Steamboat "Suwanee"

In the early years of our country, man did not travel by road and rail alone, so Ford sought to fill in the missing mode - water travel.
Travel by steamboat had been around since the very end of the 18th century and became a common method of travel well into the 19th and even early into the 20th centuries. These paddleboats have become part of the legend and folklore of early American life and I do not believe there is anyone over the age of ten that is not familiar with these symbols of early American travel. Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer" did much to build on the legends.
Thomas Edison, while in Florida, would travel the waterways on a boat named "Suwanee," a 19th century steamer. The boat was sunk, however, and all that Henry Ford could salvage was the engine. The auto-magnet, in 1929, brought the boat's one-time captain, Conrad Menge, to Dearborn to help in the re-building of the boat. Then, in March 1937, Ford dredged a loop of the Rouge River to create a circular Suwanee Lagoon.

The steamboat sat idle much of the time, however, but, gradually, this icon of 19th century Americana gained in popularity and proved to be as much an attraction as anything else in the Village. Soon, it became one of the most popular rides in the Village.
A River Rouge flood nearly destroyed the old boat in 1968. The flood waters seriously damaged the hall and part of the decks. But, in 1969, it underwent reconstruction and, by spring of 1970, was up and running once again.
My memories of riding on "Suwanee" run deep; it was an absolute joy to sit there, listening to the steam chug out of the engine, seeing the smoke blow out of the stacks, watching and enjoying the sound of the paddlewheel churn the waters, and hearing the whistle blow as we moved slowly 'round the lagoon. And with addition of the banjo man performing the old-time songs while on our 'journey' around the lagoon, it was a highlight of visiting the Village.
Probably one of the nicest things about the ride was that it was simple: no Disney-fied robotic characters on the inner island to "make it more interesting." What you got was an opportunity to experience, if only for a short turn, what it was like for our ancestors to move down the Mississippi au-naturale.

Unfortunately, since the summer of 2004, "Suwanee" was idle once again - the powers-that-be had docked it permanently. I have heard numerous reasons why it was no longer running, from cost to insurance to unions (!) to maintenance. Then, during the winter of 2011, the old girl was taken apart, board by board.

The end of Steamboat Suwanee - taken apart in the winter of 2011

I had high hopes that Greenfield Village would bring this old favorite back. But, with it now destroyed, there is certainly no chance of that happening.
Honestly, it broke my heart when I heard - then saw the photos for proof - that Steamboat Suwanee was truly no more.

So long, old girl. Maybe one day...



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Comments

Rob Bourassa said…
I was the banjo man.

I loved that boat.

Thanks for remembering.

Rob Bourassa
Historical Ken said…
Many thanks, sir, for the musical enjoyment you gave to my family and I while we rode upon this magnificent piece of Americana!
jhlalone said…
A sad day for historians The SCRAPPING of the Suwanee Steam Boat that most of us loved and charished is almost complete. Its a sad thing that The Henry Ford cant seem to understand how to save history and not destroy it yes its not the origional boat but it is still part of history.
Historical Ken said…
I am in full agreement Mr. Lalone!
I've been using your blog to identify some of the landmarks in my old GV photos from a school trip in 1983. I was shocked to learn of the scrapping of the "Suwanee." Never got to ride in it, but got some nice photos as it passed by.
Marcy said…
My great grandfather was Captain Conrad Menge. How sad to hear that she is gone. My grandmother took me to Dearborn in 1972 and I was able to take a ride. Years later she took my son on a similar trip. Sadly the Suwanee is just a memory now.
TRaffan said…
The Suwanee was not an original riverboat. Ford purchased the engines and built a boat similar to one Edison liked around them. The structure was rebuilt several times over the decades and so it was really in no way truly historic, other than the engines which are now in storage and, since Ford built the boat, so are all of the designs meaning a new Suwanee could theoretically be made.
Unknown said…
Oh we remeber you. You have our such a wonderful addition to the experience. Do you still play at Greenfield village? I ask because we meet a dear banjo player at the day out with Thomas venture. Thank you for making those wonderful memories for us.
Unknown said…
The engine was from the original boat that Edison rode. After it sunk..Ford salvaged the engineand built around it. Most of the homes in the village are replicas or built with the original...but that doesn't take away from the experience. That paddle stream ship was the best thing of a childhood memory at the village
Unknown said…
How wonderful...Thank you for sharing. It's just too sad that it's gone. I missed it so much
Unknown said…
I agree as well.
Unknown said…
Oh how fascinating. I remember you. You made it do wonderful. You were so friendly and made our day. By chance do you still play there at the village? I ask because there is a successful banjo/ guitar player ay the day out with Thomas at the train depot and his name is Rob. Either way thank you for making treasured wonderful and missed memories for us.
Unknown said…
I just found photos of the SUWANEE that my father took in the early 1950's. There is even a photo of my Mom coming out of the Elias A. Brown general store. There is a photo that I haven't been able to identify and would appreciate some help. My Mom is standing in front of a sign that reads RAINBOW TROUT - below that the neon sign says DINNER $1.25 - below that CHICKEN OR STEAK - below that a neon arrow. Hanging from the arrow is a AAA OVAL SIGN THAT SAYS approved restaurant. CHICKEN or TROUT DINNERS $1.25 - Kids .85 cents.
MODERN ROOMS
TV
vacancy
DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THIS BEING AT OR NEAR THE GREENFIELD VILLAGE???
Unknown said…
My family took a vacation in 1953 and we traveled from Hartford CT to Greenfield Village. I remember the boat. I am 74 and that time of our life as a kid was wonderful. The history there at Greenfield is unreal. Miss the old paddle wheel.
Unknown said…
Will the steam boat come back some day ?
I remember the boat when I took a field trip their
I loved that boat it was so much fun
Also if someone can let me know if or when
The boat may come back ??
Unknown said…
My bride and I had our honeymoon picture taken on that boat on June 24, 1973. So sorry to see it gone. A very lovely memory with a very lovely girl.
Larry Moeller

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