Samuel Ward Stanton's drawing of the famed Newburgh, New York steamboat HIGHLANDER as she appeared on the Hudson River in 1835.
Newburgh, New York was a booming river town that developed into a monopolized commerce center for the citizens of the Lower Hudson Valley. Much freight, especially produce and livestock was going south to New York City and steamboats were needed to get those goods to its destination. Furthermore, travelers who needed to commute to various towns found these vessels accommodating for the purpose. This was the era of the 19th century and river commuting was the beginning of a new form of travel.
Early brothers Bard watercolor depicting HIGHLANDER's 1835 appearance. Both renditions had to be carefully studied for accuracy and proper re-configuration in order to build an accurate scale model.
While researching and building steamboat models in New York's Capital region during the '80s and '90s, I was fascinated with the discoveries I encountered concerning steamboat designs of the 1830 period. I had built models from the 1840s to the present, but never considered those vessels built past Robert Fulton's CLERMONT.
Many contemporary builders had no knowledge of these early sidewheel types, so no models were available to work from -let alone, plans. Only one such work existed on an early steamboat of this period and that was produced by noted modelmaker Forrest Van Loon Ryder out of Coxsackie, New York during the 1950s. This model was HIGHLANDER, one of several Hudson River steamboats he built for collectors, museums and those interested in these prolific boats.
A vintage model of HIGHLANDER built by the late Forrest Van Loon Ryder which is now on display at the Captain David Crawford House Museum in Newburgh, New York. There, five other Ryder models are exhibited; all at 1/8" = 1' Scale.
In 1980 I was commissioned to copy Mr. Ryder's MARY POWELL for a corporation which the model later became a topic of conversation with business executives at the time. I then decided to venture out and research MARY POWELL to design my own plan set relative to having an accurate model enter the Hudson Valley. These soon became highend collectibles of note. However, Ryder was my inspiration from which I drew the ability to explore, research and study the American steamboat -beginning with those that operated on the Hudson River.
HIGHLANDER c.1835 - profile plan at 3/32" = 1' scale. Research for this work was based on the brothers Bard watercolor and Samuel Ward Stanton's drawing which included supportive dimensional data of the vessel at the time of her construction.
In the Fall of 2011 a colector from the Newburgh Region proposed a line of steamboat models which included HIGHLANDER. This proposition became the anticipated opportunity to finally research and build a true 1830 replica of a Hudson River sidewheeler. With the experience and credentials established over a thirty year period, it wasn't difficult to configure this vessel's appearance.
The client was very specific about his collection. He wanted all three sidewheelers to be constructed at 3/32" = 1' scale which made little room for error regarding hull dimensions, beam width and deck layout.
HIGHLANDER was a walking beam type steamer that carried her stacks and boilers on the guards away from the hull. Knowing this fact made plan drawings easier to develop...and within two weeks I was able to produce some prolific plans (for the first time) concerning an early steamboat. I now had the formula for designing these vintage gems.
Work-in-progress showing the underside features of HIGHLANDER. Notice the early design pattern of the Northeast sidewheeler. Most steamboats of this period omitted bottom rims which secured and protected the paddles. It is possible that the paddles, including the wheel system, was made of oak -giving way to these buckets being bolted to the stems of the wheels so to allow this feature to last several years without rotting.
Port bow view showing HIGHLANDER's auxiliary flagstaff. upon viewing several Bard paintings and Stanton drawings, I discovered that this odd apparatus was carried and used to attach company house flags and pendants.
Early steamboat models I built during the '80s and '90s featured handpainted flags made of soft metal. These were treated with acrylic base to prevent chipping. In recent times I now apply treated paper flags using the same applications. However, the paper flags are more life-like, especially when these are folded to give a breeze effect.
Maritime artist and shipmodel specialist Rex Stewart carefully applies the walking beam engine to the HIGHLANDER model. Nearly 140 seperate wood pieces make up this detail.
Starboard overview illustrates the strengthening process of a steamboat of this period. The blue-colored kingposts, spars and hogframes, reinforced with steel tie rods, were placed in strategic points on the vessel to secure areas where the most strain existed -primarily at the stern and amidship around the paddlewheels. So that this odd structure didn't take away from the steamer's design, the kingposts and spars were adorned with gilded balls and, occasionally woodsculpted eagles.
Port profile of Newburgh, New York steamboat HIGHLANDER c.1835. Scratch-built solely in wood at a scale of 3/32" = 1'.
History:
HIGHLANDER was built for the company of Thomas, Johnson and Wardrop in 1935. Her length on the keel was 160 feet with a beam of 24 feet. Her depth of hold was 8 feet and her overall length was complete at 175 feet.
