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The Valley Gem
Steamboat Valley Gem circa early 1900s near Zanesville, Ohio, in the Muskingum River. (Photo provided)
Modern day Steamboat Valley Gem. (Photo provided)
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Steamboat Valley Gem circa early 1900s near Zanesville, Ohio, in the Muskingum River. (Photo provided)
Modern day Steamboat Valley Gem. (Photo provided)
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The Valley Gem Cruise boat in Marietta celebrates 51 years of service this year.
It was named for another Valley Gem steamboat which ran on the Muskingum River in the late 1800's.
It had the longest service of any boat, 20 years, without an accident.
That's why the "Valley Gem" name was recommended to original owner Capt. Jim Sands by river expert Frederick Way, Jr.
David Baker is the author of local history blog earlymarietta.