Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own...The Finale

The promenade and shade deck both boast the modern streamlined curves of HENDRICK HUDSON as presented in this port bow view of the model -shown as she appeared in 1909.

 

Steamboat models carry a unique history to them. I can honestly claim this with my forty year track record having them in galleries, businesses and homes. These were reminders of our Industrial Age, the progress made by those who desired to expand and establish cultures in a Nation that struggled with its freedoms.

I would have never known about this hidden jewel of American society if it weren't for my early membership at the USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild (Boston, MA) in 1979. With a thirst for applying my skills to the modelmaking medium, I attentively read their newsletters and soon embraced subscription to publications they recommended in all phases of ship models...And from such I ordered plans of the Hudson River steamboat ARMENIA to begin my journey as a builder of steamboat models.

My love for history gradually established my credentials as a prolific historian who desired to exhaust every avenue of research on the subjects I pursued. The steamboat was an untapped subject matter that many really knew nothing about (as I would learn from my associations and memberships). This was not a put down of their knowledge, just an observation that gave me opportunity to establish what wasn't truly established in those early years of steamboat modelmaking. Shipyards were important in those builds and I had to study how each shipyard produced its vessels so that my work would be accurate and proportioned correctly...Shipyards had photo data; and in some cases, plans of their vessels which were not always complete, but enough for a seasoned builder to assess and piece together the missing parts.

The shipyard of the T.S. Marvel Company in Newburgh, New York was the pinnacle of some of the finest looking vessels anywhere. It produced business mongul's J.P. Morgan's yacht Corsair in 1891 which was one of America's finest yachts. CORSAIR, being fast and sleek was called into military service during the Spanish-American War and later returned back to the Morgan Family. This was one of the great achievements of the Marvel Company until the building of the luxury passenger steamboat HENDRICK HUDSON.

Yacht CORSAIR in American waters after the Spanish-American War...Below, postcard showing HENDRICK HUDSON departing the capital city of Albany, New York enroute to New York City -circa early 1900s.

I have always sought the best from  my modelmaking experience; even the smallest detail that's discarded or overlooked. I know how important it is for refining or defining excellence and don't mind taking that extra step to get those results. Of all the steamboat models I built for clients, HENDRICK HUDSON was the 'flagship' -simply because she was built to honor New York State and celebrate the city where she was built and the river that carried the explorer's namesake.

I was fortunate to be selected by the heir, himself, to build the first model that he gave nod to in 1987...and now this one, which is a step higher in both research and detail.

Working on the pilothouse was demanding and needed much work due to its scale.  The steering wheels had to be visible enough to show how the steering housing on the lower decks aligned. I realized early in my career that a 'see-thru system' reeled in clients who understood balance and accuracy in the work...It was about the work and how passionate I was about it -the work.

After the wheel was carefully centered on the pilothouse base, the next step was to build the cabin to fit that base. I lost count the number of times I flawed in this area, but enjoyed the satisfaction of rewriting the script. The Hudson Valley was going to have a second HENDRICK HUDSON exhibited at the birthplace of its origin, Newburgh.

Three supporting photos (below) show the start and finish of the pilothouse.

  

What more can I say about this fascinating vessel that hasn't already been said. She was beautiful, luxurious, sleek, and fast. My place in its history is the fact that I hold titleship of authenticating her in miniature beyond what seasonal craftsmen have done. I write this in observance of contemporary times.

So many images have been recorded of her in paintings, photos and videos; but, very few models exist...which is why it's so pertinent to have these built, as there are only two in the entire Hudson Valley between Albany and New York City -and one at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Newburgh during those times had intrinsic beauty...Aside from the T.S. Marvel Shipyard, mansions lined its shore to give spectacular views of the river. The Hudson Highlands, Beacon, and West Point were landmarks in the city vicinity where locals, tourists and commuters, alike, enjoyed viewing as they cruised the river. Many vintage and contemporary photos showed this vibrancy of both ferry and steamboat of those days. The river was not solemn, it was hustle and bustle.

Even when HENDRICK HUDSON performed her trial run that August of 1906, it was hustle...and bustle. It didn't discriminate. Every culture participated, including men of color who served on the Hudson River Day Line vessels. Shown in this photo are crew and personnel of the HENDRICK HUDSON. The year is 1920.

When I became a member of the Steamship Historical Society in 1986, it was because of the steamboat model MARY POWELL I built for Albany International president Everett C. Reed (five years prior). I was invited to exhibit at the Albany Tricentennial which was held at the Empire State Plaza that year.