Made of wood, her hull was built at the shipyard of Lawrence and Sneden in New York. The vertical beam engine was constructed at West Point Foundry in Cold Spring, New York. She carried two boilers on the guards; both of iron. Her paddlewheels were 24 feet in diameter with 10 foot length buckets that dipped 29 inches.
This unique steamboat carried a 'cookie-jar' pilothouse on the skydeck with a fancy bell attachment on the roof behind the gilded eagle ornament which sat center. When she entered service on the Hudson River she was one of the best and fastest boats to run. She operated on the Newburgh-New York Line until the steamer THOMAS POWELL appeared in 1846. HIGHLANDER was then used as an excursion boat and later ran for the Freight and Passage Line between Rondout and New York City until 1852. The following year she was taken south to the Delaware River and used as a towboat before being dismantled in 1866. Her engine was erected in the new towboat replacing her which was named WILLIAM H. ASPINWALL.
Commission 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 about my line of work kindly email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. To view my work and credentials, visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart. Thanks for viewing.
Towboat AMERICA, New York c.1852 - James Bard. Collection of the Albany Institute of History and Art c.1982
The Hudson River has been the subject of great admiration for many decades, both for its reminenscent beauty and prolific history. From Native-Americans to European Industrialists, the river has accumulated a notable wealth not matched. Historical accounts, especially from foreign dignitaries have attested of the river's beauty and pictureques towns along the shoreline.
With this stretch of water from New York City to Troy, New York, there came an invention of the steamboat monopoly. It was first tested in the southern tier of the United States , but its first successful run was on the Hudson River with the famed CLERMONT -built by Robert Fulton in 1807. From that day onward the river soon became a busy waterway for all types of commercial craft, large and small.
One type of vessel entering this water highway was the sidewheel towboat. These magnificent machines would prove worthy in the annals of American maritime. The AMERICA was a steamboat that was built strictly for towing. Most steamboats of her time were passenger steamers converted into tow steamers , but AMERICA was one of several built exclusively for this type of service. She was a massive sidewheeler and ranked as the third largest tow to appear on the Hudson River in 1852.
Profile plan of Hudson River towboat AMERICA c.1852, as researched and drawn by maritime artist, historian and craftsman Rex Stewart c.1987
I admired James Bard painting of AMERICA that hung in the East Wing of the Albany Institute of History and Art during my tenure as an art student. It was this painting which inspired my research, twenty years later, to develop a rare set of one-of-a-kind plans on the famous towboat.
What made AMERICA so special to research and build was that she was commissioned, built and owned by an American man of color in an age when the country was moving toward Civil War and racial division. It was unheard of in those times for any man of this background to own a commercial steamboat monopoly such as the one owned and operated by Samuel B. Schuyler out of Albany, New York. Even today, some 120 years later, it's unheard of in America's maritime that a contemporary man of color is designing and building unique one-of-a-kind steamboats of America's past. Yet, it's these events that has motivated my ability to grasp and comprehend the American steamboat in minute detail as never before.
Mr. Schuyler who captained steamboats, before opening his business which he called the Schuyler Line, remained pliant to the needs of the communities which he served. He was well respected among his peers and celebrated by steamboatmen up and down the Hudson Valley, especially when his successful towing business ran in unison with the two other companies in the area which was the Austin Line and the Betts Line.
Samuel B. Schuyler's steamboat stock share c.1873 - Schuyler Towing Line
AMERICA was built in 1852 at Brooklyn, New York. At 212' feet she was one of the largest tows to service the Albany-New York City route. Not only was she a large vessel, but she was heralded for her Herculean power and beautiful lines.
Building this rare scale replica was a test of both skill and ingenuity. No such plans were existant in the Hudson Valley -or in the entire State of New York. Sixty years prior, a prolific modelbuilder named Forrest Van Loon Ryder made the same claim when his models appeared during the late '50s - early '60s. And though his steamboats were limited in detail, he became the respected forerunner of his day. Since then, with painstaking research and countless hours, bringing together details that have been overlooked for decades, I have been fortunate to develop a body of works that has not been rivalled. I felt it was important to research and build (from my own plans) the steamboat as it actually appeared for the period; the towboat AMERICA being one of them.
Maritime artist and craftsman/historian Rex Stewart working on one of his signature steamboat models, the Hudson River sidewheel towboat AMERICA c.1853. Here, he carefully rigs the American flag to the rail.
AMERICA's fanciful paddleboxes and prolific hogframe system made her the steamboat to model. Furthermore, in my arsenal of steamboats, she made for a handsome nautical accent for those owning or had desired to own river-related memorabilia.
