Save the Delta Queen Campaign
Scroll down for links to news articles and inside gossip. This log goes back in time, with newest entries at the top.
Save the Delta Queen Campaign web sites:
steamboats.org *
save-the-delta-queen.org *
savethedeltaqueen.com *
Minnesotans for the Delta Queen *
DQ bumper stickers, pins
Paddlewheel Boats Wanted or For Sale / Other Steamboat News
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Save the Delta Queen Campaign News
Bookmark this page and come back for Delta Queen updates. . . .
Help save the Delta Queen!
Join our phone pyramid.
Please call your members of Congress, in both the House and Senate, and ask them to support legislation to save the Delta Queen. Refer to Rep. Steve Chabot's House bill, H.R. 3852. Then call three friends, and ask each one to do the following two things:
1. Call his or her Congressman and U.S. Senators and ask them to support legislation to save the Delta Queen, H.R. 3852.
2. Ask three more people to do those same two things.
For contact information, check www.house.gov and www.senate.gov
For more ways you can help, visit www.save-the-delta-queen.org
On May 6, 2008, at 2:05 PM, John Lewis wrote:
Photo of former U.S. Congressman Ann Northup addressing the crowd of participants attending the Louisville Save the Delta Queen rally. One of the ladies gave me a Save the Delta Queen button.
Attention 1975 - 1985 Delta Queen Alumni
Looking for Delta Queen employees who worked on the boat between the years of 1975 and 1985. A reunion is being planned in Cincinnati the weekend of June 6, 2008. For further information contact Tracey Smith - click here.
May 5 Delta Queen Rally Results
Yesterday was the rally in Cincinnati to show support for the Delta Queen. [offline]
Disclaimer / warning: This website is generally non-political, but this particular page may contain political opinions different from your own. - Editor
April 30, 2008
Delta Queen wins Great Steamboat Race in surprise move
read original - click here
LOUISVILLE (WAVE) -- There was a little heat to go along with the steam in this years Great Steamboat Race. The Belle of Louisville crossed the finish line first, but the Delta Queen was named the winner.
The controversial call came after the judges decided the Belle was unlady like with some unsportsmanlike behavior after turning for home too soon.
The captain of the Belle conceded giving the Guilded Antlers to the Delta Queen.
A Pair of Rallies Show Americans' Support for their Queen
Today in Louisville, Kentucky, people came out to support the Delta Queen Steamboat. The next rally will be in Cincinnati, May 5. Scroll down for details. Here are the posters for the events, symbols of our devotion to the Queen.
Relevant Link - The Delta Queen Timeline. Recently updated! Click here.
Breaking News April 29, 2008
Ambassadors International, Inc. Announces Its Plans to Sell Majestic America Line
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ambassadors International, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMIE) announces its plans to sell Majestic America Line.
Joe Ueberroth, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated, "We are committed to operating the 2008 season of Majestic America Line while conducting our exit of the business in an orderly and effective manner. Several credible parties have expressed a sincere interest in acquiring some and/or all the assets of Majestic America Line and building upon the efforts and investments we have made in delivering unique cruise experiences that celebrate American history, culture and our magnificent waterways. In addition, our decision to exit Majestic America Line enables us to focus our efforts and investments on the successes of Windstar Cruises. Our dedicated American crew remain committed to providing our customers with extraordinary cruises and key vendors and business partners are working with us to ensure a smooth transition."
The Company has a conference call scheduled on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 to discuss the financial results for the first quarter of 2008 and at that time management will elaborate further on the decision to sell Majestic America Line.
Editor's Note: This is news to us, although we heard there was to be an announcement. This could be a good thing, but we will report more as information becomes available.
OPINION
Why Do We Americans Beat Up Victims?
