routines.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
There is nothing like the sound of the water splashing as the calliope plays the notice of the approch or detarture of history. The “Queen” recently visited historic Vicksburg Ms. As you walk up and down the street visiting the shops it seems a natural thing to hear the steam whistle. It stops you for a brief moment to appreciate a slower time. Please encourage all to not ground her. After all they (the government bureaucrats) found a way to preserve how many War ships now? Why not preserve a pleasant piece of history for a change.
November 11th, 2008 at 7:35 am
I love the Delta Queen!! I’ve gone down to Pittsburgh everytime she was in PIttsburgh this past year and I really, really miss those days..I miss her and her sweet music! And on the last day, a crew member fianlly reconized me… What’s wrong with congress? don’t they see that the Delta Queen is a gem to America? don’t they see that jobs will be lost??
November 12th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
RESPONSE TO ALEXANDRA 11/11
CONGRESS ONLY SEES WHAT MAKES MONEY FOR THEM AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FRIENDS OR CRONIES AND THAT,AS WE ALL REALLY KNOW,IS HOW IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN,GOING CLEAR BACK TO ANCIENT GREECE. IF SOMEONE/ANYONE,WOULD SIMPLY PAY THESE CREEPS OFF,THE BOAT WOULD BE ALOWED TO RUN ‘TILL THE WHEEL COMES OFF. PAY ‘EM,THAT’S ALL THEY WANT. WHAT OTHER POSSIBLE EXPLANATION CAN THERE BE? GET THEM AN A-E-P VACATION TO THE BAHAMAS,OR A CRUISE,OR SOMETHING,ASK A LOBBYIST,THEY KNOW THE RUB. YES ALEX,THEY KNOW,THEY SEE,THEY JUST DON’T CARE,BECAUSE THEY DON’T HAVE TOO!