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| Peter Reinzuch | Mississippi River Yacht Club | 30/Dec/1999:16:51:03 |
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OOps forgot to put in our club url http://www.angelfire.com/ms/mryc/ Hope Y2K comes and goes with no affect your life... |
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| Peter Reinzuch | Mississippi River Yacht Club | 30/Dec/1999:16:42:25 |
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A really great page ...enjoyed it a lot. As a river user please check out "our" Club site sometime! Best wishes for a Prosperous New Year! |
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| DAVID MAROTTA | 25/Dec/1999:23:11:19 | |
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I SPENT 10 YEARS ON THE RIVER,STARTED OUT AS A DECKHAND AND WORKED MY WAY UP TO PILOT.I WORKED FOR COMPANYS SUCH AS NATIONAL MARINE SERVICE,NO LONGER AROUND.CHOTIN TRANSPORTATION,CAPITAL MARINE SERVICE IN BATON ROUGE.I RAN THE FUELFLAT FOR A FEW YEARS AND ALSO WORKED THE FLEET.ENDED WITH COMPASS MARINE SERVICE OUT OF NEW ORLEANS,WORKED ORAGULF FLEET JUST BELOW ALGERS POINT ON THE WEST BANK,AND ALSO RAN INTER-COASTAL CANAL WITN GRAIN BARGES.BEEN AWAY FROM BOATS FOR ABOUT 9YEARS NOW,AND STILL MISS IT AND THE MANY PEOPLE I MET DURING MY TIME ON THE BOOTS.WRITE BACK IF YOU CAN ,WE JUST MIGHT KNOW SOME OF THE SAME PEOPLE. |
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| Scot Thomson | 25/Dec/1999:21:23:36 | |
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Just surfing around looking for towboat pics. I currently work as a Pilot-Capt. for Tidewater Barge Lines on the Columbia-Snake River system. |
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| Bernard Murphy Btn. | 25/Dec/1999:18:34:19 | |
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i enjoyed reading about your experience on the rivers.keep up the good
work. |
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| Capt. James Hall | 25/Dec/1999:01:53:45 | |
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I enjoyed your site. Your story brings back several thousand to my mind. Keep up the good work! Good luck in the high water this year. |
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| JOHNB BERGER | 22/Dec/1999:20:15:28 | |
| KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK | ||
| Markay Brown | 22/Dec/1999:16:32:56 | |
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Sure enjoyed your site. I'm a civil engineer working on river projects, and this gives a different perspective! |
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| dsheppard | 22/Dec/1999:13:21:28 | |
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i worked on the upper miss.,illinois,ohio,tenn.,and lower miss. for 8 yrs. as a deckhand and then first mate in the 70's and 80's.if there is anyone out there who worked for huffman towing or inland waterways in st. louis mo. please feel free to e- mail me at dsheppard@kc.rr.com. and i will certainly reply. its always nice to talk with riverrats. |
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| lorraine | 21/Dec/1999:15:28:02 | |
| Kelly B. Hall, Sr. | 21/Dec/1999:15:16:28 | |
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I really enjoyed the page. I live in Galliano, LA (just south of the Intercoastal Waterway -&- Bayou Lafourche). The mighty Mississippi, it's a great river isn't it. Take care of yourself and may your lines never tangle. |
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| Don D. Groth | 21/Dec/1999:15:15:09 | |
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Great home page. As you can see I work at a University in Okla. Not much water or rivers in my state, thanks for the ride on the Mississippi. |
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| capt. d. webster | riverman's veiw | 19/Dec/1999:15:48:29 |
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just learning my way around the web -&- setting up a page in the cinn. area. would like some points on how to improve mine. i'm going to add your site to my links. thanks again david |
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| patty | 17/Dec/1999:17:23:56 | |
| beautiful scenery love it... | ||
| Brian.... Iowa | 13/Dec/1999:18:39:06 | |
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I am in the process of planning a small boat trip down the Mississippi River. My goal is to go from Minneapolis to New Orleans. I plan to go solo in a boat no longer than 18 feet, open, v-bottom. I am now in the process of gathering info. I would be interested in any input you might have. I grew up within one and a half hours of the mississippi near Dubuque, Iowa. It's been a long term goal of mine to make this trip. I came accross your web site and it looked interesting. thanks and good luck.... Brian |
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| Tom Rhodes | 12/Dec/1999:18:36:18 | |
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Good Sight David! Tom (Crew Dispatcher) Memco Barge Line Inc. Cape Girardeau, MO. |
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| Marc Lever Ag | 10/Dec/1999:02:29:58 | |
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I really enjoyed your website!!! Wonderful work and very interesting.
