Monthly Archives: April 2012

The third KATE ADAMS is behind the SS BROWN.  The SS BROWN was bought by the Lee Line in 1909 and renamed the REES LEE after the previous owner failed in 1908.  The Panic of 1907 may have contributed to … Continue reading →

The Memphis Commercial Mid-South Memories April 29, 2012 reported “The steamer JACK FROST left yesterday for the Illinois River with three empty ice barges.  Its return with the barges filled will be eagerly awaited by those wishing to slake their … Continue reading →

1875 CAIRO and MEMPHIS PACKET CO. ARKANSAS BELLE Way’s Packet Directory:  built 1870 Cincinnatti Ohio 203.5 x 32.5 x 5.1, sternwheel packet.  Built for the Memphis and Arkansas River trade.  She had 2 bridal chambers opposite one another named “Tennessee” and … Continue reading →

Memphis Commercial Appeal Mid-South Memories April 18, 2012 April 18, 1912 Memphis will not have automobile mail service.  The contract for transporting the mail from the Post Office to the depots and back has been awarded to Dr. J.T. Spence … Continue reading →

The following is from the book STEAMBOATS AND FERRIES ON THE WHITE RIVER A HERITAGE REVISITED (page 90) by The University of Arkansas Press Fayetteville Arkansas:  “Already hard pressed by the increasing railroad competition, steam navigation received another setback when … Continue reading →

Ways Packet Directory boat 4908; Sadie Lee was named after the daughter of Captain and Mrs. James Lee, Jr. Original cost was $10,000. She came out in Memphis-Ashport trade and later ran Memphis-Vicksburg. On November 13, 1910 she struck a log … Continue reading →

Way’s Packet Directory boat 0662.  “Steel Hull packet, built 1912 on the levee by the Southern Tank & Boiler Works Memphis Tn. for the Lee Line.  145 ft x 32 ft, originally had compound engines, 15’s, 30’s – 6 ft … Continue reading →