Several members of the Society approached my booth and asked if the model belonged to the Albany Institute of History and Art. My response was that the Institute's model was chosen by the Governor's wife, Matilda, to be part of the Mansion's decor...and that Everett wanted to purchase it for his office, but learned that there was a local builder who was available to create an exact model. This would be the beginning of my career -connecting me with an affluent Albany attorney and Governor Mario Cuomo.

One piece of pine would change the mindset of millions and bring back memories of a lost maritime, the Hudson River steamboats and the famed Hudson River Day Line.

 https://youtube.com/watch?v=5kwzud3rsJw

HENDRICK HUDSON making her maiden voyage up the Hudson River in August 1906.

Stmr. HENDRICK HUDSON off Poughkeepsie during maiden voyage...

Here, the majestic steamboat HENDRICK HUDSON docks for loading to continue its afternoon trip south to Newburgh c.1912.

Upon cruising south to Newburgh, this would have been what the passengers of those times would have seen on the steamer's forward decks...the river's grandiose view of the Hudson Highlands. This image was taken by our daughter when we visited to deliver the model.

The view below show a similar angle, but the year is 1932. It features HENDRICK HUDSON arriving at Newburgh's port of call as passengers view the approaching dock on a mid summer afternoon. The rippled waves and billowing flags indicate a river breeze which was highly favored during those arid days of steamboating.

As I modeled the HENDRICK HUDSON I often asked myself what the city of Newburgh was like in its heyday. Visiting the collector of these models, and interacting with some via telephone or internet helped to entertain my curiosity and convince me that it was, indeed, a highly diverse city. Not just with industry, but with people from various backgrounds and culture.

Each deck... each rail... each cabin that I put in place - and topping it off with international flags of the period was resounding proof that the Hudson Valley was indeed a place of beauty and steamboating entwined and interlocked these cultures as is the evidence in the supporting images. The collector, a former Navy Veteran, had a vision to put together an impressive body of steamboats from the early designs of the 1830s to the 1920s with the last remaining sidewheeler being theALEXANDER HAMILTON. It was this cumulative body of works that sparked my interest to research deeper into those cultures (starting with Newburgh).

These Fourth of July photos of 1947, while the steamboats HENDRICK HUDSON, ROBERT FULTON, ALEXANDER HAMILTON and PETER STUYVESANT were still operating for the Day Line, show a vibrant city in celebration.

Newburgh was a vibrant city and had beautiful architecture, especially in the vicinity of Grand, Broadway, Water and High Streets. There were others, but the scenery surrounding these areas were second to none. The parks were also a wonder to both resident and tourist alike...as everything was cultural and attractive. So much so that it brought President Ulysses S. Grant there for a visit after the Civil War...via steamboat.

For the forty-plus years I been building steamboat models of the Northeast, I've taken great care to research and design some of the best plans which have produced some of the best models to be seen anywhere, especially in the Hudson Valley. They are the signature to the Hudson River and its Valley. 

Just recently the daughter of the last steamboat captain who passed away last summer in 2019, wrote to commend the fine model of ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Like her predecessors HENDRICK HUDSON and WASHINGTON IRVING; she too, carried the triple expansion incline engine. HENDRICK HUDSON was Newburgh's pride because she was built there.

   

Captain Edward M. Grady at the helm of ALEXANDER HAMILTON the summer of 1971 -shown as he steer the steamboat at West Point. This was the final run (and salute to the famed sidewheeler and captain) which ended the glorious chapter of the Hudson River Day Line.

Below, the image of ALEXANDER HAMILTON departing West Point on her last season of service.

There's much overlooked history concerning the Hudson River Day Line and its steamboats. Much of it hidden in the archives of steamboat families; and yet, other documents of note in the archives of museums and historical societies. I realize it would take four generations to absorb it all but from my perspective as an artist, craftsman and historian, I find that my purpose is to bring out the excellence of detailed models many contemporaries of today take for granted. For decades this has been the case, but I have been fortunate to connect with serious individuals who have listened, communicated and funded my discoveries by way of commissions and writings to bring to light real documentation over folklore.

This finale centers around one of the most luxurious steamboats that ever operated on one of the world's most luxurious rivers, the Hudson River in New York State. And in celebration to it, HENDRICK HUDSON was built in honor of the English captain Henry Hudson who sailed for the Dutch in 1609 on their commissioned ship HALVE MAEN (HALF MOON) to make the discovery.

