The Delta Queen opened last Friday just as the 10-day Riverbend Music Festival began directly across the river. The Fat Cat Ferry (also owned by Delta Queen Hotel partner Harry Phillips) docks adjacent to the Delta Queen and shuttles festival-goers across the river. So, we had lots of folks coming aboard to have a drink in the Texas Lounge on their way to the concerts.

Friday and Saturday nights were wild nights in the Texas Lounge. The folks at the bar were ready to have a good time, rowdy and fun. They pushed us the edges of our repertoire with an array of very diverse requests. I think the only one we couldn’t fulfill was a request for a song by Neil Young. I admit, my Neil Young repertoire equals zero. But we’ve had them singing along and Saturday night they were even up dancing. Those of you who’ve been in the Texas Lounge are familiar with the cozy atmosphere, so it was crazy!

Laura and I ended both nights drenched in sweat and exhausted. We felt like we’d run a marathon, but we also felt really proud in a way that we had at least finished the race! With the concert-going, party crowd, this has not been the regular crowd we’re used to in the Texas Lounge. We felt like if we could survive that and keep the crowd having fun, then we might not ever be nervous again!

The festival continues through this weekend, so we’re bracing ourselves for a few more wild nights in the Texas Lounge. If you’re in the Chattanooga area, come on down. I have a feeling it’s going to be very entertaining!

Phillip and Jo Ann

True Steamboaters Jo Ann Schoen and Phillip Johnson were onboard this weekend volunteering their help. Phillip got into all kinds of mechanical maintenance projects while Jo Ann focused mainly on asthetics. Both traveled with us onboard the boat earlier this year as volunteer workers during her historic journey from New Orleans to Chattanooga from February 4 – 11.

Phillip spent a lot of his time down below in the engineering spaces, so I didn’t get a shot of him in action, but Jo Ann was easy to catch as she focused on one of her specialties – polishing brass. And the Delta Queen never has any lack of brass needed to be polished! I think if you polished all the brass on the boat, by the time you finished it would be time to start again!

A hearty steamboat salute to these dedicated folks who have taken time out to come and work (and I mean work!) for long hours, just simply because they love the boat and want to be a part of her preservation. I am so thankful for so many folks like Jo Ann and Phillip that love the Delta Queen so deeply.

Shortly after 3pm on June 5, 2009, Jill and Eddie Wade became the first guests to check in to the Delta Queen Hotel.

Well, it’s official. The Delta Queen Hotel is open! Laura and I are so excited that this day is finally here. After the April 1 opening was delayed, we arrived in Chattanooga on Apirl 8 to prepare for the planned April 15 opening. We’ve worked hard with the dedicated staff to prepare the vessel and our entertainment programming as the ownership waded through the beurocratic hassels to obtain all the necessary permits.

But now…(trumpets sound) with a certificate of occupancy from the city and liquor and beer permits, they are raring to go.

They will open the hotel in phases. So far, just the rooms in the Aft Cabin deck are available as they are still waiting on more power from the city. Other cabins and the dining room will be operational soon. The staff are so excited to be open!

More power is forthcoming to expand needed services, more guests are booked, the restaurant and mainstage shows open on June 19. Things are moving!

Laura and I did our first evening of programming including a guided vessel tour, my riverboat gambler card magic act, and then four sets in the Texas Lounge. Despite very little publicity during the soft opening, we had a nice crowd and everyone seemed to be very happy and really enjoying themselves. We are so glad to be here and to have things up and running!!!!!!!

A birthday party for a queen.

What a day! The birthday party celebration was a massive, crazy success. We had thought if we got 70 or 80 that would be amazing. Instead, we had a swarm. I haven’t heard the final count yet, but it had to be around 300 people. 

The cake was beautiful and featured the Delta Queen logo. Harry Phillips took a picture and I will post it as soon as he emails it to me. Jennifer Lemmon was cutting and serving the cake and she later laughed that as the crowd grew larger and larger, she cut the cake into tinier and tinier pieces until some visitors were only receiving a sliver of cake! Everyone was in good spirits though and a festive mood prevailed.

