"Its moving!" 12 -23 July 2010

With those words from Nick, the leadman, the paddlewheel started to rotate last week with three chain falls attached. The wheel moved very easily with little strain relieveing my concern about its first move in years. Lepi Enterprises has the contract for restoration and at this point has the lower half of the wheel wood removed. The hub and circumferential rings have been coated with one coat and a second will be applied. The difference in appearance that the one coat made is striking.

All of the hull shell plating has been hung and the finishing welding is ongoing. The overlay on the false bow is about half complete. The wood for the tow knees has been selected but work has not started on assembly. This will be a tedious job as the knees are a bolted assembly on to the fashion plates on the bow.

The hot work completion date of 9-10 August is beginning to look pretty realistic. There is a lot of clean-up to accomplish  as well as small items on the punch list. The biggest clean up is the grinding flush of the weld scabs on the outer hull shell so as to not present a site for coating failure at a later date.

It is with a very sad heart that we note the passing of one of the very good benefactors of the SNYDER and the Museum in general, Nelson Jones. Nelson made many contributions to the SNYDER in the way of cash donations but in other ways as well. When I was doing the Condition Assessment for the SNYDER, Nelson had moored a barge between the bank and the SNYDER which was a God Send with the high water, we experienced during that period. Nelson was also a mentor to me in a number of instances through the years. To say, he will be missed, is a vast understatement. Rest in Peace, Nelson.