I work on the Columbia and Snake River System and am employed as a Deckmechanic with Tidewater Barge Lines up here in the Great Northwest!! Judging by your writing and pictures, I see many similarities between here and there, although there are a few differances. Our tows are 650' or less and 84' wide. The eight dams, four on the Columbia and the four on the Snake, limit our size. We work 15 days on and then have 15 days off. A wonderful schedule!!! You can't beat the life of an inland towboater, pure and honest hard work!!! Again, an awesome site and I will be visiting again. Have a good tour! Sincerely, Marc Lever |
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| Timothy R. Rhyne | 07/Dec/1999:13:05:05 | |
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Great work Dave. I used to work for T.L.Herbert -&- Sons out of Nashville, TN, serving on the John Hervert,T.L.Herbert,pushing coal barges for TVA, and running sand/gravel barges on the Cumberland/Tennessee,Lower Ohio,Mid-Mississippi, in 1974/75. I just got a wild hair to see if WSJ was still published and saw your page. I quit the river after about a year, wanderlust, worked construction,US Border Patrol/Immigration along soutern border,Yuma,AZ/Calexico,Ca, southern Texas,and then 11 years up in N/Idaho, at a little Port of entry,Eastport,ID population 35. I remember good times on the river/Paducah,Ky/other small towns/visiting local establishments/etc. as we waited for barges to be filled/gathered for movement. A lot has changed in the industry/government reg's,etc. I'm glad to see the spirit still lives in people's hearts, to travel and enjoy God's great creation. Good luck with whatever journey you pursue, you have a treasure of memories to take with you. As I know now, all we |
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| Barry Simmons | 06/Dec/1999:22:32:06 | |
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Hi, great web site. I use to work at ITAPCO in Greenville, MS. I remember the Zephyr, Antigone, Zeus, and some other Sabine boats that have come to our dock to discharge. I've always thought that Sabine had one of the best crews in the industry. You guys always invited us to come aboard and eat some good cajun cooking and card games. Thanks for the memories. |
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| brad austin | 03/Dec/1999:12:10:43 | |
| Capt. Danna O'Connor | 03/Dec/1999:01:37:13 | |
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Your Homepage I really enjoyed. I understand your passion for the river life and all its glory. I am a woman pilot and kids, and the fact that most companies want hire women pilots makes it hard for me to stay out there but I do live it though my Husband. Well as they say ( hope you always have an easy tow,go with godspeed and watch out for tow nats). Respectfully, Capt. D |
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| Mike M | 30/Nov/1999:17:59:44 | |
| NANCY A KOTARSKI | 30/Nov/1999:17:56:40 | |
| Gary Friedmeyer St L | 25/Nov/1999:14:57:17 | |
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I love the RIVERS, all of them They have so much mystery day to day. They appear so calm, yet they are wild to say the least. St Louis has a great river system to watch all kinds of river traffic. My favorite has been years ago watching the S/S Admiral passenger steamship (not really a steam but pretend) cruise down the Mississippi playing the steam powered CALIOPE or organ You could hear it a mile away What a memory Thanks for this web See ya maybe sometime |
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| Robert G. Parker | 23/Nov/1999:10:43:39 | |
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I enjoyed working for Sabine. They were a top notch company at one time. I worked on the Athena first the Posidoeon second and the Ajax third. The Posideon was my favorite I can't remember the Captians name right now but he was later the Captain on the Amdromeda. I don't know if that is spelled right. Robby was the relief Captain on the Athena when I worked on it. Greg parker |
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| Ro | 23/Nov/1999:10:36:09 | |
| Capt. Bob Wies (Ret) | 21/Nov/1999:10:00:23 | |
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I made one trip down the Illinois and the Mississippi skippering a private Motor Yacht. I knew someone had to be having fun because from my perspective the trip was a nothing. You make great points for the aspiring Riverman on a finely constructed site. I can't help but feel that no matter what career you persue your heart won't be far from the River. Best wishes, Capt. Bob |
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| Paul T. Abshear | 16/Nov/1999:23:29:05 | |
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I enjoyed the pictures. I've lived along the Ohio River all my life and whenever I saw a Towboat coming, I always took the time to have a look. You've got a life that most people dream of. I am a former Police Officer and currently work for Major League Baseball Teams that play the Cincinnati Reds at home. While at Cinergy Field (home of the Reds) whenever I saw a Tow coming up or down river I always managed to take a picture. I remember when I was a little boy and waiting on the school bus in my home town of Neville, Ohio just east of Cincinnati, the oldest paddle wheel tow boat on the Ohio would pass by and really make my day. The OMAR! Take care and be safe. Paul |
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| Don Morgan -age 35 | 14/Nov/1999:07:57:11 | |
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I very much enjoyed your web site. someday i myself hope to expeirence the life of working on the river boats. I live in missori and if you have any suggestions on how to find a river boat job i would very much appreciate it. thanks. |
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| Emmett Kessinger | 09/Nov/1999:16:17:09 | |
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David: I am a tour guide-escort for Wolf bus Lines in York Springs, Pennsylvania, and I spent 8 days on the Mississippi Queen, Oct.8-15-99 what a beautiful trip...St. Louis to Cincinnati, Ohio for the tall stacks.First time on a river boat and I was amazed at the work you people do on those barges...Waved everytime I passed one and they waved back with that friendly wave and smile.Paul Thoeny was our captain..... I think everyone should travel this mode one time in their life to see life on the river...Keep up the good work and you workers are very much appreciated. I hope sometime in the future, I can return for another trip on the rivers..Your web site is also interesting...Working on the river and going to school...You must have what it takes..Should you have a few minutes, write back to me at my e-mail...sokeok@innernet.net Emmett Kessinger 1523 Brechbill Road, Chambersburg, Pa. 17201 signed 11-9-99 |
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| Larry Presley | 09/Nov/1999:12:22:34 | |
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I find your context very interesting being a towboater myself. I was looking around for a good company to obtain employment with. I worked for Ingram Barge Company back in 95 and I really miss the life on the river. My goal is to one day hopefully obtain my pilot's license. If you could or know of any good companies to work for, please email their names or contacts. Your cooperation is very much appreciated. Sincerely, Larry M. Presley |
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| steven gregory | 07/Nov/1999:07:40:08 | |
| ken tenhet | 24/Oct/1999:17:46:10 | |
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having been born on the mighty mississippi, namely helena, ark., i, as a kid, also envied the people that made their living on the many craft that made their way passed this youngster standing on the bank. often thought that i would work in a job such as the one that you speak so fondly of. after growing up i some how ended up in texas city, tx. ( not far from port arthur) and make my living in a large chemical plant, behind chain link fences. i'm sure that life on a tug is not all fun but would be glad to trade jobs with you for a couple months to see how it really is.. judging by the excellant job that you have done on your page i assume that you have talents other than boats and their rigging. thanks for the great job and allowing me to (ride) along. ken |
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| Rose Stachow | 24/Oct/1999:09:58:10 | |
| Great web page. | ||
| Mike Zellmer | 21/Oct/1999:20:21:25 | |
| great site | ||
| Lou Coley | 20/Oct/1999:19:58:59 | |
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I was also a tugboat deckhand. Ran up and down the east coast from Maine to Virginia.A long time ago but i will never forget it.A great life indeed. |
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| Mike Thibodaux | 19/Oct/1999:11:01:56 | |
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Really liked your site! I've lived down in South La. near Morgan City
-&- Houma, LA all my life along the GIWW, never more than a half-mile off the waterway. Always had a fascination with tugs, as I always seemed around them one way or another. I work for a marine construction (offshore GOM) company and our company fronts GIWW at mile 87. Will visit again! |
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| Randy Young | 18/Oct/1999:04:27:08 | |
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I am a pilot on the M/V Benyaurd with the Army Corp of Engineers. I worked on board the M/V Andromeda with Capt. Herb Kelly for about a year as pilot and enjoyed my stay at Sabine Transportation, Capt. Herb. Chief Engineer John LeBleau, and the rest of the crew. Just surfing and found your site. Enjoyed the visit. Good Luck . |
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| Randy | 16/Oct/1999:11:46:25 | |
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i was just surfing around and saw where you worked for Alter at one time. i've been with Alter barge line for 23 years and am currently chief eng. on the M/V Beverly Ann. I enjoyed your web site. |
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| Larry Presley | 13/Oct/1999:23:33:11 | |
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I worked for Ingram barge company back in 1995 as a deckhand. I am now wanting to return to the river transportation industry as a possible career. I was told during my employment with Ingram that there were better companies to work for. If you would, please send me some information about any companies you know that would be good to work for and that are hiring. Sincerely, Larry M. Presley |
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| nicholas | 12/Oct/1999:18:55:10 | |
| i needed something on the mississipi river for school. | ||
| jd | 11/Oct/1999:18:14:42 | |
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I had quite an adventure on your Pages!! Thanks. In the back of my mind there lies a basic question... What am I doing...?? I collect my thoughts down at the River bank. It's my Zen if you will. As I see a Barge, and can't help but let my mind wonder, and explore the world that lives on the River. Sometimes I can feel myself falling into the River and climbing on a brage.... Thanks Again... Maybe I see you on our River jd |
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| cheryl lane | 09/Oct/1999:22:46:50 | |
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I have just found an old letter written by my grandmother referring to the old D.T. Dale. Her father was captain on this steamboat! I am looking for ANY info on the boat or history. Thank you! I may be looking in the wrong place ??? cheryl lane |
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| jeremy | 09/Oct/1999:16:50:14 | |
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hi enjoyed your site i work at national maintence and repair in hartford il. i work on engines rebuild and repairing them. just wanted to say nice site. |
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| Capt. Jim Hutton | 09/Oct/1999:15:50:10 | |
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I started working for Sabine Towing Co.back in 1965 deckhand tankerman, worked my way up to pilot.On the MV/Goliath Tugboat Capt.with Capt Red. and Capt.Jhonny Segelskie.I worked with Capt,PC Smith on the MV/Posidain.also worked with Capt Claud Duplashaine(not sure about spelling of last name but I know its close) I then went to work for Slade Towing (HigmanTowing for those who know Capt Babin) Edgar Brown the third.(Three eyed Brown) MV/ Charles E Brown.Then Iwent to Alamo Barge Lines.Then to Chotin Trans. out of Baton Rouge La. To many Co. to remember.If any of the people I worked with reads this my E-mail is jhu9119166@aol.com PS.Capt Elton Adams If you se PC tell him Hi and how are you doing? |
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| Jim Zeirke | 08/Oct/1999:19:13:38 | |
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Thanks for putting together this web page. It really gives a nice insight into the life of you guys who do a very valuable job in our nation's economy. In my youth I spent a lot of summertime hanging around the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. I often wondered what it would be like to work one of those barge boats. I found out a little about that when my wife and I took our honeymoon on the Mississippi Queen. |
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| John Gibson | 05/Oct/1999:01:52:07 | |
