Kentucky (Packet, 1907-1932)

Summary

• BOAT DESCRIPTION: Sternwheel
• BOAT TYPE: Packet
• BUILT: Madison, Indiana, 1907
• FINAL DISPOSITION: Dismantled, 1932
• OWNERS: 1907: Louisville & Cincinnati Packet Company; Greene Line
• RIVERS: Ohio River
• OTHER INFORMATION: Ways - 3268; The Kentucky ran a long time in the Cincinnati-Madison trade and frequently ran Cincinnati-Louisville. She made more money than any boat of her size and time, but at the same time drove away more business. Her cabin was designed in a long wedge shape so that the lengths of the berths became shorter as you proceeded aft. At one time she got in a breeze and the cabin was shifted out of plumb and leaned in a uniform stagger creating an optical illusion such as seen in a "fun house". She was slow, sloppy and smokestacks seldom stood straight. Her redeeming feature was in economy of operation. No money was ever spent on her. In several of the after rooms, it was possible to look from a berth to the floor and see machinery working in the engine-room below. She serviced an unsuspecting public without apology from the management nor any warning to brace the unwary. She plodded along making enemies and money. The Louisville & Cincinnati Packet Company eventually went out of business. She was taken over by the Greene Line and was quietly made over. She carried three whistles in her time. She came out in 1907 with the Telegraph whistle, then swapped it for the old Bonanza whistle. Later she had an imitation of the T.N. Barnsdall whistle