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!

Corporate Steamboat Models Today - Rex Stewart

Lobby of Executive Park Towers, Stuyvesant Plaza...author's model of Hudson River steamboat PETER STUYVESANT.

                                                                    
It's not surprising that a resurgence has occurred in office settings that overlook the shorelines on the Eastern seaboard and, across the Atlantic. Whether it be on coastal/ inland rivers, or the ocean, business executives are taking a 'second look' at the maritime -utilizing ship models as part of their interior design.

Steamboats has since been a unique appeal for art and antique collectors since the early '80s when ship models made its debut in maritime galleries throughout the U.S. These beautiful detailed replicas represent a legacy of vessels that is, and was, the core of America's once-booming Industrial Age that came into its own as businesses and communities flourished on coastal shores. Such vessels were the mainstream of contemporary transportation in the 19th century, replacing the sailing ship as designers worked their skill to improve comfort and speed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Author's scratch-built model of MARY POWELL at the lower right corner displayed in the President's Room at Albany International circa 1980.

                                                                                                                                                            Since 1980, I learned firsthand through interacting with these collectors, that many of the 'corporate models' requested came as a result of sentiment. Many remembered the historical attributes these   vessels brought to their port-of-call, region, populace and commerce. In New York, the late Governor Mario Cuomo had such a model grace the Mansion's interior as part of its decor. The special model designated for that honor was the steamboat MARY POWELL.

The featured photo in this blog represent the Hudson River steamboat PETER STUYVESANT. It was selected as part of a multi-million dollar renovation project which began in January 2013 at the Executive Park Towers in Stuyvesant Plaza and finished this past January 2015. Prior to that time other corporations featured similar models I built for their offices and boardrooms -starting with Albany International in 1980.

                  Author presenting model of DANIEL DREW to Bank Of America boardroom
                  (formerly Fleet Bank) circa 1988.

The interest for these models continue to be strong -especially for those of 19th/ early 20th century vintage that the Hudson River Valley between New York City and Albany, New York. It was a vision that began 35 years ago with the support of historians, collectors, business leaders, curators and, most importantly -community spirit. We, in part, have a great maritime, and the 'corporate steamboat model' personifies the richness of its history in scale and beauty.

Author's scratch-built model of Hudson River Day Line steamboat ALEXANDER HAMILTON shown  as she appeared circa 1959. This is one of the current corporate requests since her last trip to Bear Mountain circa 1971.


A special note:

The image below is a limited edition (Remarque) print that I offer to celebrate the ALEXANDER HAMILTON. For more information concerning this print email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137.

Concerning commissioned work, I specialize in all Hudson River steamboats (any scale). These are fine one of a kind models that accurately define the vessel as it appeared on the river at any given time of its career.

To view my work and credentials, please visit https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart .

Thank you for viewing!

Cayuga Lake Steamboat FRONTENAC -The Model, Rex Stewart

        Profile plan drawing of Cayuga Lake steamboat FRONTENAC as she appeared in 1878.
        Research and drawing by author Rex Stewart.

Simplicity and lines...Lines and simplicity. All the makings of research and design which finally conclude the making of a prolific steamboat model. FRONTENAC had become an inspirational project for research and build as I explored the sidewheel types that operated beyond the Hudson Valley.

As I investigated this vessel, it was apparent that she was a steamer of note. And yet, as such, I pondered my thoughts as to why no model existed. New York had its great fleet of steamboats beyond the Hudson River. To the north, in and around the Adirondacks, walking beam and inclined engined vessels operated on Lake George and Lake Champlain. To the west and northwest of the State, such graced the mighty Saint Lawrence River and the scenic Finger Lakes. They were beautiful, simple in design, and carried a legacy that became notable...even in tragedy. Such a vessel  of note was the steamer FRONTENAC.

     
               Scene depicts steamer FRONTENAC about to make a commuter run on Cayuga

               Lake late 19th century.

The Industrial Age was the beginning of many inventions large and small in the American culture. It was an era that helped grow and expand the Country toward the 20th century with machine innovation. Steamboats were part of the travel innovation, replacing horse and buggy before the advent of the train and automobile. In the summer of 1820, passengers scheduled to ride stagecoach from Ithaca to Geneva, opted to board a steamboat for the lake's first voyage on the paddlewheeler ENTERPRISE. Fifty years later FRONTENAC became the popular boat.

FRONTENAC was built in 1870 bt T.D. Wilcox of Ithaca, New York at a cost of $50,000. She was a walking-beam sidewheeler with dimensions of 135 feet on the keel and had a hull beam of 22 feet. Her commuter capacity was 350 passengers.

Four years after the passing of T.D. Wilcox, his family heirs sold the business interest to the Cayuga Lake Transportation Company. In 1902, the steamboat and company was sold to Captain Melvin T. Brown of Syracuse. He, inturn, rebuilt parts of the superstructure and replaced the engine with new boilers five years later. It was at that time FRONTENAC encountered her fate after successfully servicing the lake in her 30 year span.