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David, I'm a 23 year old pilot. Although I am not the kind of pilot that you may be familiar with, I do have a great appreciation of the Mississippi. I recently took a position with a commuter airline in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was just searching the web for sites that included subjects which I am interested in. A search of "Missippi River" yielded your site which I enjoyed very much. I wondered if if you have ever read the book "Life on the Missippi" by Mark Twain. If you ever get a chance to pick up this book I would like to call your attention to chapter nine. The last couple of pages contain a passage in which Mr. Twain relates his perception of the river both before and after his experiences as a Steamboat Pilot. I have read this passage many times and related it to my experiences in the sky. Isn't it nice to have a job where the experiences you enjoy keep it interesting enough so that it never becomes just "a job". Sincerely, John Gibson |
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| tom holllis | 03/Oct/1999:15:07:05 | |
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Worked on thh old"Frank Alter"77-78 then a few other Alter
barge line boats till 1980. Now i farm and live on the river at a.k.a big bend on the Ky side, a.k.a big sandy on the river or horse shoe bent on the in.side of the river. look for a few mon work with jerry morton sammy penson. captain murry |
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| van -&-sally miller | 30/Sep/1999:11:33:26 | |
| Minnie Moore | 27/Sep/1999:19:58:03 | |
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Dave, you have done a great job with your information! I teach a travel program and my students are currently learnig about the Mississippi River with a project titled "Life on the Mississippi River". I will share your sight with them as a reference for their research. You will help them understand the real "Life on the Mississippi". Thank you for sharing your information and your life! |
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| Elton Adams | 23/Sep/1999:00:07:38 | |
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just checking in again David. I am still hanging in up in the northeast.Just got in from Galveston, had to renew my radar endorsment at Texas A-&-M at Pelican Island. Check back with you later. Captain Elton Adams. |
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| Derek Davies | 12/Sep/1999:16:51:09 | |
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Nice site, mate. Will get back to you when I've looked at it some more. Hope to see you on the river one of these days - if I can make it over from Brighton, UK. |
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| Jim Guidry | 10/Sep/1999:22:18:42 | |
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David, What a neat story you wrote. I was lucky to be an employee of the Diamond S and work with you and all of the river men you have written about. I first fell in love with the river and then with this little blond headed girl who keeps me aground. I get to ride a weekend now and then and work alongside good men like yourself. I truly was the priviledged one that day. Heres hoping that the industry built by rivermen does not forget them and the sacrifices made. Your a true hand and a good shipmate from all accounts. My thanks for the great website and the tribute to the Men and Women of the Diamond S. When you need a "river fix" you know who to call. Jim. |
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| D.R. Skinner | 09/Sep/1999:19:03:41 | |
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Keep up the good work,really enjoyed |
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| Alicia | 08/Sep/1999:15:08:49 | |
| K Smith | 08/Sep/1999:14:34:32 | |
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A great site for kids who have read "Huck Finn" for school.
It shows them that the river is a real place, and that it is still impacting people today. Keep up the good work ! |
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| Sherry Guidry Fonten | 06/Sep/1999:18:00:13 | |
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Hey Dave: Remember me? Mike's sister. Hope you are doing good. Your web site is really cool. I couldn't believe the pictures of the wreck!!! I am so glad you are here to tell about it. Hope Angela is doing good. Tell her I said hello. Tell her to email me. Mom and Hud say Hi!! Take care. |
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| bob | 05/Sep/1999:18:37:50 | |
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nest time your right on mile marker 600 look at the top of the iowa bluff--------------thats me. "shes quite a river" and just keeps heading sout-----and the best to you. a ole river rat from dubuque |
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| DEWAYNE LEE | 03/Sep/1999:18:05:44 | |
| ENJOYED THE RIDE | ||
| MIKE GUIDRY AND LIS | 03/Sep/1999:12:43:42 | |
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flav-o-dave! Whats happening good buddy? Man this is the first time I've had the chance to see your life on a monitor. It's very cool. I especially enjoyed the river. That brings back a lot of memories that I'll never forget. "To all those out there that don't know David, he is a helluva guy that everyone should get to meet." |
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| MIKE GUIDRY AND LIS | 03/Sep/1999:12:38:52 | |
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flav-o-dave! Whats happening good buddy? Man this is the first time I've had the chance to see your life on a monitor. It's very cool. I especially enjoyed the river. That brings back a lot of memories that I'll never forget. "To all those out there that don't know David, he is a helluva guy that everyone should get to meet |
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| Thomas Grant | 02/Sep/1999:13:31:28 | |
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Saw the Eden Brent go by Cave In Rock Il on Aug 15/16 '99. Were you aboard? Enjoyed your site. |
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| Patty Masterson` | 30/Aug/1999:07:25:52 | |
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hey I like your web site. I do not work on the river but I come from
a family who all years on the river total more than 100. |
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| Bill Scott | 21/Aug/1999:23:43:07 | |
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I am working on material about Mark Twain's Huck Finn. I am constantly looking for stuff that will make the story real to students. |
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| Christine Martel | Paradise | 21/Aug/1999:21:15:45 |
