SS Columbia Project (SSCP) volunteers spread the word about our vision for SS Columbia at Sunday’s Hudson River Quadricentennial celebration. We were delighted to be part of this special event, which was held at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, N.Y. We were especially excited to meet several people originally from Detroit who shared their memories of Columbia. (We plan to capture their recollections on our web site in the coming months. So stay tuned.)

More than 30 different historical, environmental and nature groups participated in River Fest. Visitors were able to take a walking tour of the Old Croton Aqueduct and learn more about environmental sustainability of the region. Children went on a scavenger hunt and learned to play old folk instruments. And everyone enjoyed the beautiful surroundings while listening to musical performances and sampling local cheese and wine from the farmers’ market.

Among the day’s presentations, SSCP President Richard Anderson gave a talk on the history of steamboat travel and the important role Columbia can play not only in reviving that grand tradition, but in revitalizing an appreciation of the Hudson River Valley. More than 2 million passengers annually traveled the Hudson during the steamboat’s heyday. As the automobile gained momentum, recreational travel on the river began to decline. The last great steamboat Alexander Hamilton was retired in 1971, although Hudson River dayliners continued operations until 1987. Sadly, none of these river icons have survived.

As the oldest surviving passenger steamer in the United States, a restored Columbia will carry on that grand tradition and help revitalize the Hudson River Valley as a historical, cultural and naturally beautiful destination. Columbia has another important connection to the river: She was designed and built by the same team that built the Hudson River steamboats — prominent architect and engineer Frank Kirby and noted artist and designer Louis O. Keil.

“The Hudson has become an unexplored avenue for tourism in recent years,” said Lyndhurst Director Jack Braunlein. “But it has tremendous potential to attract all kinds of visitors. Linking a great historic ship like Columbia with a great historic destination like Lyndhurst — it’s a natural fit.”

The Lyndhurst Estate, one of the country’s finest Gothic Revival mansions, certainly would be a prime destination for a restored Columbia one day. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which owns the estate, was also instrumental in helping SSCP acquire Columbia. Visitors interested in history and culture can tour the mansion and view a fine collection of decorative arts. Nature-enthusiasts can explore 67-acres of gardens, nature trails and the spectacular beauty of the Hudson. The estate also offers programs and events for adults and children throughout the year.

Thanks to Lyndhurst and Westchester Country for making River Fest possible. Thanks also to everyone who stopped by to learn more about SS Columbia. And welcome to our new friends and supporters. With your help, we can ensure the success of her new mission.

Happy 107^th birthday, SS Columbia! On Saturday, May 9, the SSCP with the sponsorship of Electra Information Systems marked this special occasion with an event aboard the New York-based fireboat John J. Harvey.

Could there be a better venue for such a celebration? (Except for a party aboard the majestic Columbia, probably not!) 

Volunteers and members of the sponsor organization gathered at Pier 66 on Manhattan’s west side for a two-hour cruise down the Hudson to Brooklyn’s Red Hook, all to the accompaniment of Bluegrass quintet Woodpecker. The outing was reminiscent of Columbia in her heyday when passengers enjoyed live entertainment onboard as they took in the passing river scenery. The celebratory salute of the John J. Harvey’s signature water-spraying capped off the afternoon’s festivities.

The event was an exciting preview of the waterfront entertainment Columbia will soon offer New Yorkers when she is restored to her former glory. We eagerly look forward to future shipboard celebrations.

Fireboat Facts
The John J. Harvey fireboat proudly served the FDNY and New York City from 1931 until it was decommissioned in July of 1994. She returned to duty following September 11, 2001, pumping water to the World Trade Center site for 80 hours. The boat was also the subject of a children’s book, Fireboat: The Historic Adventures of the John J. Harvey. No longer an active-duty vessel, she continues to provide New Yorkers with educational opportunities along Manhattan’s west side.

The SS Columbia  (Detroit, February 2009)

On February 27, 2009 we went to Detroit to check on the progress of asbestos abatement. We’re happy to report that our contractor Trust Thermal Abatement Inc. made significant progress in removing asbestos from The SS Columbia. Areas that were completed include the removal of linoleum from the grand staircase and dining room. Furthermore, the insulation materials were removed from the boiler room (boilers, piping and fireboxes), the engine room (pipes & tanks), the kitchen and the main deck (pipes, fire system and light fixtures). Additionally three full dumpsters of trash and rubbish were cleared from the Columbia. Weather permitting the asbestos abatement will be fully completed by March 20, 2009.

Photo 1 (Left to Right): Captain Mike Eagan (SSCP Advisory Board); Rick Collins (Carpenter); Kevin Fesler (Asbestos inspection/Quality Control); Darrell Painter (Asbestos Technician) Barry Smith (Friend and long time enthusiast of the SS Columbia); Sean Leon (Asbestos Abatement foreman, Darwin Rettig (Asbestos Abatement Project Manager).

Photo 2: A crewmember clears the grand staircase. Photo 3: In this former well-insulated beer cooler (Note the “Bud Light” signs marked on the taps) workers created a heated lounge area where they take breaks and enjoy lunch.

Photo 4: Tom Vincent (on the right) an inspector from the State of Michigan was doing an inspection on the SS Columbia’s progress. His responsibilities are to ensure that the state standards and procedures on the job site are being met. Photo 5: The crew is carrying the black plastic bags off the ship across the dock where their truck was parked. The ship’s location and the low temperatures (at this time of the year, the river still remains frozen) added challenges to the work but our crew still managed to smile.

Click here for more images on asbestos abatement.

The stabilization project has continued with the completion of an asbestos survey and the preparation of contracts for asbestos abatement. Kevin Fesler of Environmental Consulting and Training of Michigan ( ECTM)  kindly undertook our survey and identified all the ACM ( Asbestos Containing Materials) aboard the Columbia. When the Columbia was built in 1902 asbestos was considered a significant safety enhancement. Today we are working towards repairing or removing any asbestos aboard the Columbia. Pictured below are Kevin Fesler and Sten Samuelson of ECTM on the Grand Staircase preparing to begin the survey.

On October 10th the first steps towards the stabilization project began. Kevin Fesler and Sten of Environmental Training and Consulting of Michigan begin the inspection process to identify all asbestos aboard Columbia. Steven Peterson of Nicholson’s shipyard came to offer advice to inspect the hull and machinery.