Starboard bow profile highlighting the Union and American flags as
they appeared on the FRANCIS SKIDDY during her maiden voyage
that summer of 1852.
My work has always been regarded by many notables for being historically accurate; particularly those steamboats that operated throughout New England and the much-heralded Hudson River Valley. In my line of work, I feature this prolific model that I modified from plans originally drafted in 1985.
This second part series focus on both the build and the vicinity where the collector of this model resides. There's no question he has amassed some of the most accurate steamboat models in the Hudson Valley today. But what strikes me as 'intriguing' is his timing in acquiring them and his effectiveness in showcasing quality pieces that many New York State museums don't have in their collections.
As a native New Yorker, born and raised in Albany, New York, I was fortunate to become part of the maritime fabric relative to both Hendrick Hudson's HALF MOON design and the steamboats that operated on the Hudson River. In both genres I realized I had the opportunity to explore and expand my research -associating with those who had strong and affluent ties to the river. Over the years, because of this association, I became connected to various towns and cities up and down this waterway -with Newburgh being the latest discovery to the list.
Plan modifications revised in red ink for those highlighted areas concerning the
hogframes, smokestacks and trusses. Also modified were boilers from photos I
used relative to the Kingston steamboat THOMAS CORNELL.
.
Close-up view featuring opened sliding door (starboard) at saloon cabin
with rigged lifeboat...Inside, I made custom patterned carpeting to simulate
a detail commonly featured on these vessels during those times.
Much talk traveled on the river from New York City to Albany, New York during the 1840s about a massive steamboat that would soon join the fleet of heralded steamers operating on the Hudson. Many businessmen, and mariner alike, were contemplating this vessel. It would be the first of its kind anywhere.
At the shipyard of George Collyer in New York City, the keel was laid in 1850 for the large dayboat. The following year, under the scrutiny of draftsmen, businessmen and investors, the wood hull and superstructure began to take form...FRANCIS SKIDDY was now becoming a reality.
which include the miniature mural painting of the Hudson Highlands.
FRANCIS SKIDDY began trips in June of 1852. She was a steamboat of meticulous design and grandeur -the largest and finest vessel of the period. By all standards she was considered the zenith of steamboat architecture and the first four-stacker to make such an appearance. Her cabins were spacious -being finished in polished mahogany for which steamboats of this era was noted. The main cabin was in the hull, extending the entire length; and dining tables were made to seat 500 people.
Aside from these accommodations, FRANCIS SKIDDY was a dayboat which meant speed was a dire factor for her success. She made good on her performance between New York City and Albany by arriving at six landings on the 146 mile route in a record 7 1/2 hours. Her travel started from New York in the morning to Albany -returning back to the city at night.
Starboard deck overview show completion of hogframe, tierod and smokestack
piping systems...Also on this deck between the paddleboxes, a small portion
of the roof is left unpainted. This area will house the A frame that will
support the walking beam engine and its various pistons and crankshaft.
The author's detailed replica of the FRANCIS SKIDDY walking beam
engine based on the plans provided by the late Everett C. Britz. He was a
New York businessman and avid collector of steamboat memorabilia. The
plans for this engine were drafted by the students of Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute when the SKIDDY was docked at Troy, New York as a nightboat.
Mr. Britz served on R.P.I.'s college board during the 1980s and remained
a serious collector of my models; one, being this piece he commissioned
in 1987.
Those who witnessed this awesome steamboat, whether shoreline or in river passing attested the fact that she was very spacious and a fine craft in artistry. Her performance was first rate as a large vessel. She was wide and long. Her length was 322 feet and she carried a hull beam of 38 feet. Her depth of hold was 10 feet and 4 inches while her water draft was listed as 5 feet 6 inches.The large vertical beam engine she housed was built by James Cunningham and Co. Her four impressive boilers and 40 foot paddlewheels which carried 24 buckets to each wheel were built by John F. Rodman out of New York City.
For a period of three years FRANCIS SKIDDY operated as a dayboat, being celebrated by artists and writers, alike. She was a favorite to the general public. However, her career was short-lived, as she was removed from service and greatly altered to become a nightboat. Instead of Albany being her upstate port, she was docked further north at Troy, running at different periods with the steamboats COMMODORE, HENDRICK HUDSON, RIP VAN WINKLE and C. VANDERBILT.
On the night of November 5, 1864 while travelling southbound, she ran ashore at Staatsburgh and sunk. The hull was later broken up and the engine was placed in the new steamboat DEAN RICHMOND which docked at Albany.
Here, we have a history concerning one of the great steamboats of Hudson River lore, but equally exciting, we now have accurate models that depict how these vessels appeared in their heyday of service. The remaining data of my contribution to this history is not to rewrite what was already written; but rather take the history of these vessels to another area that has rarely been touched. That area are these one of a kind replicas which have rarely been seen in the collectibles market.
Finding the detail work satisfactory in both construction and finish of the
hurricane deck, I proceeded to work on the miniature lifeboats (to scale)
from a solid piece of pine -using my custom templates to assist. Notice the
miniature oars on top of the Kennedy half dollar.
My next approach was the pilothouse, but only after inspecting and evaluating
the saloon deck details. As with all the superstructure, carving panels around the
windows was painstakingly time consuming. Most challenging was to avoid
cutting too deep into the wood -as this would cause paint to seep into the crevice
and mar the simulated windows.