I am not just thinking about the Delta Queen, who happens to have some wooden decks and railings, but of other compelling figures like Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, who spent time in jail recently for frivolous charges. What has become of civilization? Are we reverting to hungry beasts who live in caves? Let us hope that we can do something to prevent the loss of our culture, our national treasures, our wildlife habitats and corridors. We all want the same things - especially in the steamboat networks - but all of a sudden we're acting so political. We have always had differences - and believe me, people are right out there with their opinions and I've heard everything in the ten years fielding email that comes in from Steamboats.com! Nothing would surprise me anymore.
I believe that through all the previous exemptions, the unions always put in a good word for the Delta Queen. We actually owe a debt of gratitude to the unions for helping us keep the Delta Queen in service as long as we have. It would be great if we could refrain from beating up on them, because you could also see them as the victims here. They were on the Delta Queen until 2006, when Majestic American Line acquired the boats and summarily dismissed them. Now, they have been fired, they are sitting on the sidelines probably feeling awful, wishing they could have their old jobs back and do something to help our Queen. They cannot exactly put in a good word for Majestic.
So what does everybody do? They yell "Get 'em!!! and like a gang of bullies. They proclaim that "labor is beheading the Queen," or worse, "the 'democrat party' and the unions." This is ignorant, insensitive, and unproductive.
The telling detail in Oberstar's testimony April 24 was that he didn't hear from anybody in the unions. He said, "Labor has nothing to do with this issue. I haven't heard from a single person in any labor union about this matter."
Congressman Oberstar Defames Delta Queen
Really Bad Analogies Substitute for Substance
Here is a summary of Rep. Oberstar's position on the Delta Queen, taken from his testimony April 24 in Congress. Franz Neumeier analyzed the testimony at Steamboats.org, our sister steamboat site in Germany, and posted it at his site April 27. Following is a brief summary:
Oberstar: The Coast Guard will not certify this vessel.
Steamboats.org: Simply not true. The Coast Guard has certified the Delta Queen numerous times in the past and just weeks ago. Citing a DQ crew member: "We passed our annual Coast Guard Inspection on Tuesday [= April 15, 2008] and received our new COI [Certificate of Inspection, the document that shows the boat passed inspection]. The inspector was very impressed with the crew during the Fire and Abandon Ship drills."
Steamboats.com: Oberstar then goes on to make two bad analogies. Bad Analogy #1: the sinking of the Sultana in 1865. Bad Analogy #2: an attempt of an airline to remove over-wing exits from a 747(??) He also cited three emergency incidents (one on the Delta Queen earlier this month, the others on two boats owned by Majestic). However, each incident was handled correctly, with no injuries or further problems.
Oberstar: In the operation of the trade on the Mississippi River, the worst disaster in history occurred, fire onboard a paddle wheeler. Yes, in the 19th century, but 1,700 people died 100 yards from shore.
Steamboats.org: Mr. Oberstar obviously is referring to the Sultana disaster of 1865 . . . caused by a boiler explosion, something absolutely unthinkable as of today. . . . The Sultana could carry 376 persons, including crew, about double than the Delta Queen today. But the ruthless captain of the Sultana overloaded the boat with the incredible number of more than 1,700 passengers, mainly Civil War soldiers on their way back home.
Oberstar: And over a decade ago, a foreign airline was trying to remove over-wing exits from a 747. Congressman Bill Clinger, Pennsylvania's ranking Republican on the Committee on Aviation with me, we stopped them from doing that.
Steamboats.org: Trying to remove over-wing exits in fact reduces safety on a 747. Renewing the Delta Queen's exemption does not reduce safety . . . she is running under these exemptions from a law that was never made for riverboats but for sea-going passenger vessels. [The Safety at "Sea" Act of 1966.]
Oberstar: We stopped the FAA from allowing that risk to safety. We should stop this risk to safety here. Fire at night is terrifying. Oppose the amendment.
Steamboats.com: I object to playing the terror card against a steamboat, a symbol of America. Any time you use "terror" or "terrifying," it has a pejorative meaning. Plus, his Sultana and 747 analogies are so bad that he should hang his head in shame. Trying to feed people bad analogies is the height of arrogance.
Oberstar: Labor has nothing to do with this issue. I haven't heard from a single person in any labor union about this matter.
