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dissatisfaction of the family model that was exhibited at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. He stated that my work superceded the HENDRICK HUDSON showcased  there and that he was honored to have come to Albany, New York to meet me.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!

Modelling HENDRICK HUDSON -Newburgh's Own...Part One

Steamboat modelmaking has been one of my professional niches for well over forty years. Many of these gems have graced the homes of collectors, galleries, museums, and corporate offices throughout America and abroad. But what make this particular model so special is that the namesake celebrate the Hudson River where HENDRICK HUDSON operated -and the fact that Henry Hudson sailed the Dutch ship HALF MOON up this scenic river in 1609.

I had the honor of meeting a Newburgh native who amassed a beautiful collection of steamboats which became quite prolific as he carefully selected projects representing the gradual development of steamboat construction from the early 1830s to the 1970s -with all models accurately researched and built to 3/32 scale.

To this end HENDRICK HUDSON became the 100th steamboat model built during my forty year tenure.

        The plans shown here were enlarged from a previous build which was at a smaller scale. That particular project was for the former heir of the Hudson River Day Line -basing the model on the vessel's 1940 configuration. This build will feature the steamer as she appeared on the river in 1909.

          The beautiful and spacious HENDRICK HUDSON departs the Capitol City of Albany, New York enroute to all ports of call before ending her eight hour run at New York City c.1912.


After reviewing all the data, with the support of the Collector's references, I started putting into place the schematics for a more updated and accurate build...beginning with the hull and decks. The hull would be hand-chiseled out of select yellow pine and the decks shaped from basswood sheets.

                                             Here, I carefully chisel and shape the stern...

                       After chiseling and shaping, sanding is performed and the keel is attached.

Paddlewheels are usually the second feature addressed on these steamboats, due to the fact that errors can occur within spacing between hull and main deck guards. These feathering wheels are made solely of basswood.

The third feature of the build are the stacks which determine the height of each deck in proportion to the vessel's length. This procedure has given accurate models...even if scales are miscalculated.  From here, I move on to the knees and strakes beneath the main deck -making sure every piece of wood is  aligned properly. If off by 1/16 inch the entire project is ruined and can't be corrected.

The next two images show the knee and strake system...

  

 The next step of the build is planning the deck layout. Two different versions were made, so careful   attention had to be centered on the doors and cabin arrangements. Changes were made in these areas   and proper alignment of these features will guarantee proper spacing of windows and rails   throughout the entire build. The plans are not absolute (which I learned years ago when pursuing the   first HENDRICK HUDSON model). It was by far the best model ever made, but there were flaws   based on the architectural drawings of those times.

With the fleet of steamboat models to my credit, I wanted to make sure this 100th model was my very best.

            After mapping out the interior main deck with balsa compartments, the bass cabins are next to be addressed -followed by the chock, kevel, cleat and rail systems. This now present the build for the entire model.

As I worked on the model for several weeks, I paid much attention to HENDRICK HUDSON's superstructure and the international flags that graced her staffs over the hurricane deck. I and the Collector discussed this in length -and basically used the references he provided, along with the notes of Mr.Van Olcott (formerly of Princeton, New Jersey) and Herman Boyle (formerly of Kingston, New York). Both were knowledgeable concerning the Day Line and both had references that helped get the accuracy of the flags in correct order.

From photos, only ten cultures were celebrated in the Hudson Valley; but the vessel only carried eight staffs -so the two remaining flags were probably rotated at different occasions. However, the legacy of the Hudson River Day Line was that it supported all peoples of the valley, regardless of heritage.

Photo of HENDRICK HUDSON steaming past Coxsackie flying the international flags circa 1912. This was printed from a glass plate by Herman Boyle c.1983

                                 Another view of the balsa compartments...

This photo image show the compartments supporting the main deck cabin area and stanchions. Everything is perfectly aligned as a result. This partial view of cabin work took approximately five full days to finish.

So not to mar the hull that has been painted and treated, I hold tissue between it and my hand while carefully cutting away excess paper that enclose the cabin acetate windows. The paper covering is layered for each deck so that the windows are shown to perfection without dust or debris. Since sliding doors are usually open, these are lightly taped while I finish the cabin(s)...The tape is removed after the deck is completed -working this process with each deck application.

