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!

Hudson Day Line Model PETER STUYVESANT c.1944

           Hudson River Day Line steamboat PETER STUYVESANT heading downriver from
          Kingston, New York c.1933.


When the WASHINGTON IRVING sanked at New York Harbor June 1, 1926, no plans were made by the Hudson River Day Line to replace her. This decision came as a result of financial constraints to build a vessel of similiar size to the IRVING. However, upon vote, it was able to proceed with a smaller steamboat to serve routes in that portion of the Lower Hudson between New York and Pougkeepsie. Also, the company's vision was to expand its charter business.

PETER STUYVESANT was launched February 2, 1927, from the yard of Pusey and Jones at Wilmington, Delaware. Katharine Olcott, daughter of Day Line owner, Eben E. Olcott , sponsored and christened the vessel -giving her its name. Destined to be the last steamboat ever built for the Hudson River, she made her first round trip from New York to Newburgh on a Saturday afternoon, May 28, 1927.

                   PETER STUYVESANT berthed at her New York Day Line Pier c.1951


The PETER STUYVESANT was designed by J.W. Millard and Brother. Combining normal maritime requirements, with added ammenities, she was attractive to organizations wanting charters for various outings. On the second deck was a bandstand, positioned behind the smokestack wall and the cabin, from there, extended further aft to establish a dance floor. Also, tables could be placed in this room to provide extra dining space away from the regular dining area so that sizable groups could be served.

On the third deck, the carpeted saloon was slightly raised so that passengers could view the scenic river without the obstruction from those on the outside. Also arranged on either side of the saloon were eight parlors.

         Port profile work-in-progress view of the 1:160 scale model of PETER STUYVESANT.
        The Saloon Deck is being worked on.

Steel-hulled, she was propellor driven with a single screw. Her measurements were 269 ft. with a 60 ft. beam and a draft of 13 ft.5 inches. She was supplied with steam by four Babcock and Wilcox oil-fired, water-tube boilers.

In September 1932, as a result of the Depression, the Day Line made operational changes to employ PETER STUYVESANT, parttime on the New York-Albany run. Between the seasons of 1948 and '49, the Line was acquired by new owners who maintained regular service up the river as far as Poughkeepsie. In 1955, due to financial constraints, only two steamboats operated on the Hudson: ALEXANDER HAMILTON and PETER STUYVESANT.

Following the season of 1962, ownership changed and the vessels were purchased by New York's Circle Line. In 1963 PETER STUYVESANT was no longer placed in commission and was later acquired by Anthony Athanas, proprieter of a Boston waterfront restaurant, Anthony's Pier 4.

"The Delaware Steamboater" was a piblication that surfaced during the 1980s to bring both awareness and support to the steamboat community relative to vessels that needed preservation.

It was also instrumental in fundraising during a time when many citizens on the East Coast heralded these prolific vessels. Unfortunately, as the decade of the '90s arrived, interest in preserving the steamboat declined and many vessels were lost to the scrap-yards.









In 1968, after necessary conversion, the steamboat was placed in a underwater cradle constructed to provide maximum protection. She served as an annex to accommodate large groups and regular patrons whom were waiting for tables. Her final days ended when a great winter storm clipped the Northeast on February 7, 1978. There, at Boston Harbor, she sanked.

             Author's scale model of PETER STUYVESANT showing her private parlors on
            the promenade deck.


The model that I researched and constructed show the prolific steamboat as she appeared in 1944 during the war years. Travel on the Hudson River was popular and it gave many citizens the opportunity to enjoy their outings and view the scenic river during that troubled period.

                      Stern Port Profile of PETER STUYVESANT, Wood Model -Scratchbuilt

The model is produced in bass and pine woods. Scratchbuilt, it has an overall length of 20 inches.

For more information about commissioning a fine quality Hudson River or Northeast steamboat model email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart

Steamboat HENDRICK HUDSON -Model In Miniature

           Hudson River Day Line stmr. HENDRICK HUDSON traveling downriver toward
          toward Poughkeepsie, New York c.1920.


Many articles and several film footages have honored this handsome steamer since her first appearance on the Hudson River in 1906. As a builder I had the opportunity to meet Alfred Van Olcott, the great-grandson and heir to the Hudson River Day Line.

