Steamboat Chautauqua Belle

In the spring of 2007 the fate of the Chautauqua Belle was still uncertain, but a young man was hard at work. It didn't take long for the media to follow this inspiring story of Mathew Stage, then only 18, and his dream of returning the Historic Chautauqua Belle back to the lake. Today She is one of only 4 remaining Mississippi sternwheeler steamboats still in operation.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

LOVE IT !

[@OneAdam12Adam]

I am heartened to hear that your family purchased this historic little steamer. I was there when she first sailed. Sad to hear that it sat for 3 years abandoned. It's a shame that his country doesn't honor it's history and chooses to ignore it's past and build newer but not better. RIP the roller skating rink of Midway Park. Great memories.

[@WesleyHarcourtSTEAMandMORE]

Great job on getting her back in the water! You and your family are doing a great thing.
Us "young guys" have to work to keep steam boats alive.
What ever happened to one of her creators, Jim Webster?

[@johnsydneywright2028]

Come to my hometown,Louisville,Kentucky,and ride the oldest truly steam powered vessel on earth,The Belle Of Louisville...Built in 1914,it's engines were made mid-late 1800s.(replacement parts are custom made)...shes a grand I'm Southern Lady....

[@fourbrothersnamedzott3992]

Ah yes. The fixer of the belle.