Steamboat historians across the nation and around the world are saddened to learn of the passing on New Year’s morning of Capt. Alan Lawrence Bates. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Alan fell under the spell of the Ohio River and the boats that plied it at an early age.  Securing a deckhand job shortly after graduating from high school, he began what was to become a lifelong interest and adventure.

It would be difficult to enumerate all that Alan accomplished throughout his 88 years. An architect by profession, Alan’s river avocation led him into the realm of naval architecture, designing some 32 excursion vessels, among them the beautiful New Orleans steamboat NATCHEZ in 1975. For appreciative model builders and collectors he drew the plans of 38 steamboats.

A founder of the Howard Steamboat Museum, Alan served as the first president when it opened in 1958.  Through the years he was a devoted member and our “go to man”, always happy to offer advice and solutions to baffling questions.

Alan authored a number of fascinating river books, beginning with Belle of Louisville, which chronicles his experiences of resurrecting the BELLE from the dilapidated steamer AVALON in the early 1960’s, and which led to him becoming a licensed mate and master.  The Western Rivers Steamboat Cyclopoedium, Coalboat Water, Naval Architect, The Western Rivers Engine Room Cyclopoedium, McBride’s River, Harley Tryon Tales and Do it Yourself, are among the tomes from Alan’s pen, as well as numerous articles in various periodicals. In 2002, Alan began writing the Old Boat Column for The Waterways Journal, published weekly at St. Louis since 1887, and known as The Rivermen’s Bible.

On Saturday, June 2nd, friends are invited to “gather at the river” for a dockside party aboard the BELLE of LOUISVILLE. The reception, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM, will be a time to remember and pay tribute to Alan, a true mentor to many river historians, river men and women.

A long and two shorts of the whistle in gratitude and memory of this consummate riverman, friend and historian who did so much to preserve and promote our rich river heritage.
The family has graciously designated the museum as the recipient for memorial gifts.  Please send your check to:

Howard Steamboat Museum
1101 East Market Street
P.O. Box 606
Jeffersonville, IN  47131-0606

Thank you very much.

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