Mr. Van Olcott saw my exhibition at the Hudson River Maritime Center when I held my first steamboat showing during the early '80s. He spoke about a builder's model that his family donated to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington,D.C. that he wasn't particularly happy with. In his own opinion he thought "it wasn't a great or good looking model". In turn, after several meetings -and viewing his impressive photo collection of HENDRICK HUDSON, he commissioned a model that he wanted to be of "superb quality".

I spent a month reviewing the HUDSON's history and re-worked the plans he loaned and, similiar to former steamboat projects endeavored, there were no available profile drawings. I had to build the sidewheeler from those references I produced on ROBERT FULTON a few years prior. The height between decks were fairly similiar in scale, so I followed the deck layout of Mr. Olcott's materials, along with the supporting photo data to arrive at a model that would be, in laymens' terms -accurate.

          Starboard profile, in detail, of wooden steamboat model HENDRICK HUDSON.
          At 1:160 Scale she's shown as she appeared in 1943, four years before she
          ceased service on the river.

Van Olcott would visit twice from Princeton, N.J. before viewing the final completion. He was elated that his favorite sidewheeler was "captured in her true appearance". He shared this model with many affluent personalities in the maritime, especially those whom were steamboat-connected. As a model HENDRICK HUDSON became the flagship of my fleet of contemporary models, being written about by several authors and featured in a documentary by a television station in Kingston, New York in 1990. Today, the model is part of the Hudson
River Maritime Museum's collective body of steamboats currently exhibited at the facility.

HENDRICK HUDSON was built in 1906 at the T.S. Marvel Shipyard, Newburgh, New York. She was a beautiful steamer throughout at 390 feet and the second largest vessel to operate for the Hudson River Day Line.

In 1935 and 1936, the Day Line achieved great success with its excursion programs. And in 1937 the Line used their largest steamer HENDRICK HUDSON which was to become an annual event. With her 5,252 passenger capacity, HUDSON was larger than either HAMILTON or FULTON. Because of this, the schedule was altered so that the excursion originated at Indian Point which added Catskill as a landing. The departure times from Newburgh, Poughkeepsie and Kingston Point didn't change and the round trip fare remained at a dollar. The departure time from albany on the return trip was advanced to 4:30 p.m.

Also historic in 1937 was the final port to port passing of HENDRICK HUDSON with the largest nightboat on the river, the BERKSHIRE. This happened on a summer night in August
as the Day Liner left Newburgh shortly after 10 p.m. for its final destination upriver to Indian Point. Thirteen nights after that historic river passing the Night Line terminated service.

  Stmr. HENDRICK HUDSON backing out around the knuckle of the Albany Yacht Club
  on a summer afternoon c.1940.


HENDRICK HUDSON serviced many passengers during the War years since gasoline was rationed to automobile owners. Travel by car was limited, but the steamboat business has stellar years. The total number of passengers rose to 1,431,000 -the highest number since 1930. With so many pasengers traveling the Day Line's upriver excursions to Albany ceased and the Line converted to travel only.

HENDRICK HUDSON operated on the Hudson River between New York and Albany until 1948. She was later scrapped in 1951.

                         The wood model of HENDRICK HUDSON c.1943,  1:160 Scale

Mr. Olcott was a great help providing much of the data for this model. So many individuals whom had a love for these vessels are now departed, but their memories are with us and in these models that I faithfully produce in honor of them. And the histories that these vessels made during their tenure on the river is a tribute that can be preserved within these works for years to come.

For more information about commissioning a fine Hudson River or Northeast steamboat model email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart 

Steamboat Model ALEXANDER HAMILTON c.1959 -The Build

        Hudson River steamboat ALEXANDER HAMILTON approaching Albany, New York
       via the Dunn Memorial Bridge c.1959.

Steamboat models have become one of the most rare and highly sought after commodities in today's collectible market, both nationally and internationally. After investigating and researching the trends over a twenty year period, nothing from this observation is further from the truth.

And if these models are built with blueprint precision they, infact, become more sought after by serious maritime collectors...
which is why my line of models are highly
accredited for their presentation and accuracy.

My start with steamboats began in the summer of 1980 when the President of Albany International Corp. proposed to purchase a model of the steamer MARY POWELL from the Albany Institute of History and Art. The proposal was declined -as the model was part of the Governor's home decor, on loan from the Museum. To this end, several business executives learned about my modelmaking skills (from local media sources), especially when I received a grant from the Mayor to work at the Albany City Arts Office that same year.

