A new Ohio River Museum building rises like the legendary Phoenix from the remains of the original building. Soon a new Museum will tell fascinating stories of life on the river. One of the prime exhibits is a real steamboat, the W P SNYDER JR., a living relic of the steamboat era. The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer (“S&D”) started the Ohio River Museum in 1941. By the 1950’s, most steamboats were retired, having been replaced by diesel boats. Dozens of the steamers were being scrapped each year. In 1955 S&D President and river expert Capt. Frederick Way, Jr. saw a unique opportunity. He approached William P. Snyder, Jr., Chairman of the Crucible Steel, owner of the then retired SNYDER and its namesake. He said, paraphrasing here, have I got a deal for you! If you donate the boat to the Ohio History Society to become a museum, you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing her live on as an educational resource. Crucible Steel said yes. The rest, you could say, is history.

Crucible not only agreed, but outfitted the W P SNYDER, JR for the trip to Marietta under her own power. And, they arranged for about 100 officials, civic leaders, and steamboat aficianados to make the trip. It was party time – calliope playing, sightseeing, and good food. The SNYDER stopped at night for hotel stays. Many river towns greeted the excursion with bands and crowds of excited onlookers. Upon reaching Marietta on September 16, 1955, she went through Lock 1 (the last boat to do so) on the Muskingum River and docked at Sacra Via Park, just below the current Marietta Boat Club docks. The SNYDER steam whistle echoed through the valley. She’s now been with us for 70 years. I can’t wait to once again give tours on this workhorse steamboat when the new museum opens – hopefully in 2027.