Detail close-up of finished pilothouse...
The next step of the build would now be the walking beam engine which would
be the final finish to the project -and one which is most tedious due to all the small
pieces required to make it. Here, I re-work the plans so that the positioning of the
engine is accurate. And since it will be entirely of wood no error can be made.
Shown is the work in progress of the A frame and completed engine.
With each commissioned model, I'm always asked to provide a custom case. Usually, my cases are made with simplicity. The case should never be so attractive that it 'fights' with the model. The case is there to protect it and keep the model as the 'showcase'...As a result of this principle, my clients have chosen to work with me -and their colleagues work with me because they view the model and lose themselves in the details...as it should be.
the saloon deck details. As with all the superstructure, carving panels around the
windows was painstakingly time consuming. Most challenging was to avoid
cutting too deep into the wood -as this would cause paint to seep into the crevice
and mar the simulated windows.
Detail close-up of finished pilothouse...
be the final finish to the project -and one which is most tedious due to all the small
pieces required to make it. Here, I re-work the plans so that the positioning of the
engine is accurate. And since it will be entirely of wood no error can be made.
The beginning process showing the finished steam valve system and the early build of the
cylinder piston rods for the engine.
The A frame takes form...
Port view close up of finished walking beam engine.
Deck view of beam engine from starboard. The complete build of this intricate work
took approximately five days.
Head-on bow view showing the beauty and sleekness of steamboat FRANCIS SKIDDY during her first appearance in 1852. One could only imagine what people saw when she arrived and departed from those landings.
Another head-on bow view (from starboard) of the FRANCIS SKIDDY.
Steamboat model FRANCIS SKIDDY c.1852 - port profile overview
Steamboat model FRANCIS SKIDDY c.1852 - starboard profile overview
As I'm about to come to a close, I reflect on how many have supported my work over the years. I have been very fortunate to meet outstanding individuals who have given me the best of their hospitality, friendships, and references. My gift to them (and others) have been to pay it forward by remaining in this genre. Again, I've said it many years ago; and I continue to say it "that we are not islands, but people who need each other for the betterment of one another." So is the case here.
There are a few more images to post, but I must give a thumbs up to Newburgh, New York and the stellar hospitality I have received from the collector who commissioned these works. A thumbs up to those from that area who provided great service to us at their waterfront restaurants. To the law enforcement officer that assisted my personal and professional pursuits via social media; and lastly, to several historians who unselfishly shared their expertise on the city and region relative to it's maritime and citizens. This has been a great 40 year journey... Not just with commissions, but in the projection of knowing we have a Society that still appreciate history -at all levels and all genres, especially the maritime.
Now to close with the remaining images...
Francis Skiddy painting dated 1859 by noted maritime artist James Bard.
Many of my steamboat models were fashioned around what available paintings
were attainable to assist my blueprints. Because of my drafting skills (which I
developed as a teenager), former curators and antique dealers considered
such plans to be the most accurate and the best in New York State.
Port profile based on the above image of the 1859 Bard painting.
Starboard profile (in reverse) based on the James Bard painting.
A view looking south through the northern gateway of the Hudson Highlands from the waterfront pier at Newburgh, New York. The pier which runs along the revitalized commercial area of the city, has a unique array of restaurants that host fine food and people. It bustles year round -as this photo was taken by our daughter, Rexavia, during a brisk late morning in January. We were there to deliver the steamboat model to the Collector.
The Hudson Highlands is the feature painted on the paddleboxes of famed steamboat FRANCIS SKIDDY. This location of waterfront accommodated the citizens with both ferry and steamboat service of which the SKIDDY was one of them.
Window view from the Collector's home showing the town and hills of Beacon,
New York. With the beautiful steamboat paintings he has to accent the models, this
view is honorable.
Library Parlor...
Here, in between the sitting area are featured two prolific steamboats I built while residing in New England. On the east bookcase sits the renowned steamboat ALBANY as she appeared when first built; and on the west case the MARY POWELL is featured -also in her original livery... Throughout his home, these thoroughly researched (and carefully planned) models accent areas where the visitor will follow the history of Hudson River steamboating from its early years to its final closure with ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Midship view details from starboard...
With each commissioned model, I'm always asked to provide a custom case. Usually, my cases are made with simplicity. The case should never be so attractive that it 'fights' with the model. The case is there to protect it and keep the model as the 'showcase'...As a result of this principle, my clients have chosen to work with me -and their colleagues work with me because they view the model and lose themselves in the details...as it should be.
When custom making my cases, I also produce my own stains...something I learned while exhibiting in the antique venues at Brimfield, MA years ago. My work is contemporary, but much of it carry the 'antique' flair which accent a unique blend of presentation which is "traditional -contemporary". My models fit into this category, along with my sculptures. Also, many of my past work carry handscripted wooden plaques as shown in this image.
This concludes the blog on FRANCIS SKIDDY. I appreciate my viewers and look forward to presenting more subject matter on those prolific steamboats that ran on our Hudson River. Again, I relish the fact that I can still produce them in my maturity...thanking all of you for being part of the legacy.
Commissioned work can be honored for any and all Hudson River steamboats. These are fine, one of a kind models that accurately define the vessel as it appeared at any given time of its career. For information please email Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details.
To view my work and credentials please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals
Thank you for viewing!