As a result, New York became a multi-cultural entity and its steamboats paved the way to join those entities by flying their flags on its staffs -celebrating those cultures and their contributions to the region of Newburgh and the Hudson Valley.

The last images are of the HENDRICK HUDSON model, and the other models that I built which are placed throughout the residence of this prolific collector...And it closes with a statement Governor Andrew M. Cuomo made only a few months prior to the writing of this blog. That statement is: "No one in this State should ever feel intimidated or threatened because of who they are or how they look. Diversity is our greatest strength - it's one of the things that makes New York great. And, in difficult times we need to band together even tighter."

I leave you with these final images and raise my glass to all those who still have a memory of their times on these vessels, the commuters.

Below, the selected area of display in Newburgh, New York for the HENDRICK HUDSON model.

Other earlier steamboats I built for this collection...

Not all the models are shown, but it gives the viewer a perspective of how elegant they are as interior design pieces -and as historical accents of New York's maritime heritage through the diversity of its people.

As a collectible and investment, I produce these models with as much accuracy as possible and integrate them with history by way of these blogs. It's who I am as an artist-craftsman, visionary and historian. Research is not centered on biases, but rather on evidence that support the quality of workmanship. To that end, I close this blog "Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own.

For those who desire to own one of these historic models -or any notable Hudson River steamboat, I can be contacted at Caseships@yahoo.com...or at 774-757-7137 for details. My credentials can be found at https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart

Thank you for viewing!

Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own...Part Two /Rex Stewart

Starboard overview of the much-heralded HENDRICK HUDSON as a scratchbuilt model.

It's been a year since the build of this historically accurate model which found it's home in its birth-city of Newburgh, New York. As I reflect, I think of the first model request I encountered some 33 years ago by one of the owner's family members, Alfred Van Olcott.

When he visited my artist studio that spring of 1987, he brought along with him the detailed blueprints of HENDRICK HUDSON. Al stated that he heard about my legendary echo up and down the Hudson Valley as being the only artist-craftsman that built accurate models of the Hudson River steamboats -both vintage and contemporary. He fixed his eyes on the ALEXANDER HAMILTON that was destined to a Scotia resident with another (in progress of the ROBERT FULTON).

Both models were a visual testament that convinced Olcott to commission. But what I found most interesting was his dissatisfaction of the family model that was exhibited at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. He stated that my work superceded the HENDRICK HUDSON showcased  there and that he was honored to have come to Albany, New York to meet me. But, in reverse, I was honored to meet the former heir of the famous Hudson River Day Line.

So the saga began with him, a notable steamboat owner who passed the baton to me in an effort to honor a resident collector in the city where the famed HENDRICK HUDSON was built, Newburgh, New York.

In my last blog I left off building the main deck. In this blog, I cover the remaining build of the saloon, promenade and hurricane decks prior to finishing.

Below, with main decks, cabin and rail systems in place, I now advance to the next level working on  saloon deck sections. I realize that blueprints give detail, but seldom are accurate...So, to get the work  close to the actual appearance, much photo data is needed. However, I've built models based on just one or two photos.                     

As the build continue, I work up to the promenade deck -satisfied that the saloon and parlors are perfectly aligned as shown in the next images...

Stern starboard view of the finished saloon -minus the outboard seating, which will be added before enclosing the deck.

Being a historian has its advantages in the world of fine art...and craftsmanship. It's not enough to produce a fine piece, but rather make it as authentic as possible based on established history. It is never wise to label a thing 'authentic' if it can't be proven or backed with evidence. True collectors know that the research I place in the work is flawless...and some have amassed a series of models from my table as a result. 

The HENDRICK HUDSON was the first largest steamboat to enter service on the river in 1907. She was built to celebrate the 300th anniversary of its namesake explorer who discovered New York's scenic river in 1609. Below, two supporting images show the launching of HENDRICK HUDSON at the T. S. Marvel Shipyard at Newburgh, New York.

The HENDRICK HUDSON is launched down the ways into the Hudson River, March 31, 1906 in view of  5,000 onlookers, shipyard attendees, and city officials. Below, the elegant and popular HENDRICK HUDSON backs around the "knuckle" of the Albany Yacht Club pier and into her berth after returning from a downriver excursion August 21, 1940.

