On December 22nd vital work to protect Columbia against winter weather began as workers from our contractor Boss Construction led by Sammy Hixson began to lay down the recycled billboards that will re-seal Columbia’s top deck ( known on all steamboats as the “Hurricane Deck” ) in effect “re-roofing” the ship.  This is a wonderful step forward in the stabilization process of protecting the ship meaning that it will no longer rain and snow inside SS Columbia.

We had a wonderful turnout for our first official fundraiser to celebrate the beginning of the rebirth of Columbia. On Saturday, September 19, nearly 100 residents with fond memories of the beloved vessel stepped aboard the MV Friendship for a cruise along the Detroit River to recreate Columbia’s former route. Captain Art Herrala was onboard to share 43 seasons of stories from his days as a 19-year-old deckhand to full captain. Captain Herrala is one of the many lucky passengers who found their true love thanks to Columbia. Also among the attendees were former SS Columbia crewmember Captain Sam Buchanan, who serves as MV Friendship’s skipper and who also kindly keeps watch over the Columbia as volunteer shipkeeper, and several other former crewmembers and Boblo Island employees. Karen Winkler, Columbia’s undercover security guard during the 1980s, now spearheads the Boblo Island reunions. Here is an excerpt from her account to Boblo alumni:

“It was a beautiful day on the river. We got to see the Ste. Claire and Columbia up close again and than headed up the river to the Ambassador Bridge and back to Wyandotte. I learned a couple of things on Saturday… One being that I don’t know how today’s kids would handle an all-day boat shift on the river. I took my two daughters, and besides being wigged out by the bees checking out their soft drinks, they were initially tortured by the thought that they would have to remain on a boat for three hours. Once the wind was whipping through their hair, and later when the [J.W. Wescott mailboat] delivered pizza to the boat, it was more fun for them, and for me!  Secondly, I’m not sure what was more of a deja vu moment: seeing Brian Pattison not looking a day older than he did in 1989, or coming up to the Clark Street-Boblo Island dock area like it was only yesterday instead of 20 years ago when I had last made that trip? If Brian hadn’t been sitting next to me, I would have expected to see him standing at the dock with his crew waiting to tie up the boat and bring on more concessions. What a wonderful and missed memory!

Thanks to Richard Anderson, Lori Feret and Sam Buchanan for a great day and opportunity! There are many of us hoping that the SS Columbia Project can save our beloved Columbia. There has already been talk about planning a future reunion or field trip to New York and the Hudson River once you bring her back.”

Several guests at the fundraiser shared their memories on camera.

If you have a story to tell about traveling on Columbia or have any photos or memorabilia you would like to share with us, please email caquila@sscolumbia.org

Thanks to everyone who made it possible

On behalf of the SS Columbia Project, many thanks to all the volunteers who made this event such a success: Lori Feret, Gloria Davis, Beryle Hymer in Detroit; and Helen Applebaum, Cynthia Aquila, Francine Catibyan, Nicole Clarke, Ian Danic, Marisa Kefalidis, Justine Mann, Roger Marquis and Laura Vialva in New York.

We are also grateful for the generosity of the following friends and businesses: Portofino Restaurant for its donation toward the cost of the cruise; Jack’s on the River, Polonus, R. P. McMurphys and Sibley Gardens restaurants for donated raffle prizes; Monica Nacianceno of Lil’ Monica’s Bakery for our delicious cakes; the J. W. Westcott Company for pizza delivery service; our film crew, Lisa Hagopian and Eric Harabadian; and Joel Stone, of the Detroit Historic Society and former Columbia D.J., for his Columbia music compilation.

And finally, special thanks to Capts. Sam Buchanan and Art Herrala for their advice and time — and, of course, Richard Anderson for his vision and tireless commitment to Columbia.

The shrinkwrap that had been applied as a protective measure to the superstructure of Columbia is no longer effective. We are planning stabilization measures that would protect the ship from the elements later this summer. Please email us at contact@sscolumbia.org if you would like to participate as a volunteer in planning and implementing this project and all donations towards this urgent effort will be gratefully received.

New York and Detroit MI (PRWEB) May 9, 2008 –

What: Volunteer friendraiser/fundraiser aboard the historic fireboat John J. Harvey to celebrate the SS Columbia’s 106th birthday. The SS Columbia is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest surviving excursion steamer in the United States.

Why: Recruiting volunteers for SS Columbia and John J. Harvey; celebrating successes; raising awareness of a New York Historic Landmark in need of funding and restoration; first of several National Maritime Day celebrations (May 22).

Note: At completion of her restoration, the SS Columbia will become a catalyst for eco-tourism on the Hudson River, connecting towns within the Hudson River Valley to their histories and providing opportunities for economic growth. Resurrected as a living ship, the Columbia will help promote jobs, simultaneously raising awareness of the scenic grandeur of the Hudson River, its valley, and the crucial need to preserve them.

When: Saturday, May 10th 2-4 p.m.

Where: Aboard the historic fireboat John J. Harvey, located on Pier 66 on the Hudson River between West 26th and West 27th Streets – 4 blocks north of Chelsea Piers. Parking is available on 11th Avenue. By Bus or Subway: Crosstown bus M23 to the Hudson River; Subway C, E, F, N, R, 1, 6, or 9 to 23rd Street, take the M23 bus or walk west, cross 12th Avenue at 23rd Street and walk approximately 3 blocks north. For map, please visit: http://www.fireboat.org/directions66.asp.

Who: Interviews available with Richard Anderson, President and Founder, The SS Columbia Project.

About the SS Columbia Project: The National Historic Landmark (NHL) vessel SS Columbia is the oldest surviving passenger steam vessel in the United States and the best remaining work by one of America’s greatest naval architects, Frank Kirby. The SSCP has received a New York State Environment Protection Fund (EPF) Challenge Grant for the amount of $400,000 from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation bringing the total of current challenge grants to $750,000. EPF grants are awarded to local communities and organizations to assist with waterfront revitalization projects, historic preservation efforts, expanding open space, and increasing access to public lands. The SSCP previously received an EPF Challenge Grant of $350,000 in 2006. To volunteer or learn more, please visit www.sscolumbia.org.

Contact:
Thor Harris, Percepture (201-206-0903)
tharris(at)percepture.com

Contact on Board:
Cynthia Artin, Artin Arts
(845-304-3790)
cynthia(at)artinarts.com

Inquiries:Richard Anderson, President, SS Columbia Project
andsn.interport(at)rcn.com
(212-228-3128)

SS Columbia Project
232 E. 11th Street
New York, NY 10003