And though 'fine art' was produced in that facility, the steamboat models originated on the other side of town in the basement of the Albany Institute of History and Art -the place where I studied adult courses as a youth during the '60s. And so, it was there that the exclusive one-of-a-kind steamboat model was birthed.

         The SIDEWHEELER Newsletter which was published in the Summer of 1976 by
          the Committee To Save The Alexander Hamilton.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON was a beautiful vessel known to many on the Hudson River as the "White Swan". I could never understand why she inherited that name, but after viewing many photos and angles of her appearance, I realized the meaning. She literally 'glided' along the river and her sleek appearance was indeed graceful, swan-like. Those who sailed her were fortunate. I could only get to view her stacks and billowing smoke as she passed beneath our window from the view we had of her from Capital Hill. On Phillip Street we had a visual of both Rennselaer and the river, so it wasn't difficult to miss this vessel or the sound of her whistle as she passed.

In 1974, three years after the steamboat ceased running on the Hudson, a small group was formed and called the Steamer Alexander
Hamilton Society. These individuals, through
lectures, fundraisers and memberships,
worked diligently to save the vessel from
distinction.

By 1976, through the Society's efforts, the steamer was officially listed by the State of New Jersey as a historic site. In April the following year she gained National Register status only to lose federal funding when a hurricane sanked her at her pier that November of 1977. It was a great loss to the Hudson River Valley and to the maritime community at large.

As a modelbuilder of these great vessels, I have dedicated my time and talent to preserving these timeless steamboats in various scales for future generations. Unquestionably, I have honed my skills to this artform because it has never been fully tapped or explored. And what few models do exist, none can rival the degree of research or workmanship I have placed in these pieces which are, in essence, highend collectibles.

I owe, first and foremost, The Lord for my wisdom to investigate this genre of art. Secondly, I owe much of my learning experiences concerning the steamboat to many of those who are now departed -the authors, curators, collectors and rivermen whom either owned these vessels, worked on them or amassed a brilliant collective body of rare photos that they were willing to share which, inpart, escalated my growth as the leading builder of the Hudson River steamboat.

These photos show my approach building the

ALEXANDER HAMILTON from its early stages to its final completion. The model is made from four sources of wood, re: pine, bass, balsa and birch. Balsa is used for the framework to keep decks flush and alligned.


The time to plan and construct this model took an overall period of two and a half months. This is, inpart, due to the research that was involved and the minute detail requested by the collector. Normally a model of this scale would take less time, but this individual wanted the HAMILTON at a period where he remembered both her design, color and configurations. These particular models have a higher value because they are documented miniatures of a period that's not 'general'.
He places her in a period of the year 1959, so research is eminent.

               Shown here are the scratchbuilt floating rafts -handcarved and the interior
               grating individually cut out with a pen-knife.

            All basswood decks are precisely marked and scaled so that cabin work and
          deck furniture allign properly. All decks are pre-cut so that no mistakes are made
          during the build.

         The hull. This is where it all begins. The hull must be 'perfect' and flush in order to
         get the model looking like the real vessel. At least four to six hours are invested in 
        sanding and finishing the hull. Anytime past this, the wood is bad and must be discard-
        ed.

                My time-tested method of building...
              Models that I built 30 years ago still has their fresh look today. But those are
              considered antiques, where my current works are now relinquished to be, by
              professional standards, collectibles.

         This bow starboard view show the sleek and beautiful lines of this prolific steamer
        as she appeared in 1959.

              This portside overhead view show all the detail ALEXANDER HAMILTON
             carried that year. The flags are handpainted, folded and treated with acrylic
             so to keep its longevity.

          Stern port view of the "White Swan" as she was called by her fellow travelers.

The final presentation, the ALEXANDER HAMILTON in 3/32" Scale. This wooden steamboat model is the result of many painstaking hours viewing photos, plans of which I had to alter
to achieve the proper configurations.

In closing, let it be said that this steamboat was in a class of her own. memorable to all whom traveled on her during her 48 years of service. She was the last steamboat to operate on the Hudson River, serving well over 5 million passengers between Albany and New York City -ceasing her career in 1971 with her final run to Bear Mountain in the Lower Hudson Valley.

For more information about commissioning a fine quality Hudson River or northeast steamboat model email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. You may also visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart