Happy 107^th birthday, SS Columbia! On Saturday, May 9, the SSCP with the sponsorship of Electra Information Systems marked this special occasion with an event aboard the New York-based fireboat John J. Harvey.

Could there be a better venue for such a celebration? (Except for a party aboard the majestic Columbia, probably not!) 

Volunteers and members of the sponsor organization gathered at Pier 66 on Manhattan’s west side for a two-hour cruise down the Hudson to Brooklyn’s Red Hook, all to the accompaniment of Bluegrass quintet Woodpecker. The outing was reminiscent of Columbia in her heyday when passengers enjoyed live entertainment onboard as they took in the passing river scenery. The celebratory salute of the John J. Harvey’s signature water-spraying capped off the afternoon’s festivities.

The event was an exciting preview of the waterfront entertainment Columbia will soon offer New Yorkers when she is restored to her former glory. We eagerly look forward to future shipboard celebrations.

Fireboat Facts
The John J. Harvey fireboat proudly served the FDNY and New York City from 1931 until it was decommissioned in July of 1994. She returned to duty following September 11, 2001, pumping water to the World Trade Center site for 80 hours. The boat was also the subject of a children’s book, Fireboat: The Historic Adventures of the John J. Harvey. No longer an active-duty vessel, she continues to provide New Yorkers with educational opportunities along Manhattan’s west side.

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