Laura dressed up as a flapper since the boat was built in the 1920s and I wore a riverboat gambler type outfit for some steamboaty fun. We set up an amplifier and microphone and we shared some history about the boat’s amazing career and performed Delta Queen songs for the crowd. I even gave a short calliope concert and played “Happy Birthday” on the mighty steam organ.

We were packed for the tour of the boat and despite the fact that we still have no air conditioning, they all were delighted as they quickly were dripping in sweat on the very hot and humid day. Despite the discomfort, they were charmed by the history and ambiance of the boat and I know many of  the hundreds of visitors will return for dinner, drinks, or even overnight stays. They will become great word-of-mouth advertisers for the hotel as it opens on Friday!

One goal for the event was to generate publicity. In addition to an advance article in the Times Free Press, today we had two local television stations attend and film, a reporter from the Times Free Press, and I did a call in interview to a talk radio station. This was a very successful day generating media coverage worth thousands of dollars.

It was a fun and exhausting day, especially in the heat. But we all joined together to wish this wonderful boat a very happy 82nd birthday.

Following is a gallery of photos from the event. Click on any picture to enlarge it.

The Delta Queen in Sacramento.

Isn’t it incredible that the Delta Queen turns 82 today?! Wow! She made her first cruise from San Francisco to Sacramento on June 2, 1927 and continued in operation for more than 81 years until October 31, 2008.

Her keel was laid on May 18, 1925  and she remained on the ways ways for 7 months as her hull and superstructure were completed. She was launched at 3:40 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 1925. Her interior was finished out over the next year and a half until her debut cruise on June 2, 1927. Her final costs neared $1 million – an incredible expense in the 1920s. She is truly one of the great floating palaces.

The boat was designed as a packet boat, meaning it carried cargo on the main deck and passengers in the cabins on the upper decks. Fare and accommodation were sold separately. The fare was $1.80 one-way or $3 roundtrip. Accommodations ranged from $1 to $5. A five-course dinner was available for 75 cents.

Things were different in 1927…

• In May 1927, Charles Lindbergh made his historic first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean. He flew from New York to Paris.

• Walt Disney had not yet released the first Mickey Mouse film.

• Milk cost $.58/gallon  

• In 1927, “The Jazz Singer” became the first talking movie.

• Edwin E. Perkins of Hastings invented the powdered soft drink Kool-Aid in 1927.

• The 1st Academy Awards were presented in 1927.

• The first transatlantic telephone call was made from New York City to London.

• The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 affected 700,000 people in the greatest national disaster in U.S. history at that time. 

• Kern and Hammerstein’s musical play Show Boat, based on Edna Ferber’s novel, opened on Broadway.

Things are certainly different here in 2009, except that the Delta Queen is still cherished. We have planned a birthday party for her and invited the community to enjoy cake, punch, calliope concert, music samples from our mainstage shows, historical information, and a guided tour of the boat. I’ll take some pictures and post soon.

The Delta Queen Hotel today received its Certificate of Occupancy from the city of Chattanooga. They also received their liquor license. These are two huge steps forward toward clearing the way for opening the hotel. Stay tuned! We’re getting close to the big day!

Us performing at the StoneFort Inn.

While we wait for the Delta Queen Hotel to open, Laura and I regularly perform at the weekend receptions at the historic StoneFort Inn. This beautiful hotel is owned by Delta Queen Hotel partner Sydney Slome. He and his lovely staff hosted us for quite a while before we moved aboard the boat. It’s been great practice for us in preparing for our lounge performances in the Delta Queen’s Texas Lounge soon.

If you’re ever in town and the Delta Queen is full, I highly recommend this gorgeous property. www.stonefortinn.com

Jennifer Lemmon working her tour guide magic.

Wow, what a weekend! We opened for public tours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Laura and I were on a local TV show earlier this week, did an interview on a popular radio talk show, and the paper featured the tours on the cover of their Memorial Day Weekend edition! Needless to say, we were packed. It was crazy. But it was a great opportunity to introduce almost 1,000 people to the lovely Delta Queen. Unfortunately, the boat’s air conditioning is not running yet and it was really hot and stuffy onboard, but Laura, Jennifer Lemmon, and several volunteers helped out in managing the crowds and making sure they all had a great time.

