Delta QUEEN replica brings optimism: Possible salvation for the famous steamboat DELTA QUEEN
In the picturesque town of Vevay, Indiana, resides a unique woodshop known as "Dream WoodWorks." Within this workshop, master wood butcher Rick Starker has been creating enchanting pieces from deceased trees for over two decades. One of his most notable creations is a 30-inch, wooden model of the iconic riverboat, the DELTA QUEEN, which is now at least 19 years old.
Rick Starker's talents have not gone unnoticed, as he has crafted several custom orders, including replacement parts for the paddlewheel of the sternwheeler Rafter CLYDE. His skills also extend to artistic endeavours, such as the miniature DELTA QUEEN model, which he painted to replicate the actual QUEEN using Greene Line's signature colour.
The miniature DELTA QUEEN has garnered attention for more than just its likeness. The white collar, originally part of the model, was later transformed into a glistening white crown for the QUEEN of the Delta, a tribute to Captain Frederick Laidley, who owned and operated the "White Collar Line" of steamboats. This addition was approved by Captain Ernest E. Wagner and Greene Line President William "Bill" Muster.
The miniature DELTA QUEEN model is surprisingly heavy and contains no balsa wood, a testament to Starker's dedication to craftsmanship. The speaker expressed hope that the full-sized DELTA QUEEN fares as well as the rugged miniature.
Rick Starker's work has also caught the eye of Captain Don Sanders, a renowned American river guide and author. Sanders, who shares stories of his association with the river in his reflective and narrative book titled **"The River,"** has expressed interest in Starker's work. Sanders, who is also a columnist for the NKyTribune, has a long association with the river.
The final decision about whether the white collar remains on the miniature DELTA QUEEN belongs to Jonathan Hartford Sanders. Rick Starker and the speaker have agreed to have Starker build a case for the miniature of the historic paddlewheeler DELTA QUEEN.
The book **"The River"** by Captain Don Sanders can be purchased on the website for $29.95 plus handling and applicable taxes. The book is also available for sale at Roebling Books locations, the Behringer Crawford Museum, and the St. Elizabeth Healthcare gift shops. For a detailed summary or context beyond these facts, one may want to consult specific book retailers, library catalogs, or literary resources related to river exploration topics.
- In addition to his work on riverboats, Rick Starker has also been commissioned for custom orders in Covington, Kentucky, where the NKyTribune is based.
- The arts scene in northern Kentucky is not limited to literature, with Rick Starker's woodwork demonstrating a unique style that embodies the fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden aesthetics.
- For those seeking educational opportunities, books like Captain Don Sanders' "The River" offer insights into the relationship between individuals and the river, as well as serving as a travel guide for lovers of history, culture, and food-and-drink along the waterways.
- Aspiring authors and writers, too, can draw inspiration from the stories shared in "The River," contributing to the vibrant entertainment scene in Cincinnati and beyond.
- The completion of a custom case for Rick Starker's miniature DELTA QUEEN model will further elevate its display, demonstrating a dedication to preserving historical artifacts that reflects the health and well-being of the community.
- As for sports enthusiasts, be sure to check out the St. Elizabeth Healthcare gift shops, where you can find items that represent the spirit of local teams and support local athletes.
- If you're looking to make a purchase, you can order Captain Don Sanders' "The River" from various locations in northern Kentucky, including Roebling Books, the Behringer Crawford Museum, and select St. Elizabeth Healthcare gift shops.
- Although not every book retailer may Stock "The River," many libraries provide access to a wealth of knowledge on river exploration topics for those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