Steamboats.com: He did not hear any support from the unions, who in the past did voice their support. He didn't hear any this time. In the past, unions have helped the Delta Queen get the exemption, this year they were silent. We cannot get angry at the unions. They would be supporting the Queen, except that Majestic kicked them off when they acquired the boat in 2006. We cannot blame the unions, but should thank them for helping us keep the Delta Queen through the previous nine exemptions.
Joseph Ueberroth on Union Issue
Steamboats.org cited this June 30, 2007 statement by Joseph Ueberroth, current head of Majestic*:
"Unfortunately for the Delta Queen, Congressman Oberstar is strongly opposed to the extension under any circumstance and will not allow the legislation to be considered. He adamantly believes that Congress should not be in the business of granting exemptions. The fact that the Seafarers International Union opposes legislation has not helped our cause. Senator Inouye, the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee has made it clear that with SIU opposition, the extension will not be considered by the Senate. We have engaged the SIU and there is no substantiation for why they have supported the extension in the past and are are now opposed to the extension. We have even discussed supporting their efforts on the Delta Queen but to no avail."
Steamboats.com comments: We need to do something about all this confusion. Is anybody else feeling information overload? Would be great if we could all work together to address the issues and save this national landmark. The unions probably would support the boat, except they were fired and no longer work there. They did not oppose the exemption, they just didn't say anything.
Latest News as of April 25
Yesterday the House voted on whether to add a Save the Delta Queen amendment to the Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 2830). They killed the amendment by only thirteen votes. Rep. Steve Chabot (OH) said, "The Delta Queen is a symbol of our nation's past, serving as the last operational steam paddle-wheeler. She represents where we started as a nation, our trials and tribulations, and our progress."
Steamboats.com adds: "The Delta Queen is also a symbol of our present. The Delta Queen represents the essence of what is good about America. She is a national treasure and we will keep working to save this precious landmark."
You can see how your U.S. Representative voted: click here. I called my Representative, Harry Mitchell, and assured him that the Delta Queen is safe and that we are hard at work to solve the main issue behind this conflict.
The campaign continues. Please join us in Cincinnati on May 5 (scroll down for details).
There is a new article at USA Today. Please read it and add your good thoughts! Show your support! USA Today
May 5 Event in Cincinnati
Join Us - Support the Queen!
Hi Everybody,
Plans are well underway for the May 5 rally. We want as many people as possible to bring signs and banners. Anyone who would like to help should contact me [click here to email Vicki Webster]. In particular, we need someone who can shoot a good video of the event. We also need volunteers to deliver window signs to merchants in downtown Cincinnati.
Here's the line-up so far:
Save the Delta Queen Rally
Monday, May 5, 2008
Noon - 2 p.m.
Public Landing, Cincinnati
Master of Ceremonies: Gordon C. Greene
Speakers:
Congressman Steve Chabot, Sponsor of H.R. 3852
Dan Hurley, Assistant Vice President for History, Cincinnati Museum Center
Mike Berry, President of Kentucky Durby Festival
Alan Bernstein, owner BB Riverboats & former Delta Queen crew member
Delta Queen crew members (details to come)
Entertainers:
Musicians of Braeburn
http://www.tonyellisbanjo.com/
The Ohio River Minstrels
http://www.ohioriverminstrels.com/
Irish step dancer Dana Luther
Directions to the Public Landing:
I-75 South
I-75 South to Second Street/Pete Rose Way (on the left toward Downtown/Riverfront)
Stay on Second Street heading east
Move to the far right lane
Take the Riverfront Exit (next to the Great American Ballpark)
There is a light at the bottom of the exit
Proceed forward between the US Bank Arena and the Ballpark
At the next light (Mehring Way) turn left
Entrance drive to the Public Landing is on the right past the US Bank Arena staircase
I-75/I-71 North
I-75/71 North over the Brent Spence Bridge
Take Second Street exit
Stay on Second Street heading east
Move to the far right lane
Take Riverfront Exit (next to Great American Ballpark)
There is a light at the bottom of the exit
Proceed forward between the US Bank Arena and the Ballpark
