Annual Meeting
Saugerties Fulton Steamboat Foundation
March 7, 2003
Roger Mabie presents
"Steamboat Era on the Hudson"
The purpose of the Saugerties Fulton Steamboat Foundation is to build,
in Saugerties, both a working replica of Robert Futon’s steamboat, the
Clermont, and a facility for its maintenance, operation and public
access. The project will raise awareness about the industrial age the
steamboat fostered, and about the historical, cultural, and ecological
significance of the Hudson River. To these goals the steamboat will create
educational, recreational, and economic opportunities throughout the region.
Members, guests, and the public were invited to the annual meeting on
March 7 at 7:00 pm at the Saugerties Senior Citizens Center, on Market
St., for a presentation by local steamboat historian Roger Mabie.
Roger is past president of the Steamship Historical Society of America,
is current vice-president of the Hudson
River Maritime Museum, and has written and lectured extensively about
steamboats. This slide presentation, “Steamboat era on the Hudson” is
just one of Roger’s well-received documentaries.
Steam Engineerium
This season, three members of the S.F.S.F. journeyed to Franklin, CT.
to take a weekend steam class. Dave Minch, Jim Kricker and Gary Bischoff
took the “Steam Engineerium” given by George King, the Chief Engineer
of The Sabino. The Sabino is a passenger carrying river
steamboat operating out of Mystic Seaport.
Mr. King hosted the class at his home and well-equipped workshop. Some
of the high points of the class were: safety regulations, safety procedures
and maintenance and operation of steam engines. We also gained an appreciation
of the importance of a careful and knowledgeable chief engineer for our
project. The class featured history, theory and “hands on” operation of
steam engines and boilers. The class also provided an opportunity to meet
steam enthusiasts from other organizations and different parts of the
country. We feel that we are now better equipped to recreate and operate
the engine for our steamboat.
Saugerties Fulton Steamboat Foundation discussed on National Television
The Saugerties Fulton Steamboat foundation brought national exposure
to our community. Author Kirkpatrick Sale told a national audience that
Saugerties is building a replica of the North River Steamboat and will
launch the vessel in 2007. During an interview on C-Span, where his recently
published book, "The
Fire of his Genius,” was discussed. Mr. Sale was asked if there is
a monument or museum dedicated to Robert Fulton anywhere in the United
States. His reply brought attention to both our community and our effort
to build the steamboat.
The “Clermont” Published Nationally
Last month, an article was included in the publication of BOATS US,
describing our project to thousands of boaters throughout the country.
Some great contacts were made through this exposure. These kinds of contacts
should increase as we scheme away and will become a critical part of our
endeavor.
Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration.
In 2009 New York State will be hosting a festival to celebrate the 400th
anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery of the Hudson River as well as
the 200th anniversary of Fulton’s first successful steamboat trip. A fully
operational replica of Fulton’s North River Steamboat, also known as the
Clermont will be built by the Saugerties Fulton Steamboat Foundation.
The Clermont will be a focal point in the celebration in 2009. Construction
will take several years, resulting in a boat launch in 2007. On August
17,2007 the Clermont will retrace the historic maiden voyage of the first
Clermont and travel from New York City to the Clermont Estate to Albany
and back again.
The Saugerties Fulton Steamboat Foundation
Hudson-Fulton-Champlain
Quadricentennial Commission.
Robert
Fulton and the Clermont Steamboat
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