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I would just like to say that you did an outstanding job on your pages.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Your site provides a lot of interesting
information and insight. Thank you for a job well done! Chris |
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| TODD HUNDLEY | 21/Aug/1999:07:29:03 | |
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IM THE PILOT ON THE M/V DIXIE RENEGADE. NICE WEB SITE |
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| David Johnson | 17/Aug/1999:03:55:55 | |
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Cool site. I just wonder if the part about always going back is true. I've heard that many times before. However I don't think that will be the case with me. I wore out way more than one pair of redwings in my 4 years deck and 5 years in the engine room. I have to admit in some strange way. I still miss it. I have tons of photos of the upper and lower Miss. I would love to share with anyone intrested, also I am searching for any information I can find on my great-great-grandmother Nettie Johnson, the first licensed female master pilot on the Miss. |
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| Steve E | 14/Aug/1999:21:49:45 | |
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Bra!Like the site!!!! Like the picture of the River boat passing the Memphis "Teepee"also. I thought you worked for Coastal,that's what brought me to you're site. I was on the river six years from New Orleans to Pinebend to Pittsburg to Knottsville to Chicago to Kansas City,I was the mate on the M\V Ginger Griffin New. As you can see I was blessed with some fine scenery, and some truly enjoyable times on the big river and the tribs. Right now i'm bunkering,I truly miss the river but the money says stay.Hey if you or anybody from the river wants to send mail it's alright,and i'm gonna pass the word about this site i've already bookmarked it!!!!! Keep Up The Good Work! The River's Cool But Stay In School! Steve |
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| Steve E | 14/Aug/1999:21:46:47 | |
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Bra!Like the site!!!! Like the picture of the River boat passing the Memphis "Teepee"also. I thought you worked for Coastal,that's what brought me to you're site. I was on the river six years from New Orleans to Pinebend to Pittsburg to Knottsville to Chicago to Kansas City,I was the mate on the M\V Ginger Griffin New. As you can see I was blessed with some fine scenery, and some truly enjoyable times on the big river and the tribs. Right now i'm bunkering,I truly miss the river but the money says stay.Hey if you or anybody from the river wants to send mail it's alright,and i'm gonna pass the word about this site i've already bookmarked it!!!!! Keep Up The Good Work The River's Cool |
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| Clay Ellis | 10/Aug/1999:12:44:47 | |
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I am researching the history of the Mississippi River and having difficulty
learning one fact. Perhaps some of you experienced boatmen might have
the answer. Re: The Chain of Rocks Dam at Saint Louis, Missouri. Was there a lock in this dam, prior to construction of the bypass canal? Thanks to anyone who might provide the answer. Clay Ellis Clay4by@aol.com |
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| Mike Pendergrass | 10/Aug/1999:10:32:21 | |
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Great Page, Hope to post a page where river men can post photos, stories, anything of interest to river oriented enthusiasts. As of now I have no webpublishing skill so it may be a while. For now I will send folks to you. Thanks for a good read. |
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| Capt. Herbert Kelly | 09/Aug/1999:16:24:43 | |
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M/V Eden Brent Hello Dave, Pleasure working with you, Good Luck on the rest of your schooling. Come back and join us soon. |
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| Tom Davis | 07/Aug/1999:18:17:55 | |
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Former deckhand on the M/V Northern. You made a comment about the river keeps calling you back. I can relate to that, I work on the bank now but I truly miss the river. Your comment makes me think of something I heard a pilot say once, "Once you've rode between two stacks you're doomed you will towboat till you're tombed" |
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| Tom Davis | 07/Aug/1999:18:05:43 | |
| Butch McCabe | 05/Aug/1999:23:00:04 | |
| M/V Sarah Elizabeth | ||
| Sandy Canova | 04/Aug/1999:06:39:40 | |
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Great site! I am exploring a job as cook on a tow boat and you have given me great information and encouragement. Thanks...hope to see you on the river. |
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| marty weiss | 01/Aug/1999:03:41:35 | |
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thinking about working as crew on the river. been down it from prairie du chien wis. to cape girardeau, mo. by canoe, camping out along the way. also been down the rock, the wisconsin, and the illinois, as well as around lake michigan. american commercial barge line put an ad in my local newspaper, the mexico ledger, dated sat., july 31. been thinking about river boats for years. does everybody start as a deckhand? is the work too strenuous? i'm in good shape and can do hard work but don't want to make a livin by my back anymore. have been driving OTR for a year, running heavy equipment (dozer, backhoe, dump trucks) for a few years. musician, carpenter and a few other things along the way. ACBL is advertising for experienced and inexperienced deckhands. they list tankerman pay as $124 per day. lead deckhand $130 per day. 30 day on 20 day off. what's the real skinny about this company, this ad? what does an inexperienced deckhand make? what are the duties? i really enjoyed your well |
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| TREE{Alan Leonard} | TREE'S PLACE | 17/Jul/1999:08:25:30 |
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WOW !!!! very good page dude!!! I'm a mate on the river,been doing it for 11yrs.,I'm getting my pilots licence this year{hopefully}. you have a great place to visit and get a good understanding of the river life. I know all to well about the river calling you back,it does me that way all the time now. I'm on a rock run that runs from Cave-in rock Ky., to Vicksburg Ms.,some o our boats go to Fla.. enjoyed it dude,see you on the river!!! Fellow riverman TREE |
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| Jane Whalen | 11/Jul/1999:07:59:40 | |
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Great site! I cooked on a tow for a crew of nine, on the Miss -&- Ohio.
