FRANCIS SKIDDY c.1852 - A Hudson River Legacy...Part Two/ Rex Stewart

   
                            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.

                        In this photo the author carefully inspects the detail about the paddlebox
                        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.

                             View of the hurricane deck from port stern as the model progress.

                     Another port view from the stern showing the interesting and symmetrical designs which was typical for many large steamers of the day; especially the tie rod and cable patterns about the hog frames, stacks and masts.     
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

                                     

                                             Closeup detail of the stack, flags and cables...                                           

                               
                       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.                                 

     

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 

and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart.

Thank you for viewing!

Building the towboat AMERICA c.1853 / A Maritime Collectible

                   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

Thank you for viewing!

MARY POWELL c.1861 - a rare model / Part 2/ Rex Stewart

                     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!