That is one terrific positive in the sad situation of the Delta Queen being forced into retirement. Now, thousands of folks who could never have afforded a cruise will at least be able to come aboard, stay overnight, or enjoy dinner or a drink, and take a tour of the boat, learn about her history and keep this legacy alive.

It was a remarkable weekend and everyone seemed very excited about the boat opening on June 5. I know we are!

The Chattanooga Times Free Press has been such a terrific supporter of the Delta Queen here in Chattanooga. We are going to open up for public tours for the Memorial Day Weekend and I sent out a press release and sent over a few photos from our recent photo shoot. They used us for the cover of the weekend section!

Yep, that’s Laura and I in the beautiful costumes from our “Showboat Serenade” show. Much thanks to Jennifer Lemmon who helped in taking this photo.

The center spread of the paper had additional photos and focused on the boat’s history and promotion of the tours. We also plan to reawaken the calliope again on Saturday!

The huge project of repositioning the stage has now been completed. It now connects the far starboard side of the bow over to the concrete ramp sidewalk at Coolidge Park. Very handy and easy. Here’s a little slide show of some of the pictures I took of this undertaking. Enjoy.

Bill and Laura with host Don Welch.

Laura and I were invited to appear on the “This and That” show with Don Welch on Chattanooga’s ABC affiliate. We went on to promote the HipFest festival in Coolidge Park this weekend. We’ll perform in the park and the Delta Queen will open for public tours. Big fun!

Don’t you think Laura looks like one of those gorgeous newscasters?! I unfortunately look as goofy as ever!

The Iota Epsilon Chapter of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Chapman University crowned its “Delta Queen” in the second annual philanthropy event on May 9, which began as a fundraiser and ended with a talent pageant. The event showcased some of the brightest and most talented young women at Chapman University. Jenna Pinkham of Gamma Phi Beta sorority earned the Delta Queen crown. Proceeds from the event will be generously donated to Beckstrand Cancer Foundation. Prior to the day of the event, a donor recognition and benefit dinner was held at Attallah Piazza in the heart of Chapman University. In advance of a planned live auction for that evening, Executive Director Lil Spitzer presented an engraved plaque to the men of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity in appreciation for their efforts to support the unique programs of the Foundation and the patients it serves.

In addition to “Delta Queen” winner, Jenna Pinkham, other contestants included: Megan Corey, Tori Dumke, Leah Fontenette, Gianna Friedman, Jennay Golden, Kellie Henika, Sommer Hogan, Shirah Matsuzawa, Lauren Mitchell, and Amanda Schat.

Jennifer by the DQ stack.

Wow, the boat is really looking great. So much work continues to spruce up the old gal. Painting of decks, polishing, cleaning – she sure takes a lot of love. We can’t wait to get open soon and share this with the public! Jennifer Lemmon (former Delta Queen Tour Manager) helps out with every possible task imaginable. Here’s a photo of her up top on the hurricane deck sweeping. We’re having so much fun with Jennifer and so thankful that there’s a real “steamboater” around to reminisce and laugh with!

Me at the TaleSpin storytelling festival.

I am honored to have been invited to give six different presentations during Chattanooga’s Talespin storytelling festival. Yesterday and today I joined a parade of incredible storytellers for presentations to school groups. I would guess we’ve had around 800 kids! I haven’t had so much fun in a long time. Afterward, one boy today even asked me for an autograph! It was just about the coolest thing ever!

Tomorrow (Saturday) I will give presentations open to the community at the Creative Discovery Museum and in downtown’s Miller Plaza. To read more about this terrific community event, CLICK HERE.

During my years on the riverboats researching, writing and performing historical presentations, it was such a joy to me to become increasingly aware that at the core of most historical events is a truly great story. History is storytelling. The people, the places, the events, the impact and significance of the event, can all be woven together into a riveting tale. And if the audience is not careful, they might even learn something. 

I loved showing the kids that history can be fun. Sometimes all it takes is just the right encouragement. For me, my precious grandmother always encouraged me to write down the stories from the river. She gave me the spark to chronicle some of these tales and even to record them. I will always be thankful for the gentle way she pushed me forward. Over more than a decade on the river, that spark of hers has grown into my River History Series of audio CD recordings which range from the Civil War to Mark Twain. By the way, if you’re interested in those CDs, you can learn more about the series by CLICKING HERE.

Her inspiration also has pushed me toward larger writing projects. I am sharing with the TaleSpin audiences a taste of one of the books I am working on about the incredible first voyage of a steamboat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Besides my talks and CD recording on this subject, I also am working on a book. This one journey, an incredible adventure story, truly changed the development of our country’s western expansion. This is also one of the presentations I will be giving as part of the Delta Queen’s learning program. I feel proud to be a part of keeping the stories of the river alive.

Today seemed to be nature day.

The day started with this cute little visitor on our balcony at the Stone Fort Inn. He was more than willing to pose for pictures. I think he’s interested in being a contestant on the new TV show “America’s Top Squirrel.”

The flowers in the park are blooming beautifully. A few brief thunderstorms have turned everything green and lovely.

And then this afternoon a pair of proud geese parents brought down their little ones to see the Delta Queen.

Ahh, springtime in the South.

Cub Scouts in the Engine Room.

Another look on the bright side…

Today we had aboard a well-dressed group of visitors – a group of local Cub Scouts. We’ve also had school groups come aboard.

I’ll admit, at first I was terrified of the kids. During our cruising, we never had large numbers of them at a time. But it is so rewarding to see these kids get fascinated by the boat and really interested in the stories of the river’s history.

Cub Scouts on the Grand Staircase.

I think one of the great benefits to the community is the opportunity for school and community groups to come aboard the Delta Queen and learn the story of its history and its role in the steamboat era that changed this country so dramatically.

With the ever-increasing Homeland Security measures, while we were cruising no visitors were allowed aboard, only passengers who could afford the fare of thousands of dollars each week. Now anyone can come aboard, experience this treasure, and learn from its story. The Delta Queen will be more accessible to the public than ever before. I wish they could all experience her underway, cruising along a beautiful stretch of river, watching the blue herons glide from limb to log.

I think often of this boat as an old lady, a revered grandmother. Like our senior citizens, even though they physically may not be able to do everything they once could, they still have so much to share and so much to teach those of us that follow. I am grateful that the Delta Queen still has that opportunity as well.

Hot air balloon in Coolidge Park with the Delta Queen behind.

We were delighted yesterday to find a hot air balloon being put up right in Coolidge Park beside the boat. They were offering tickets for short lifts up and then back down. Cool!

There’s always something happening here in the park. They symphony plays the Independence Day concert here, accompanied by the city’s fireworks display. Summer Saturdays, families gather with picnics and blankets to enjoy movies projected on a big screen. Every afternoon, and especially on the weekends, the park is bustling with energetic crowds savoring the view. And the Delta Queen has become a centerpiece for all of this.

It’s great to see a community take such full advantage of a lovely city park.

Utility connections for Delta Queen in Coolidge Park.

Another floating restaurant was previously at this same dock here at Coolidge Park, so connections to water, sewer, electric, natural gas, (and even cable internet!) are readily available. So far, everything is operational except the natural gas, and plans call for that to be hooked up soon.

All of these connect through flexible cables or hoses that can adjust with the slight level changes in the pool of the Tennessee River behind Nickajack Dam.

Also, they are all designed to be quickly removable in the event the Delta Queen is able to return to overnight cruising.

The boat looks better than ever. Shining and gleaming. Even the cabin doors have been varnished and the doorknobs polished! All the handrails have been sanded and varnished. The interior is sparkling. Even the exterior decks and the smokestack have received fresh coats of paint.

When I boarded the boat in New Orleans for her relocation to Chattanooga, I was shocked at just what can happen to a boat sitting over just a few months. She looked pitiful. Much love (and money) is being dedicated to restoring the Delta Queen to her rightful glory.