I am one semester away from an English degree but doubt I would enjoy teaching better than peeling potatoes on deck at sunrise. The sun on the river made me understand what impressionistic painters try to do on canvas. Thousands of oval patches of color bouncing under a sun that can jump the horizon, another unbelievable sight. The crew I cooked for proved civilians' are wrong when they bad mouth river crews. The guys were grateful,hungry, fun to feed hard workers. They earned my respect from the first day when I overslept and made them an hour and a half late breakfast! I started my mornings at 3:30 am when a very funny deck hand woke me up to find fresh,hot coffee and a warmed oven in the galley. Though some cooks find it possible to take a nap ea day, I never could work one in. After breakfast I baked the days desserts and cookies, then started lunch. After lunch I washed and prepared the fresh vegtables f |
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| Griffin | 06/Jul/1999:13:11:23 | |
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This web site is truly a treasure and an accomplishment to be proud of. Thank you for being here. J.K. Griffin Pensacola |
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| Dick Hendrickson | hendrickson clan catfish guide.. | 05/Jul/1999:14:00:36 |
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Very well put together web page my friend.. I camp at Keithsburg almost every week-end.. that is between locks 17 and 18. .. Found your information and links very interesting.. keep up the good work.. Stay dry and healthy.. |
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| Albert Merranko | 05/Jul/1999:07:30:16 | |
| Greg Friesz | 03/Jul/1999:18:33:38 | |
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My Dad was Gerald Friesz, CEO of Sabine for most of its last decade. He passed away two years ago. I wish I could have shown him this site...he would have been thrilled to see someone have the same love of that company as he did. Any of you Sabine veterans - feel free to e- mail me at degree32@ih2000.net. I'd love to hear from you. |
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| James West | 23/Jun/1999:00:20:05 | |
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Great job on your Web page. I wish I had the same tools when I was working on the River. I started out working for Canal Barge Company on the E.P. Jones in the late 60's. I will never forget those days. Your Web site brought several memories back. Keep up the good work. |
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| Bob Beck | 22/Jun/1999:09:00:24 | |
| Just got off the big river it is a truely special place. | ||
| Captain Don Sanders | Opendoorstore | 20/Jun/1999:22:26:55 |
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I especially enjoyed your comments about the time Jim Guidry "took
off his office tie" and pitched in to help when your crew was short-handed. You quoted another Captain saying that no matter how high a person rises on the river, he (she) never forgets what it's like to be a deckhand. How true, or as my friend Captain Kevin Mullin once told me, "Once a deckhand, always a deckhand." Being the Senior Captain of the beautiful Grand Victoria II in Rising Sun, Indiana is a "grand" job, but I fondly remember my deckhand days on the Steamer Avalon, many years ago in my sunny youth. |
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| jamie axthelm | 12/Jun/1999:07:01:29 | |
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hey fellow.wish i knew that you did this type stuff when i met you on the m/v witchita during spring break when you where aboard.maybe i'll make your next update. congrads. on your degree. thought you where going for the marine part of the degree. keep up the web site.really cool |
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| Russ | n\a | 11/Jun/1999:17:55:16 |
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I've been on an anhydrous ammonia barge for two years now and want to further my license to include a DL and then eventually into some form of ship tanking too. your site is a inspiration to anyone with a dream. good luck and congradulations on the graduation. |
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| Janie | Michael | 09/Jun/1999:19:33:04 |
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Hey there I really did enjoy you taking me down the mississippi river with you...it was a very interesting trip..the entry in here before mine is one from my brother...I am hoping that his site that he is starting on will be as interesting as yours...it is so nice to know just exactly what ya'll do when we see you going up and down the river..I have a brother in law who is a mate on one of the boats also so you really have enlightened me as to what a task it is to make the trip..keep up the good work and the hard studying.. Thanks again for your site Janie |
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| Darrel Fusilier | 09/Jun/1999:06:35:35 | |
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Last comments was too long I guess. Thanks for taking the time to compose the River page.. it will enlighte folks on what riverlife is all about.. God bless and keep up the good work. On the River and in college.Thanks again Capt.D |
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| Capt.Darrel K. Fusil | 09/Jun/1999:06:22:55 | |
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really enjoyed your page david.. i am new at all this web page thing.
i have a page started with the assistance of my sister in houston.. she has made a page of the fusilier family and one of a deceased grandson, michael todd festino.. he drowned at only 7 years old. 2 days as a matter of fact, after his 7th birthday. i dont have anything on my homepage yet other than my picture and some music. i plan on composing a story of my life and my life on the river.i am glad that you composed a river page .. hardly anyone other than towboaters know what the river life is like.. heck they dont even know what its about..i work for ingram barge co. i am pilot on the m/v samuel b. richmond.this year marks 34 years for me on the river. 32 and a half in the wheelhouse. i run the upper miss,lower miss,ohio,tennessee,illinois... i have run the cumberland,monongahela,and arkansas rivers.. ive even ran offshore to block 250 vermillion.. and of course the intracoastal from apalachicloa, fla. to browns |
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| John D Lowe | 09/Jun/1999:00:57:18 | |
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I really injoyed your site. I own a house boat and live on it in the summer in the chippwa river just south of Eau Claire Wi. The chippwa rivre formed lake pepin Wi. I'm dissabled but still contribute as much as possable to the enviromental cause. More info can be reached at Http://clean-water.uwex.edu/ well i guess thats a rap if you want to reach me give a toot to my e-mail. |
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| George Vincent | gret | 06/Jun/1999:18:15:03 |
