Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-04-24
rival of the First steamer-Th- "DeIIa

Arrival of the First steamer-Ths "DelIa
Collins
Like the advent Of The first robin, the com
ing of the first boat up the kennebcc is each
season welcomed as the harbingcr of spring.
Such an event occurred Yesterday afternoon,
in the arrival Of the new steamer "Dclla
Collins which is to ply between this CITY,
llalowel and Gardiner, in connection with
the 30 ton boat Star of the East" taking
the place of the steamer Clarion" which
did such good service for many years. Long
before the hour of arrival large crowd gath
cred on the temporary wharf. and when the
welcomed whistle AT = o'clock, announced her
coming. no mean company of men and boys
waved her greeting as she steamed up the
river to her wharf.
The new steamer has much the general APP
pcarance of the Clarion" having stern
wheel. and being constructed on the same gen
eral plan. Thoughts great deal larger, and from
a handsomer model. 1t is log feet in length
with 30 feet beam. The lower deck il.
for the storage of freight in course of trans
portation. giving ample facilities for the same
The immense load brought yesterday. requir-
ing several hours to discharge, indicatcdt TO some
extent the carrying capacity of the craft
Steps from the rear of the lower cabin lead
lighted and ventilated cabin, occupying two
thirds of the space The cabin is finished in
ash, and stationary seats are on each side.
All the floors are of hard wood. The pilot
house in front is arranged with the modern
appliances, including a patent wheel with
wire cable In the rear of the cabin is the
open deck. covered overhead, fitted up with
seats. a place which will be sought for by
passengers in pleasant weather. This deck
is surrounded by neat protective railing.
Down below are the boilers and engine
which excited the admiration of all the old
machinists and engineers, who yesterday
called to see the new conner. There are two
ls-inch cylinders, with 30 feet stroke. The
boiler is Is feet long and 81 feet shell. At
the stern. over the wheel. is the name Della
Collins. Gardiner" The boat is painted
white with green stripe aronndthc lower rail
ing; the wheel is painted red, and the wheel
house a light straw color.
The steamer draws twenty inches of water
when light and in trim. and three feet when
heavily loaded She is a very easy fast and
graceful saier. and when brought out from
Boston the day previously made a portion of
the way Mt the rate OF twelve miles an hour.
1t is constructed of the very best of material.
in workmanlike manner.
Besides the regular business of this route.
we have no doubt the Della will often be
called into requi>ition for the purpose Of cx-
cur>ions down river, for which She is well
adapted We find at the helm the old and
trustworthy commander of the "Clarion."
Capt. Chas. Mclaughlin, which is all the adj
ditional guarantee the public desire. Mr..
w. j. Tuck. the gentlemanlv and efficient
Agent, continues in that capacity. When the
Kennebec and Boston Steamboat Company
get good men in responsible situations. they
have most excellent habit ofretaining them.
Success to the "Della Collins" her own
ers. commander. agents. and patrons