- ALABAMA - S.S. ADMIRAL -
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S.S. ADMIRAL

I was a boy back in the 70's and have been on her many times while she was still "alive" and functioning with her own heartbeat and power. I remember her many decks and her stainless steel shell. She cruised up and down the Mississippi River based in St. Louis near the stairs that lead up to The Gateway Arch. I remember the sound of her loud horns when she embarked for a river voyage and the calliope that was played at the aft deck while underway. She had much to do while onboard.

There were decks for dancing, eating, skill and pinball games. I can remember some of the interior decks being air conditioned, but the action was on the outside watching the river bank and other boats go by. The stainless steel boat was hard to miss on the muddy brown river. She could also be easily spotted from planes and buildings nearby as the sun reflected off her shiny surface.

The boat is now moored where she once only slept waiting for her next trip. She is a casino boat or merely a barge with shiny clothes. She sits patiently as people come and go trying their luck in the hopes of striking it big. Most not even realizing the charm and allure she once possessed. She is as much a part of St. Louis as any landmark, but one that used to move about the river as much alive as the river itself.

Chris Johnson
Atlanta, Georgia

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