            
              Model detail showing starboard midship view of FRONTENAC. Colorscheme based
              on the 19th century maritime paintings of Antonio Jacobsen and the Bard Brothers.

On the morning of July 27th, 1907 FRONTENAC raced south to meet the northbound MOHAWK to exchange passengers that would have originally went southbound on MOHAWK. After the exchange the sidewheeler returned back north with her 60 passengers, most being women and children. While heading toward Union Springs, rough waters and gale-like winds prevented the steamer to land at both docks in Aurora and Levanna which were located at the widest part of the lake.

Onboard the vessel certain family members noticed smoke coming from the Captain's pilot house and alerted others onboard. On shore many witnessed the steamer catching fire and men from the shore raced out to rescue the passengers and crew. Captain Brown's quick thinking brought the boat near Farley's Point to beach on a sandbar called Dill's Cove.

                                 

                                                Port stern profile of steamer Frontenac         

Heavy waves made it difficult for the men to rescue all. In the final event, seven were loss. The incident spread throughout New York and new laws and regulations were passed. As for steamboat travel on Cayuga Lake, the tragedy brought many to move away from it and the business declined with FRONTENAC never being rebuilt. But in the end, many had fond memories of this prolific steamboat and I'm fortunate to have researched and build the first accurate model of this legend.

                   Finger Lakes steamboat FRONTENAC the completed model, built at 1/8 scale.

This was a good build and a very attractive model of note. The time of this build was a month. This and other period steamboat models can be researched and commissioned by contacting Caseships@yahoo.com or calling 1-774-757-7137. More information can be obtained by visiting http://www.artfixdaily.com/blogs/index/Steamboat_Models_-The_Rare_Investment and https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart

 













Hudson River Line ALBANY c.1880 -The Model / Rex Stewart

             
                Hudson River Line ALBANY c.1880, Wood Steamboat Model - Rex Stewart


Of the models to leave my studio during the 1980s, ALBANY was one of the most prolific to research and build. A few Albany executives commissioned two versions of ALBANY and these remain in those families today. They are, by professional standards, the most accurate pieces in the Hudson Valley and the only models of its kind anywhere.

          Steamboat ALBANY docked at its Albany, New York pier before her morning run
         to New York City c.1880.

Albany was built at the Harlan and Hollingsworth yard in Wilmington, DE. and lauched there on January 30, 1880. Her hull was iron frame with steel plating. Her engine was built by W and A Fletcher of Hoboken, New Jersey. ALBANY's hull was 295 feet with a beam of 40 feet and a mean draft of hold 11 feet 6 inches.

Unfinished, ALBANY made an engineer's test run May 1880 from New York's W. 42nd Street, north to Yonkers and back. The upbound trip was slightly an hour, but the return trip was a remarkable 37 minutes for an average speed of 25 miles per hour. Two months later on July 30, 1880 the steamboat left New York City for her maiden voyage north to her namesake city.

                               Port Overview - Wood Steamboat Model ALBANY c.1880.

From that date through the 1885 season, her running consorts alternated between the CHAUNCEY VIBBARD of 1864 and the DANIEL DREW of 1860. With the latter destroyed by fire in 1886, the Hudson River Line acquired the sleek looking NEW YORK which ran in line with ALBANY until 1906.

          Samuel Ward Stanton's pen and ink drawing of ALBANY, showing her extended
         saloon deck c.1900.

Within the next ten years many changes were made to ALBANY. Her pilothouse was enlarged in 1885 and three years later her saloon deck was extended forward to the bow - eliminating the beautiful awning that highlighted her appearance. Between February and May of 1893, while at the Hollingsworth Yard, she was lengthened and her radial paddles and fan-shaped paddleboxes were replaced with feathering paddlewheels. Other developments occurred with her cabins and funnels, as these changes would serve as the prototype for the famous Hudson River Day Line Fleet of the 20th Century.

                
                 Grand Stairway, located behind the funnel system of the stmr. ALBANY.

The 20th century's first 25 years would expand from a two vessel operation to a seven boat organization. This expansion led to various changes and the ALBANY was re-routed to serve the New York City-Poughkeepsie run, being replaced by stmr. HENDRICK HUDSON for the Albany run in 1906.

During the mid-20s, ALBANY became the Day Line's last coal-burning steamer, serving primarily as a secondary vessel for overflowing crowds, charters, and the like. On Labor Day, 1930, she ran from Albany to New York City to close out a service record unsurpassed by any steamer in the modern Day Line fleet. She was later sold to a Maryland businessman , Benjamin Wills, who operated her on the Potomac River as POTOMAC.

The model shown, depicts ALBANY in her 1880 configuration. Painted with period colors, the model is accurately scaled and scratchbuilt in three woods, re: pine, bass, and birch. The scale is 1/8" = 1', with an overall length of 37" inches.

What documentation was available, I applied; assuring an accurate model of the highest quality.

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 http://www.rexstewartoriginals.com.