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

                   
                     Port stern view showing the intricate details of  FRANCIS SKIDDY as
                     she appeared on the Hudson River when first built in 1852.


Since my last model build of FRANCIS SKIDDY some 30 years ago, I never imagined re-evaluating my work until a collector in the Newburgh area of the Mid-Hudson Valley communicated with me concerning the establishment of a collective body of work involving steamboats from 1830 to 1971. The steamboat of that latter period I make mention of was the last American side wheeler, ALEXANDER HAMILTON which ran on the Hudson River that summer (1971) from New York City to Bear Mountain -closing out its final excursion that year.

Although I would like to continue with the details of these other models, the focal point is FRANCIS SKIDDY.  An earlier blog was written on her eight years ago which, at that time, was considered to be one of the most accurate models of the vessel to present day...However, after pouring over more data I came to discover that more details were evident for a finer, more exclusive model.

Here, in these images, I give some methods of my approach to the medium. Steamboats, particularly  those that commuted in the Northeast Corridor of America, has been my niche for over 40 years. Now, I begin this blog in a two-part presentation to show my viewers how I work to achieve this level of build.

 
               This image shows the early plan I created (c.1985) when coming into my own as a
                artist/craftsman in the maritime... In this photo I am revising details which  were dis-
                covered while pouring over vintage photos depicting river steamboats docked
                at various ports along the Hudson. After carefully study, I was able to change many
                details and reconfigure many features to support my findings.

                This 1859 painting by James Bard (a noted artist of Hudson River steamboats), was the basis for my earlier model(s). However, the unintentional flaw I made was dating the earlier models as being the first appearance in that year -confusing her conversion into a nightboat which occurred in 1855.

                  With the correct scale measurements I now proceed to transfer the data of my
                   templates unto the wood. For all my models the choice of pine has been the
                   signature. It has been (for many years) an easy wood to work with and I've been
                   able to hone in to its properties -achieving attractive contours both at the bow
                   and stern.

                             
                               Carefully chiseling the contours to prevent accidental splitting.

                             Sanding hull to fine finish before applying decking and furniture.

   

                   
                     Carefully carved paddlewheels are temporarily fitted to invite the overlay of
                     the upper deck for proper location of the paddleboxes. Measurements are very
                     tedious and time consuming. An eighth of an inch either way in positioning can
                     ruin an entire project.

       
             Port profile view of main deck layout -which is the foundation (or cornerstone) for quality steamboat models. Everything must align perfectly...and the deck sheer should show no buckling or warping...just a nice sweep from bow to stern.

         With hull, waterline and paddlewheels painted...my next approach are the bulkheads, rails and after cabins. Paddleboxes become an immediate second to encourage the build's direction.

           Port bow overview show penciled outlines for housing layout between the paddleboxes and smokestacks. Also shown are the railing, spar and kingpost arrangements.

              Custom painting a miniature mural of the Hudson Highlands which was carried on the
              paddleboxes of the dayboat FRANCIS SKIDDY during her inaugural run in 1852.

                     
                        Paddlebox  mural is shown before work resumes on saloon deck features.

                              Starboard view showing main deck after cabins in progress...

       
             Hand carving the stanchion posts for both the deck and rail systems.This type work makes the build worthwhile -and lends to enjoyable viewing for the endless stream of clientele.

                                            Detailed view of finished stanchions after carving...

                             
                                Interior closeup showing main deck after cabin carpeted floors.

 
     Port stern profile overview of the FRANCIS SKIDDY tie rod-king post system. Much of it had to be revised with this current build -based on relocating deck furniture on both the saloon and hurricane deck.

      Finally...the revised plan that brought a significant change to a already accurate model. In 'PartTwo' I will go into further detail of how I found these new discoveries. 

     The HudsonRiver is a beautiful waterway that once carried steamboats of the same elegance.FRANCIS SKIDDY was one of them - now sitting in a prolific Newburgh Collection among the legends of other New York steamboat miniatures. I am honored to be a part of this historical event and can only hope that the Collection, as I know it, will remain intact for future generations.

      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 more information about my line of work contact me at: Caseships@yahoo.com or call 1-774-757-7137. For my credentials and work please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexstewart and  https://youtube.com/c/RexStewartoriginals.

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