Many hours went into designing her rare and distinctive plans, based on the James Bard painting of 1852 and a later photo which showed her 1875 appearance from an old glass negative of my late friend, Herman Boyle. Those references proved invaluable and priceless to my research -as well as her dimensional data from the publication Marine Engineering.
Towboat AMERICA's walking beam marine engine. Made entirely of wood, approxi- mately 154 pieces make up this detailed miniature. These models are museum collector pieces and are well respected in the maritime steamboat community.
It took approximately a week to research, scale and finish the plans; and one month to complete the 1/8" = 1' build. This type model is the first ever to come on the circuit as a Hudson River steamboat collectible and has been a favorite among this genre of enthusiasts. The supporting photos shows the beauty and size of this once famous 'work horse'. Her accurate appearance of 1853. Her career ended in 1902 when she was broken up at Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
Port View -River Towsteamer AMERICA c.1853, Rex Stewart
Port Overview Detail -AMERICA c.1853 , Wood Model
Starboard View of Hudson River Towboat AMERICA c.1853
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 contact me at: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details. To view my work and credentials, please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart
Sidewheeler MARY POWELL docked at Rondour Creek, N.Y. c.1887
Collectible and rare, the MARY POWELL is one of the most prolific steamboat models to date. No other model has been sought after on a collector scale of northeastern vessels than that of the MARY POWELL. My history and experience with this subject has been time-tested to bring awareness to collectors and the shipmodel community that this particular steamboat is the gem of the Northeast and New York's Hudson River.
One of the most informative picture books published by Howell-North Books in California during the 1970s, it detailed the history of this famous steamer.
Models of MARY POWELL had made their appearance in 1959 when Forrest Van Loon Ryder started building them. These models are in several notable collections today. There were other riverboat models that Van Loon built, but nothing so articulate as the MARY POWELL. It was thought that his version would be the only in existance, but it became apparent that a more thoroughly researched model would surface twenty years later.
My first encounter with the model began while studying at the Albany Institute of History and Art as a youth. As I developed my draftsman skills and advanced as a pencillist, I began studying blueprints from model kits I bought from money made as a paper carrier for the Albany Times Union. Those experiences, along with studying the clipper ship model at the local Boy's Club, guided me into the genre of the American steamboat...with my first model of MARY POWELL being built that September of 1980.
The 1980 model was commissioned by Albany International when the Albany Institute of History and Art declined selling the Van Loon Ryder version to the corporation. In fact, the model was chosen by New York's First Lady as part of the Governor's Mansion decor during their tenure. Soon thereafter, several models were built at my Knox Street studio. Then finally, 32 years later, a collector who was familiar with my steamboat line ( from media sources), negotiated a rare model of "the Queen". He wanted her researched and constructed as she first appeared in 1861.
Maritime artist and modelshipbuilder Rex Stewart at his New England studio drafting the first-ever 1861 profile version of steamboat MARY POWELL.
To begin the process I needed a point of reference. Her varied dimensions were off by several feet; but overall, I was able to achieve accurate measurements by keeping them neutral. The point of reference that I applied for scaling the profile was the Andrew Fletcher blueprint of MARY POWELL's vertical beam engine. The profile was designed around the drawing which enabled me to acquire the correct scale. This, in part, coupled with the Endicott lithos and James Bard painting, helped to get an accurate rendition of the vessel's original appearance.
Bard painting of 1861 shows MARY POWELL as she originally appeared on the river.
Profile plan at 3/32" = 1' scale of MARY POWELL c.1861 by author Rex Stewart
Shown in this photo is the hull and joiner work of the knees and strakes beneath the guards. In this process the deck portion of the hull must be properly planed for the superstructure to align properly.
Rear cabins are the most challenging part of the build. These must curve and bend smoothly to align properly with the main deck so that the Saloon Deck (above) can be flush for handling the Hurricane Deck. The rail detail would be the final application around the cabins on these decks.
MARY POWELL shown at a further stage of build with stanchions, rails and cabins in place. At 3/32" Scale, this is tedious work -and the stanchion posts, though fragile, must be shaved to scale and strong enough to handle the next deck without damage. To address this, basswood strips are carefully glued between the spacing to serve as miniature beams.
MARY POWELL's bow was graceful and swan-like. Her double red pinstripes on the hull beneath the guards were a unique feature that made her appearance quite elegant to the river commuters of her day. No other Hudson River steamer carried this -double pinstripes.
Further along in the build, shown are all the decks and the stern superstructure. Cabins, stanchion posts, railings and spars all come together to bring about the image that made MARY POWELL a legend...as well as an object of beauty.
The completed model showing MARY POWELL's amidship detail. This view shows the meticulous superstructure of the Hudson River "Queen" from walking beam down to her painted paddlewheels. The small donkey boiler behind the paddlebox was a tedious application and a unique feature that placed the steam- boat in a class of her own.