Stern main deck cabins being painted while the paper covering is turned back for adding the acetate windows. The balsa compartments and inner stanchions are painted a deep grey so to obstruct any viewing of adhesion around the windows. Sliding doors are then placed, followed by cabin painting  to also divert attention to the interior windows. Finally the paper covering is glued to the cabins for easier placement of the saloon deck.

 Port profile showing the sleek and graceful lines of Day Line steamer HENDRICK HUDSON. This work in progress photo salute all the writings concerning this vessel. She was, in fact, beautiful and was a luxury to river travel at a cost of nearly one million dollars at the time of her build. She had an advertised length of over 400 feet and was licensed to carry 5,500 passengers.

Art was commissioned for interior decoration. Murals depicting Henry Hudson's HALF MOON, Washington Irving's home, the Senate House at Kingston, and the Capitol at Albany were part of the interior displays. She was, in fact, New York's finest Dayliner.

This port bow view shows the steady progress of construction. There is much more to reveal in Part Two of this build; that along with exceptional detail to follow. All my models (past and present) are uniquely one of a kind. They are worth viewing ; if not for the beauty then for the detail.

The Hudson Valley has many hidden gems, especially the steamboat models which is available to any discerning collector.

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 contact please email: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137 for details. To view my work and credentials please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart and https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals

Thank you for viewing!

Model Steamboat ST. JOHN c.1864 / Grand nightboat of the Hudson River

              
                                   The great ST. JOHN idle on the Hudson River c.1864


The ST. JOHN and DREW, along with the DEAN RICHMOND, were the People's Line response to the river's ever-increasing traffic of the 1860s. The Troy-based steamboat Line
commissioned  John Englis Shipyard in Brooklyn, New York to build a vessel that surpassed any contemporary steamboat of its time. The word "floating palace" became a new meaning for the massive sidewheeler ST. JOHN.

She was launched in 1863 to serve as a nightboat between New York and Albany. She was 393 feet in length, 51 feet in beam with a 10.2 feet depth of hold. Made of wood, her gross tonnage was 2645. Her engine was inherited from the large nightboat NEW WORLD, which sunk when her gallows frame collapsed and sent her walking beam crashing into her interior in 1859.

                          Currier and Ives print of nightboat ST. JOHN c. 19th century

Saratoga, Lake George, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks were visited by thousands buring the decade of the 1860s. To accommodate these visitors and get them to these northern points, ST. JOHN set the course in both design and fashion for nightboats in 1863. The United States was at war with itself, but inspite of this civil unrest, citizens and foreigners continued to travel the picturesque Hudson River to enjoy those regions north of the Capital City.

The reputation of ST.JOHN was so great that newspapers heralded her beauty and size, prompting international visitors to board and admire her. The sidewheeler featured a high dome deck with staterooms on galleries. The grand staircase was carved of St. Domingo mahogany, inlaid with white holly, and double inlaid stars featured the newel posts.

           Scale nightboat model of ST. JOHN exhibiting port profile. Scratchbuilt in three
           wood types, it is scaled at 1/8" = 1' with an overall length of 48" inches.


ST. JOHN's first river tragedy occurred during her first year of service. On the evening of October 29, 1863 when only a few miles below Albany, New York, one of the boilers exploded with the loss of fifteen people. Her second and final disaster came when she was laid up at her winter quarters in New York City. At the foot of Canal Street, on January 24, 1885,  she caught fire and was destroyed.

ST. JOHN ran on the Hudson River for 21 years, attracting a large following during her years of service. Like most notable vessels of her time, she was captured in photos, drawings, prints and paintings by some of the most prolific maritime artists of the period. In contemporary times, no true model ever existed on this famous steamboat which prompted me to research, build, and bring this image into public view as a scale model.

                      ST. JOHN's portside overview appearance of 1864 - Author's build

                 The author's plan profile of ST. JOHN's paddlebox design as it appeared
                in 1863.

Although the paddlebox was a flat surface, the designers of the period produced an astonishing effect by introducing 'lines of perspective'. This particular technique gave the appearance of looking into a long colonaded room extending through the inside of the boat. The effect of perspective was heightened by painting in a tile floor of contrasting shades. Deep inside the composition a gate built up of lattice work gave out onto a painted landscape which was the envy of many interior designers of that day. Two years later the DEAN RICHMOND appeared on the river with similiar paddlebox treatment which gave a startling impression to passengers on passing boats.