At the next light (Mehring Way) turn left
Entrance drive to the Public Landing is on the right past the US Bank Arena staircase
471 North
471 North to 75 North exit
Take the Third Street exit
Turn left onto Walnut Street (third light)
Turn left onto Second Street
Move to far right lane
Take Riverfront exit (next to Great American Ballpark)
There is a light at the bottom of the exit
Proceed forward between the US Bank Arena and the Ballpark
At the next light (Mehring Way) turn left
Entrance drive to the Public Landing is on the right past the US Bank Arena staircase
I-71 South
I-71 South to Gilbert Avenue exit
Turn right onto Court Street
Turn left onto Reedy
Turn left onto Eggleston Avenue
Turn right onto Pete Rose Way
Turn left onto Mehring Way
Entrance drive to the Public Landing is on the left before the US Bank Arena Staircase
Map
The Save the Delta Queen Campaign wants you to write to your legislators. Here are some example letters you can copy and modify to suit your style. - Editor
The Hon. Nancy Pelosi
Speaker, United States House of Representatives
Via Fax number: (202) 225-4188
or email: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/
Re. H.R. 3852: Steamboat Delta Queen's exemption from the Safety of Life at Sea Act
Dear Madam Speaker:
I am writing to request that you take H.R. 3852 out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and send it directly to the House floor as part of the suspension calendar. For the past 40 years, Congress has voted to extend the Delta Queen's exemption -- in almost every case by near-unanimous margins, as befits what always has been, and should remain, a bi-partisan issue: namely the saving of a literally unique and quintessentially American treasure.
Respectfully yours,
The Hon. Steny Hoyer
Majority Leader
United States House of Representatives
Via Fax number: (202) 226-0663
Re. H.R. 3852: Steamboat Delta Queen's exemption from the Safety of Life at Sea Act
Dear Congressman Hoyer:
I am writing to request that you take H.R. 3852 out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and send it directly to the House floor as part of the suspension calendar. For the past 40 years, Congress has voted to extend the Delta Queen's exemption -- in almost every case by near-unanimous margins, as befits what always has been, and should remain, a bi-partisan issue: namely the saving of a literally unique and quintessentially American treasure.
Respectfully yours,
The Hon. James E. Clyburn
Majority Whip
United States House of Representatives
Via Fax number: (202) 225-9253
or email: http://majoritywhip.house.gov/contact/
Re. H.R. 3852: Steamboat Delta Queen's exemption from the Safety of Life at Sea Act
Dear Congressman Clyburn
I am writing to request that you take H.R. 3852 out of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and send it directly to the House floor as part of the suspension calendar. For the past 40 years, Congress has voted to extend the Delta Queen's exemption -- in almost every case by near-unanimous margins, as befits what always has been, and should remain, a bi-partisan issue: namely the saving of a literally unique and quintessentially American treasure.
Respectfully yours,
Efforts to save Delta Queen stepped up
Associated Press April 8, 2008
HANNIBAL, Mo. -- Ceremonies are planned in several Mississippi River cities, including St. Louis and Alton, in case this year's voyages of the iconic Delta Queen are her last.
The 82-year-old sternwheeler is headed for the scrap heap unless it gets another exemption from the Safety at Sea Act.
Supporters are stepping up efforts to save the passenger cruise boat.
The Queen has wooden decks, and federal law requires fireproof construction. But critics contend the debate is more about politics than it is an effort to keep passengers safe.
The Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau says mothballing the Queen would "be a loss historically."
Editor's Note: Steamboats.com encourages you to read this article at these newspapers and post your comments at their blogs: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=168590&src=109
http://www.bnd.com/breaking_news/story/304087.html
http://www.wthitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8135609
http://www.examiner.com/a-1327359~Efforts_increase_to_save_Delta_Queen.html?cid=rss-Missouri_Headlines
http://www.wgem.com/News/index.php?ID=23460
Other Steamboat News
Captain Michael L. Monaghan
West Homestead riverboat captain 'warm and caring man'
As captain of the riverboat Delta Queen, Michael Monaghan considered his five-year tour of duty as experiencing a bit of Americana.