Steamboat MARY POWELL c.1861, 3/32' scale wood model - Rex Stewart
Hudson River steamboat MARY POWELL, the final completion. Based upon the references of both James Bard painting and the Endicott prints, along with writings of various authors and historians, this model is considered to be the only model produced in the State of New York -showing her original appearance as "the Queen of the Hudson" when entering service in 1861.
I am thankful to The Lord for granting me this opportunity to be the first artist to design her plans -and the first to construct her early appearance.
For more information concerning commissioned work for any and all Hudson River steamboats, email me at: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details. These are museum quality fine models. One of a kind pieces that accurately define the vessel as it appeared at any given time in its career. Also for the discerning collector, my works and credentials are found here at https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart. Thanks for viewing!
MARY POWELL, in her 1880-81 overhaul appearance, is shown steaming north- bound to her Rondout homeport. The New York skyline is behind her.
The WAR of 1812 and the Civil War were American battles that were uniquely connected by the family of Mary Ludlow Powell. And with this connection were two famous vessels, the first (War of 1812) began with Ms. Ludlow's history when her eldest brother, Robert Ludlow, was assigned to the American frigate CONSTITUTION which fought and defeated the British frigate JAVA that December. Her other brother, Augustus Ludlow, was on the CHESAPEAKE serving as First Lieutenant when the ship engaged H.M.S. SHANNON off Boston on June 1, 1813.
The author's CONSTITUTION GUNDECK showing the gunner's braced to fire with the first lieutenant giving the order. Robert Ludlow could be one of those men at the cannon.
After the war, Mary married a prominent businessman named Thomas Powell who established a steamboat line in 1835. The business lasted ten years and was transferred to the Anderson and Romer Families due to fierce steamboat competition in the Hudson Valley.
Steamboats were now being acquired by different firms and there was need for fast and swift boats. In 1860 a celebrated New York-Albany dayboat entered the river and gained prominence after she raced and beat ARMENIA. That steamboat was the DANIEL DREW.
Captain Anderson, viweing this powerful steamer as she passed his Kingston dock, knew it was time to upgrade and build a new boat that would eventually be the talk of the entire valley. That vessel would be the inevitable MARY POWELL dubbed "Queen of the Hudson".
She became the heart of American folklore as she plied the Hudson, and was heralded both in the Northeast and across the Atlantic. For 55 years she commuted on the river and touched at every port-of-call. She was beautiful as she was fast, surpassing many records of her contemporaries with no loss of life. She ran her last trip in 1920.
Work-in-progress of MARY POWELL showing her rare original configuration of 1861. No current models exist of her in this state. Author, Rex Stewart
The MARY POWELL model is highly sought after in the collectible market today. In my experience as historian/modelmaker, I discovered this subject matter exhibited in many places of renown both in the state of New York and abroad. I first discovered the steamboat model while attending art classes at the Albany Institute of History and Art as a youth. I was awed and fascinated with the overall detail the MARY POWELL carried. At every opportunity I went to the Museum to study its configurations and faithfully sketched the details; only to file them away for future reference.
Some twenty five years later I received a commission from a local corporation to build MARY POWELL for the President's Room at Albany International. That build granted me access to the entire Hudson River Valley via media.
Author's model of MARY POWELL in the President's Room of Albany International c.1980.
It wasn't long thereafter that prominent businessmen and women in both the area and region recognized I was the premiere builder of the Northeast steamboat; inpartricular, the Hudson River types. These affluent individuals were now converted collectors.
Bankers, lawyers, curators, corporate ceos. Physicians, publishers, antique dealers and families of the steamboat lineage collected them. There were others -too many to mention. But it was the media that magnified this genre to new and interesting circles, placing it in a class of its own from that time to 'today'.
Albany artist Rex Stewart appearing on the popular television show "City-Closeup" discussing, in part, his prominence as the Hudson valley's premiere modelmaker of steamboats.
Today, there exist MARY POWELL models which are both antique and contemporary. Few are accurate -but overall, nice presentations of the "Queen". Several are at museums in New York State and one is at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. At the time of this writing I learned that a model of POWELL's vertical beam engine is at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut, a place where I exhibited for two decades.
For years I have studied and built this prolific model for clients, but only as she appeared in 1887. However, in my research, I found no models existing of her as she originally appeared. Finally, a collector in the Lower Hudson Valley contacted me and negotiated her 1861 build.
Profile plan of the original MARY POWELL c.1861 by maritime artist Rex Stewart
MARY POWELL displayed at the collector's estate in Newburgh, New York
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 more information contact me at: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details. To view my work and credentials, please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart. Thank you for viewing!