On Saturday, April 18, Orange County’s most fashionable ladies stepped out in support of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation at the first-ever Neiman Marcus Stiletto Strut. Presented in conjunction with Riviera Magazine, Fashion Island, Empower Your Image and HOM Real Estate Group, and hosted by Honorary Chairs Marsha Anderson and Carmela Phillips, the event raised $8,172 for cancer patients and their families!

Attendees walked and strutted at their own pace around a custom Stiletto Promenade, filling their Stiletto Strut tote bags with goodies from several stations along the way. Then, it was time to enjoy lunch in the Neiman Marcus Couture Salon, viewing a fashion show filled with the latest trends for spring. Mothers, daughters, friends and colleagues gathered for good fun and in support of an important cause.

Opportunity drawings included a Baja Mexico Escape, Neiman Marcus Fashionista Shopping Package, Fashion Island Gift Card, Michele Watch, Neiman Marcus Designer Shoe Closet, Wahoo’s Gift Basket, Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets, Build-a-Bear Workshop Gift & Shopping Package, Toy Boat-Toy Boat-Toy Boat Gift Cards and more!

Congratulations to the following winners, nominated by Stiletto Strut attendees in the following categories:

Cutest Kitten Heel: Jillian Ray

Most Spirited Strutter: Taylor “Bubba” Gramkow

Best Statement Shoe: Melanie Graper

Fashionista Extraordinaire: Stephanie Woolery

Most Likely to Trip on Her Stilettos: Laura Cross

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS:

June Vinci, Jamey Yates, Whitney Standring-Trueblood, Molly Ainsworth, Sivonna Haas, Sarah Foster, Amanda Nieto, Kristen Vega, Stephanie Anderson, Marin Chambers, Danielle Simard, Molly Druce, Emily Jones, Katrina Chen, Sam Olodort, Pareesa Naghavi, Liza Dealey-Thompson, Shannon Frieser, Amy Furstman, Lauren Mitchell, Selena Slavenburg, Courtney Hoffman, Bubba Gramkow, Ryan Corry, Teren Shaffer, Zech Wilson, Niko Turko and Ryan Young. (Alpha Phi-Eta Upsilon Sorority at Chapman University and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at Chapman University)

Laura and I did a little photo shoot today to get some photos to illustrate the boat and the entertainment product. Some are silly, but I think we got a few that might work. These are for use on the DQ Hotel websits (to visit CLICK HERE). At least these will enable them to finally take down the entertainment photos of the American Queen stage! Those are the only entertainment photos they had, but as many of you know, nobody could every confuse the AQ stage with the DQ stage (and yet, I wouldn’t trade for this cozy, special old place!). Laura and I are so excited to get our shows up and running soon. We’ll keep you posted on the developments. Enjoy the pictures. Click on them to see them larger.

The Delta Queen at Chattanooga's Coolidge Park.

Yes, I know. I’ve received your many requests for pictures of the boat at her new home. Here is the Delta Queen docked at Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park. The park is on the north shore of the Tennessee River, directly across from downtown.  This first photo is taken from the Market Street Bridge looking upriver with the park off to the left. Yes, she is docked facing downriver. This is rare for a riverboat (and boy was it a feat of piloting when Captain John Dugger and Captain Finley Frasier nestled her in here back in February by threading her thought the bridge spans in a 40 mph wind!).

The park is beautiful and apparently a Chattanooga favorite. It’s pretty quiet during the weekdays, but afternoons, evening and weekends, it is hopping! There is an old carousel in the building in the far upper left corner with the bright blue roof. It is a big draw.

This second photo is also taken from the Market Street Bridge, but looking back toward the river and across toward downtown. The small island in the upper left is McClellan Island, an 18-acre Audubon Society bird sanctuary. The old railroad bridge in the background is now a pedestrian bridge and connects Coolidge Park to downtown.

Alterations are underway to the dock and connections are being made to the city water and wastewater services. There’s a lot happening and it is really interesting to watch it all unfold. Stay tuned!

Interesting article comparing the Delta Queen’s new career to California’s Delta King. CLICK HERE.

Here’s the next Chattanooga Times Free Press installment: CLICK HERE.