August Evening Event: Excursion Steamboats of the Adirondacks

Save the date! And join us for an evening presentation. We’ll enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres — and took a look back in time at boats and boating.

Excursion steamboats were once an essential part of a northeastern resort. Steamers ran the Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence, cruised among the grand hotels of the Maine coast, and delighted passengers with the glories of the Queen of American Lakes. Excursion boats still cruise Lake George, of course, but only one, the 1968 Minnehaha, is powered by steam. Most of the rest are gone, dismantled or left to rot along the shore. The sole survivor in the central Adirondacks is the 75-foot steamboat Tuscarora on Blue Mountain Lake. Tuscarora lasted into the 21^st century because she was hauled out and converted into a camp after her excursion days ceased in 1929 and she has stories to tell. Including the effort today, to preserve her.

Historian Hallie Bond will explore this little-known aspect of Adirondack maritime life at Tumblehome Boatshop on Thursday August 20. Doors open at 6:30.

Seating is limited and reservations are requested. Please email info@tumblehomeboats.com to register.