1904 AND 1914: THE ROMANCE OF THE RIVER

 

 

What a wonderful trip to follow Mark Twain's Mississippi River adventures! Paddle wheelers, showboats, "rafters" and the romance of the river are all part of the history of river transportation and entertainment in years past. The one hundred year old graphic ad above for with the schedule of arrivals and departures for the steamship "Columbia" revives the aforesaid adventures and brings them to our own Delaware River. Trips to Burlington Island, Bristol, and Philadelphia were all part of river travel in years gone by. Unfortunately, as can be seen tin the news article below accidents were an integral part of river travel. Boilers were also known to have exploded and took the lives of many river riders. In August, 1901, a few years earlier than the Columbia, the steamer "Trenton" burned to the water line, and more than 20 people died and countless were injured. The good and the bad all fall under the category of the "romance of the river." Another fascinating river era was the rafts that once plied the Delaware. The Delaware Inn, which still stands on the shores of the Delaware off Lamberton Street and in the process of preservation,  sure contains delightful stories of the rugged canal boat operators who were an integral part of Trenton river history. 

1850's: THE DELAWARE INN AND LENOX HOUSE

The romance of the Mississippi River captures the imagination of many folks who love the era of the stern wheel paddle boats that once plied that Mark Twain river. Here in the area we have the Delaware River and the canal that has a magnificent historical heritage. My interest in South Trenton was really heightened when I took on a task for my home parish of Sacred Heart on Centre and So. Broad Streets in Trenton. Each Sunday, I journey down Centre Street passing by countless historic locations. One which really caught my eye is the old Delaware Inn on Lamberton Street, adjacent to the location of the old Peoples' Brewing Company. Thankfully, the building has been saved and is or will be restored as a classic riverfront hotel and restaurant. The graphics above show the old building as it was in its heyday when countless ships and barges plied the Trenton water front. The map is from Rutgers University, and the area of Cliff Street and Lamberton area has been cut, pasted and enhanced. The Samuel Lenox house is long gone. The area in the map is a graphic example of how South Trenton developed from a very rural area to the crowded metropolis we have today. Further details on the Delaware Inn can be found at:

http://portoftrenton.blogspot.com

Hi TomL

If I am not mistaken, the Inn is next to the brewery not across from it.
There was another tavern further down Lamberton St. across from Riverview Cemetary. Situated high on the bluff overlooking the river, we used to watch the boat races there in the 50's, and gather to drink beer after tennis in the 60's.
As a young guy, we would take our dates, park along the river before the Marine Terminal and watch the Submarine races! LOL

Say Hi to Fr. Dennis. I spoke with him last September at my brother in law's funeral. I miss that beautiful edifice, and fear the next time I'm in it, my eyes will be closed, and my arms at my side.

Regards
Mike Kuzma

MANY THANKS FOR NOTIFYING ME OF MY BOO BOO, MIKE. OF COURSE I SHOULD HAVE SAID ADJACENT OR NEXT TO PEOPLES' BREWING COMPANY. I WILL TELL FATHER DENNIS YOU WERE ASKING ABOUT HIM. I CERTAINLY HOPE YOU GET A WIDE AWAKE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE OUR NATIONAL REGISTER SACRED HEART CHURCH!

TOM