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I been on the river for 31 years. I like to see and read thing about the river. Im a cook now. But I stared out as a deckhand. made mate. then I work on shore for 10 years fleet mate-&- barge repair,barge dispacher. Then I when back on boats as Eng mate. till I got hurt.Then Ibecame a cook. I started with Alter co. 1.5 years,then19.5years with SCNO barge line,then I been with ACBL 11years. I like the river life and the must I like the days off the must of all. Thanks for the petty pictures a thing. George |
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| Mike Moore | 02/Jun/1999:18:05:58 | |
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Hello...I am the dispatcher at Western Ky Navigation, Paducah, KY. I enjoyed the Web page and look forward to repeat visit's....Mike |
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| mrs. Dean and class | 02/Jun/1999:13:43:50 | |
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The 4th grade class from Marsh School in Michigan City Indiana thanks you for help in a social studies project. |
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| travis holden | none | 30/May/1999:16:52:26 |
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hey, its nice to see a fellow towboater on the web, i am a 5 year towboater,liscenced tankerman for 2 years. i work in corpus christ harbor crosschanneling from one place to the other, it gets old after a while but you get used to it, i guess. have a good hitch and GOD SPEED. TRAVIS HOLDEN |
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| Rusty Surratt | 29/May/1999:04:14:12 | |
| I work on casino boat fort madison iowa great job | ||
| Kassie Hassler | 25/May/1999:15:14:54 | |
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I grew up in Quincy on the upper Mississippi (Do I need to say Quincy, Ill?) My folk had a runabout for years I spent most of my summers on one sandbar or another. To this day my dream job (what would you do if you could do anything you choose) would be working on the River. However, being female who graduated from high school in the early 1960s, that hasn't been a practical choice. Someday maybe I'll at least get to step foot on a tow! Thanks for your page. Kassie Hassler |
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| bob jones | 23/May/1999:19:57:00 | |
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ran grocery boat T- Bone for Mid West boat store many years mile 248 ill. river home town of the Rose Bros Rose barge line worked for them in a Firestone tire store just before river business |
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| dave thomas | none | 21/May/1999:00:24:58 |
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what a wonderful adventure!!! finish the degree, but know you have a true calling to write-online, in print, for a newspaper, or whatever!!! I'm a recreational boater and have traveled the length of the Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, some of the great lakes, tributaries, etc. Please!!!! continue your page! There is so much trash online that it is like the breath of God to visit a site like yours!!!! if you like to read as much as write, there are a couple really great books from the University of Kentucky Press by Harlan Hubbard-if you don't do anything else in life, get a copy of his book, Shantyboat and enjoy-it's the story of a middle aged man -&- his wife who headed down the Ohio, Mississippi and into the gulf in a hazard to navigation, but they did it like Thoreau!!! Again, a great time seeing your site, if you ever get to Indianapolis and want to see how cars are made (I work for Bethlehem Steel at General Motors largest factory) please give me a call!!! David Thomas 1102 E Pro |
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| Jordan | 18/May/1999:15:50:22 | |
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Hello, I found you site by using electricmonk.com I came across it because I am doing a History project in school. I have no history background on the Mississippi back when riverboats and Flatboats were used quite often to ship things. So if you can give me any information on the history of the river and the life of a captain on a river boat. That would be terrific Thanks for all the help, Jordan Shafer |
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| John R. Schill | none | 18/May/1999:09:41:52 |
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Born: Granite City, IL 1937. Fell in love with river and towboating as young boy. Raised in St. Louis. Spent more time on levee than in grade school. Or so wished. Enlisted U S Coast Guard 1954. Engineman on CGC Foxglove ( St. Louis }and FERN ( Dubuque }. Decked later for Inland Tugs Co. Later engineer ACBL. Now retired Madison, WI. Go to Dubuque all summer to smell the towses. Great to meet you. Wish we could meet. |
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| John Esser | The Stern Watch | 17/May/1999:00:22:25 |
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Great Site ! I see you use a macintosh, thats great too! |
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| Jeff Scott | 15/May/1999:20:02:48 | |
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I enjoyed this to the fullest.I have tryed t find the frequencies for the barges on Mississipi,an Ohio rivers.I am disabled and enjoy listening to you all Thanks Jeff |
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| Jeff Scott | 15/May/1999:19:53:13 | |
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I enjoyed this to the fullest.I have tryed t find the frequencies for the barges on Mississipi,an Ohio rivers.I am disabled and enjoy listening to you all Thanks Jeff |
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| Ed Conklin | 13/May/1999:11:42:43 | |
| Jamie | 11/May/1999:09:19:28 | |
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I wish to be in school |
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25/Jan/1999:17:07:43 |
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My company Kongsberg Norcontrol has supplied the towboat simulators
at |
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23/Jan/1999:19:21:13 |
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Great river site, your prose makes a person feel they have witnessed
the |
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22/Jan/1999:06:09:56 |
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21/Jan/1999:11:27:16 |
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I think it is about time someone did this!!!!!!! |
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Jeff Luconic |
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19/Jan/1999:13:11:42 |
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I really enjoyed your page. |
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19/Jan/1999:09:52:14 |
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Good job ole' boy !!! |
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Russell Surratt |
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19/Jan/1999:06:37:45 |
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I read your page think it is real cool I work on a casino boat in Fort |
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RIVER OTTER |
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19/Jan/1999:01:13:26 |
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WHAT'S NEW DAVE? NOT MUCH HERE. JUST THOUGHT I'D CHECK BACK IN WITH
YOU AND SEE WHAT'S UP. STILL KICKIN' IT HERE ON THE MIGHTY MISSISSIP.