"Michael often said how relaxing it was for his guests to leisurely travel the Mississippi River system, sit on the deck to read a book or view the small towns and farms as they went by," said his wife, Rita Monaghan.
Michael L. Monaghan of West Homestead died from complications related to diabetes on Thursday, April 3, 2008, in UPMC Mercy hospital, Uptown. He was 72.
Born in New York City and raised in Elizabeth Township, Mr. Monaghan was one of three children in the family of steelworker Howard Monaghan and his wife, Mae Zell Monaghan.
In 1953, following graduation from high school, Mr. Monaghan worked at several small jobs in the Washington, D.C., area before joining the Ohio Barge Line of U.S. Steel as a deckhand.
"Michael was following a Monaghan tradition," said his wife. "His late uncle, Patrick Monaghan, was a riverboat captain as were several other relatives.
"It didn't take Michael long to begin advancing in rank," said Rita Monaghan, whom he met at a church picnic and married in 1959.
"Michael was a real people person, a warm and caring man who was always willing to extend himself to anyone he met.
"He wanted to become a captain, like his uncle Patrick. He began to study. It wasn't easy," she added. "Michael spent hours preparing for his tests."
Mrs. Monaghan said that in the early days of their marriage, her husband was working the coal barges that supplied the area's steel mills.
"Once Michael joined the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. in 1994 after having spent time as a captain with the Gateway Clipper Fleet, he encouraged me to travel with him on the long trips up and down the Mississippi River.
"I was considered a hostess without pay," Mrs. Monaghan added. "I truly enjoyed what I was doing. There were the dinners where we'd invite guests to sit at the captain's table."
"And if any of our guests were from Pittsburgh, they were given preference."
Mrs. Monaghan said she and her husband would fly to destinations where they would meet the Delta Queen.
"We flew to destinations like Paducah, Ky., and Little Rock, Ark., to board the Delta Queen.
"Although Michael was disappointed upon hearing that Congress was not going to renew the Delta Queen's license because of its wooden structure, he was content that he was once her captain.
"Once Michael retired from the Delta Queen, we'd enjoy taking the short trips on the Gateway Clipper," his wife added.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Monaghan is survived by his daughters, Kelly Curran of Carnegie and Rachel Creek of Lincoln; a grandchild; a brother, Howard "Pat" Monaghan of Nevada; and a sister, Susan Leonetti of Ohio.
On Apr 9, 2008, at 9:42 AM, Carol wrote:
Is there a central agency that would have a list of riverboat pilot licenses from the 1800's on the Mississippi/Mo rivers?
Many thanks
Carol Owen (email - click here)
What's New at Steamboats.com?
Research Archive (click here) This archive lists all the pages in this folder, which includes all the old guestbooks and latest news pages. It's composed of this n that, but the archive puts it all in a logical order.
Mystery boat answer (click here) Another boat identified by one of our visitors.
New model boat photos (click here) by Virgil Reynolds.
New from Dave Thomson (click here) Keep clicking because he sent in lots of photos. These are larger, as well. I still have a lot more to add to his wing of the online museum.
New ancestry stories (click here) these sent in by Pete Swanson, going back to the Civil War in Illinois.
Betty Blake photos (click here) I revised this section and added several obituaries. (Sorry to be so gloomy. She was one of my favorite people too.)
Video of the Delta Queen engineroom (click here) Scroll down to see footage of the pitman arms turning the wheel.
Dwight Hartman Models (click here) A display of the models of the late Dwight Hartman. More news soon on how his model kits will be sold now that he has gone. Stay tuned.
Who built the first steamboat? (click here) New research shows the first steamboat was built in 1543 in Spain, by Capt. Blasco de Garay.
Virtual steamboats raced on the Internet in 2007 (click here) Find out how you race steamboats online and who won last year.
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