Early Riverboats

Archive

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Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Name/Title

Early Riverboats

Entry/Object ID

2021.87.83

Scope and Content

The Local Observer newspaper Remembering When - Our History article titled "Early Riverboats" LO84 September 6, 2006 By Jack Sheridan, Jim Schmiechen and Rob Carey. Digital files use to create this article and associated resources at 2021.72.02

Context

EARLY RIVERBOATS Hardly altered in a two centuries of recorded history - the Kalamazoo River between Douglas and New Richmond is a grand piece of nature’s work. Swirled water, cloistered by green woods, slowly eats the shoreline until tall trees fall, their trunks lurking just below the surface like alligators stalking dinner. The muddy river narrows and widens, winds and rewinds, snaking over sand bars and by bayous. Blue Herons stand stilted, Blackbirds screech, Eagles and Turkey Vultures float above grassy swamps, white tail deer study your every movement. The delta area just above the freeway bridge might be a set for a remake of the “African Queen”. Hidden in tall grass the shallow channel has opened, divided, and changed course endlessly. The River has been the route of plodding paddle-wheeled boats for nearly 150 years. In the beginning, the ride was the best way to move passengers, cargo and fresh fruit from Richmond and Allegan downriver to the Lake steamers. Later, between sleepy New Richmond and bustling Saugatuck the trip was made for the pure pleasure of the ride. Shallow water made the venture a challenge for boat owners. Water leveled fluctuated with that of Lake Michigan from a comfortable (and profitable) level to just enough to float a log. By Jack Sheridan

Collection

Remembering When, Nautical, Transportation: water

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2021.87

Source or Donor

Sheridan, John "Jack" O. 1938-

Acquisition Method

Donation

Location

* Untyped Location

Digital data in CatalogIt

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

New Richmond/Richmond

Related Places

Place

* Untyped Place

Kalamazoo River

Related Publications

Publication

Local Observer

Create Date

January 1, 2022

Update Date

April 2, 2024