HEY, I WAS JUST WONDERING, IS THERE ANYWHERE ON THE I-NET WHERE IT
DISCUSSES OR EXPLAINS IN PRETTY GOOD DETAIL ABOUT MARITIME LAWS AND
REGULATIONS? THERE'S BEEN SOME DISCREPANCIES AMONG A FEW DECKHANDS
THAT I KNOW AND I NEED SOME INFO. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!RIVER OTTER |
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18/Jan/1999:06:21:34 |
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17/Jan/1999:16:31:17 |
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PRETTY COOL SITE, NEVER THOUGHT OF DOING THAT. I AM A SHORE TANKERMAN |
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17/Jan/1999:10:32:31 |
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MUSTANG SALLY |
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12/Jan/1999:20:47:41 |
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HEY! GREAT WEBSITE!!! |
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RIVER OTTER |
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12/Jan/1999:01:14:25 |
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JUST CHECKING IN WITH YOU DAVE. WHAT'S NEW WITH EVERYBODY? I HOPE I
DIDN'T OFFEND ANYBODY WITH MY LAST ENTRY. I THINK I KNOW THE JOB AS
WELL AS ANYBODY THAT HAS WORKED THE RIVER FOR A WHILE. ANY OF THEM
WOULD AGREE WITH ME THERE IS MORE PAIN AND SUFFERING THAN ENJOYMENT. "WHY
DO YOU DO IT?" YOU ASK? I DON'T KNOW WHY I DON'T FIND SOMETHING ELSE.
THE RIVER INDUSTRY IS BOOMING AND THERE ARE A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES
OUT THERE. IF YOU WANT A GOOD PAYING JOB, WITH GOOD BENEFITS AND GOOD
PEOPLE TO WORK FOR, THE INDUSTRY POSSESSES ALOT OF QUALITY COMPANIES
OUT THERE. ONE THING YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND IS ITS NOT EASY WORK,
AND YOU BUST YOUR BUTT FOR 12 HOURS A DAY. IF YOU CAN'T HACK IT, PACK
IT. BUT IF YOU STAY, IT WILL PAY! I READ THAT ON A PLAQUE ON THE WALL
OF THE FIRST COMPANY THAT I WENT TO WORK FOR OUT OF CAIRO, ILL. IT
EVENTUALLY GOT IN MY BLOOD AND IT HASN'T GOT OUT YET. UNTIL NEXT TIME...................RIVER
OTTER |
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RIVER OTTER |
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11/Jan/1999:06:10:42 |
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RIVER OTTER HERE AGAIN. FIXING TO GO HOME FOR THE DAY AND THOUGHT I'D GIVE ONE MORE THOUGHT. I'VE HAD TIME TO SIT AND READ THE REST OF THE GUEST'S SUBMISSIONS. SOME OF THEM SAY "YOU REALLY PUT RIVERWORK IN PERSPECTIVE." THIS IS NOT ALL THE WAY TRUE. DAVE--YOU DONE A REAL GOOD JOB ON THIS SITE AND I'LL NOT TAKE ANYTHING FROM YOU, BUT ANYTHING ON A COMPUTER COULDN'T EVER EXPLAIN THE ROUGH TIMES ON THE RIVER. ALL THE SNOW DRIFTS WE HAVE TO WADE THROUGH ON A TOW THAT CAME IN FROM ST.PAUL, THE LONG NIGHTS WHEN ALL IT DOES IS RAIN LIKE A COW...........ON A FLAT ROCK, THE NIGHTS WHEN YOU CAN'T GET ENOUGH CLOTHES ON TO STAY WARM. YOU REALLY HAVE TO LIVE IT TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THE THINGS A DECKHAND GOES THROUGH, OR HOW LIFE ON THE RIVER COULD BE. PICTURES ON A SCREEN DON'T DO THE PROFESSION JUSTICE. A MATE ONCE TOLD ME THAT IT TOOK A CERTAIN BREED OF IDIOT TO WORK ON THE RIVER, AND I'VE BEEN ON IT FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS. I GUESS THAT MAKES ME ONE, BUT IT'S ALL I KNOW SO I CAN'T LEAVE IT!!! |
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RIVER OTTER |
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10/Jan/1999:23:48:29 |
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GREAT WEBSITE, GUYS!!!!!! I REALLY LIKE THE STUFF YOU PUT IN HERE.
IT LETS PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT THE RIVER LIFE IS ALL ABOUT. I CALL
THEM CIVILIANS!! NOTHING MEANT. SO DAVE, WHAT'S GONNA BE NEW FOR '99?
DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU COULD DO TO UPGRADE THIS SITE, BUT MAYBE COULD
YOU INCLUDE SOMETHING ABOUT JOB LISTINGS. ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW THINGS.
THANX........RIVER OTTER |
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10/Jan/1999:21:50:32 |
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Your site was very helpful for my sons social fairs project... |
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RIVER OTTER |
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10/Jan/1999:21:32:35 |
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I'VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RIVER (LOWER) AT COLUMBUS, KY FOR 4 YEARS NOW AND HAVE ENJOYED ALL 4. GREAT WEBSITE!!! |
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John A. Rooney III |
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10/Jan/1999:14:40:56 |
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Enjoyed your page! We are neighbors, sort of. I work for Marine Fueling |
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Gary Crabtree |
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07/Jan/1999:16:27:52 |
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Oh how i feel missing being a mate running from StLouis harbor up to |
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04/Jan/1999:23:58:29 |
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Good Job! |
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03/Jan/1999:18:40:14 |
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i am chief engineer on the ruth d jones |
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02/Jan/1999:10:30:15 |
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Enjoyet of your beautifull cite!!! |
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