The subject matter of these beautiful vessels is, nevertheless a hallmark for any builder who desires to pursue them. I was very fortunate to climb aboard into an era that would eventually fade away during the decade of the 1990s. Taking advantage of the opportunity, I worked diligently (and closely) with anyone who had first hand knowledge of these steamboats...But then again, I didn't have to go very far, because this special network came to me, re: family members (heirs) of those steamboats, curators, collectors, museum personnel, authors and even the passenger alumni themselves.

However, the key to it all were the business leaders, lawyers and judges, politicians, and private citizens who contributed and guided my research based on the integrity of trust. They all knew I would produce some of the most accurate pieces (without bias) in the Hudson Valley -and beyond. For that, I knew this was one of my purposes as an artist-craftsman relative to documenting the river's transportation legacy in the form of model steamboats.

Continuing with the build, I now work on the promenade deck with both excitement and anticipation. The supporting images show how awesome the designers were in those times. Their expertise in symmetric design not only made HENDRICK HUDSON a sleek looking vessel, but her interior elegance was second to none. 

This port profile view show the progress made on the promenade deck of HENDRICK HUDSON. The total build time for this deck area was two and a half weeks.

Upon completing the promenade, I carefully aligned the hurricane deck -making sure the stacks, pilothouse and skylights were properly aligned...using for reference the original deck plan(s) and vintage photo (shown below). The hole that is seen on the hurricane I cut the hole seen on the hurricane above the sliding doors of the observation cabin. The effect that I wanted was to have light penetrate  the windows of the roof dome to illuminate the interior cabin and stairwell. This can also be seen in the second photo which highlight the stairwell which was known as "Stairway of the Dragon".

 

Vintage photo that assisted with the HENDRICK HUDSON build. This photo was one of many given to me by Herman Boyle of Kingston, New York during my several Saturday visits to his home on Washington Street. He was a riverman that worked on the tugs, but had a large collection of vintage photos depicting steamboat life on the Hudson River.

Interior view of the observation parlor showing the skylight dome over the stairwell leading down to the saloon cabin. In the view looking forward is a mural of the Dutch VOC sailing ship Half Moon. The HENDRICK HUDSON, in all her breathtaking elegance, not only had this feature mural, but  others of note in various locations.These commissioned pieces were Washington Irving's home, the Senate House at Kingston, and the Capitol at Albany, New York.

Moving along in the build (shown below), I discovered additional details which I applied to the model that was absent from the early Olcott commission. And though that model was featured in a televised PBS documentary, this HENDRICK HUDSON would break ground to be one of the best ever produced.

Below are work in progress photos of the promenade and shade decks...

  

Here, I attach flags prior to finishing. This is usually done to avoid premature damage to the model while addressing delicate details. Furthermore this procedure forces me to concentrate on the total build while working in segments. Elegance, even in miniature comes with a price -which is time, effort and patience.

The HENDRICK HUDSON was indeed elegant, and wasn't rushed into service as some historians have stated. Her true test came the following year in 1907, not 1906 as some have documented. Even the heir of the family business told me her true service began during the 1907 season..Only a trail run occurred in August of that year. A partial schedule (below) confirms her official 1907 service year..

When Ellis Island was established in 1892, immigrants from around the world came to America for opportunity and a better life. Through the period between 1892 and 1901 many immigrants remained in New York City, but some ventured west and south to apply their trade and skills. It was the Industrial Age and practically everyone had a vision to prosper. 

Working in the shipyards and coastal cities along the Hudson River presented those opportunities and steamboating became a business that generated income for any culture willing to endorse it. As a result, when the Hudson River Day Line welcomed these cultures, it gave them honor by celebrating their contributions in the Hudson Valley by flying international flags on its fleet. Below are three port and starboard views showing these flags which were occasionally rotated.

The first set of flags represent The Netherlands and France. The second set are the countries of  Canada and Norway. The third, flags of Italy and Denmark. Finally, on the back staffs (not visible) are the flags of Japan and Puerto Rico.

As a collectible and investment, I produce these models with as much accuracy as possible and integrate them with history by way of these blogs. It's who I am as an artist, craftsman, visionary and historian. Research is not centered on biases, but rather on evidence that support the quality of workmanship I was given to do. So to that end, I close this portion of "Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own"...with anticipation of soon presenting the finale.

For those who would like to own one of these prolific models -or any notable Hudson River steamboat, I can be contacted at Caseships@yahoo.com...or, at 774-757-7137 for details. My credentials can be found at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals.

Thank you for viewing!