This was the era of size and beauty, the 1860s. ST. JOHN was a vision for bold visionaries who took the idea from the drafting table to the shipyard -making this sidewheeler a prominent reality and one of the great legends of her day.

                  Starboard Profile of Hudson River nightboat ST. JOHN - Rex Stewart

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.

The Civil War's M. MARTIN c.1863 , research and the wood model/ Rex Stewart

                  M. MARTIN backing around in Rondout Creek for her run north on the
                Hudson River to Albany, New York c.1880.


Built at Jersey City, New Jersey in 1863, M. MARTIN was constructed at the outbreak of the Civil War. She was initially built for the Romer and Tremper Frim of Rondout to run as a freight and passenger steamer to Catskill and Albany.

She was pressed into service under General Ulysess S. Grant, and during the latter part of the war she operated as the General's personal dispatch boat on the Chesapeake Bay -carrying messages and troops across the bay and river.

The M. MARTIN was known as the Union Army's "greyhound" that served  the federal government during the war. After the fall of Richmond, President Abraham Lincoln and General Grant made a visit to the Confederate Capital aboard the M. MARTIN.

The above painting shows President Lincoln aboard steamboat RIVER QUEEN confering with his Commanders. During the war M. MARTIN was lashed to RIVER QUEEN to protect the President on February 3, 1865 at the Hampton Roads Conference which was an unsuccessful attempt to end the Civil War.

At the close of the war the steamboat was brought north to New York where she serviced the Newburgh and Albany route, running in line with the swift steamer EAGLE. These boats ran together until August 2, 1884 when EAGLE caught fire and was replaced by the new JACOB H. TREMPER.

In 1899 the MARTIN was sold to the Central Hudson Steamboat Company of Newburgh, serving the company for many years. On Thursday morning June 16, 1910, laden with freight and 20 passengers M. MARTIN steamed southbound from Albany to Newburgh and caught fire. She was immediately beached on the east side of the river near Esopus Island where all passengers were taken off in small boats. For ten minutes, on the sky deck, Captain George Hadley fought and distinquished the flames. And with only a scorched pilothouse, the steamboat proceeded on to Newburgh.

After repairs M. MARTIN returned to operate on the Hudson River until the fall of 1918. Two years later in the summer of 1920 she was scrapped -the hull purchased by Patrick Doherty for dock use at Eavesport, a small landing near Malden on the Hudson.

                    M. MARTIN docked at Rondout Creek, Kingston, New York c.1880

The M. MARTIN was considered one of the most handsome boats of her type to appear on the river. A wooden hull vessel, she was 191 feet on the keel with a beam of 28 feet. Her depth of hull was 9 feet with a waterline draft of 6 feet. After viewing several photos from  Herman Boyle's Collection in Kingston,I was now in a position to build the steamboat that was void of any known models made of her.

        Painting of steamboat MILTON MARTIN by American artist James Bard (1815-1897)

My plans for her build began in the fall of 1987 when a surgeon from Albany Medical Center Hospital proposed the model. At that time there was a steamboat frenzy developing with my models and artwork which I pushed throughout the Capital Dustrict through articles and news interviews. It was then that art supporters, businessmen and collectors surfaced to purchase my line of work relative to the steamboat. M. MARTIN would become part of the growing list.

Like prior drawings and blueprints, I studied James Bard' painting and paired it with Mr. Boyle's photos to get the right configuartions. A third party, curator Roderic H. Blackburn from the Albany Institute of History and Art also provided materials which assisted the research. And within the course of two weeks, a set of detailed plans came into vogue on this famous steamboat.

        M. MARTIN in the early stages of construction on the table of maritime artist and

       craftsman Rex Stewart.

                                      Port Stern View of M. MARTIN's work-in-progress

The overall time to complete the project had been a month and two weeks.  Because of the many alterations these vessels encountered during their service, I had to explore a period which best presented this particular steamer. Her early appearance was rather scanty in what photos I researched; but after studying those which shown her on the Hudson in her latter years, I concluded that her 1880 appearance was first-rate for the build. Below she's shown as she was viewed by the general public at that time.

          Hudson River Steamboat M. MARTIN c.1880, Scale 1/8" = 1', Wood, scratchbuilt

                  

                                         A detailed view of M. MARTIN from port stern

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