ABM photo: La Duchesse with Number Boat
CLAYTON, New York (August 8, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier
freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, announced today that it
will host a day of celebration in honor of the 110th birthday of the
iconic houseboat, La Duchesse.
Visit the Museum on Wednesday,
August 14 and enjoy a guided tour aboard one of the region’s most recognizable
and historic vessels. Anyone touring the houseboat on August 14 will be entered
into a drawing to win a one-of-a-kind hand-painted Thousand Islands Picture
Paddle of La Duchesse done by well-known river artist John Miller III.
In addition to the drawing,
refreshments will be served throughout the day and the cutting of her birthday
cake will take place at 1:00 p.m. Visitors are also encouraged to attend in
gilded-age or unique nautical attire.
Museum admission required.
La Duchesse is a 106-foot
houseboat constructed in 1903 for George Boldt and was in constant use by her
three owners until becoming the ABM’s largest artifact. She was donated to the
Museum in 2003 by Andrew McNally III, former President of Rand McNally, who’s
family used La Duchesse as their summer home from 1947-2001. She would
later open to the public for tours at the Museum in 2005 and has become one of
the most sought after pieces for viewing at the ABM.
Located on the
St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a
collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of
recreational boating artifacts. In August 2014, the Museum will host the 50th
annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, the longest running show in North
America. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.
