Description:

Alonzo Springstead designed many steamboats for several of the Finger Lakes — but the Onnalinda was considered his masterpiece. When Alonzo (Lon) Springstead (1844-1939) was asked in 1888 by James McKechnie of Canandaigua Brewery fame to build a large, new steamboat for the Canandaigua Lake Steamboat Company — the largest ever built for Canandaigua Lake. Alonzo’s masterpiece, considered Canandaigua Lake’s “Queen of the Steamboat Era.” the “Onnalinda,” would carry 600 passengers on summer Sundays, with another 400 on a boat in tow (Arch Merrill, “Slim Fingers Beckon”). Launched on May 18, 1888 and christened by Miss Maud Sayer, a niece of Mr. James McKechnie, it was 142 feet on the keel with a 40-foot beam (22.5 feet between the paddles). It was powered by a 40-pound boiler and a 34-inch diameter low-pressure 250-horsepower engine. The interior construction of this larger, more modernized steamboat provided other amenities for the clientele of the day. She was one of the first to have plumbing and hence ladies’ and Gentlemen’s restrooms. Some private cabins were available. It also had a snack bar. It took about three more months until the “Onnalinda” was ready for regular trips. It was felt by many to have been the most elegant steamboat on the lake. It was often chartered by different organizations for picnics and “Moonlight Excursions.” They were carried to places like the Seneca Point Hotel. The Onnalinda remained in service from 1888 until 1913, after which time she was dismantled, the wood used for a home on Antis Street. The hull was set adrift near the Yacht Club, and sunk near the Country Club. For a period of time the rudder was used as a beach table at the Yacht Club. Alonzo, though he never again built such a large steamboat, would go on to build the Genundewah, the Ogarita, Oriana, Onanda and the Eastern Star for Canandaigua Lake as well as many steamboats for Seneca, Keuka, Cayuga, Otsego and Owasco lakes. Just prior to the Onnalinda, Alonzo built the Maid of the Mist lll for Niagara Falls, which would stay in service for 70 years until 1955. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

    Dimensions:
  • 8" x 10"
  • Condition:
  • Very Good - Excellent Condition (see pics)

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October 8, 2021 6:00 PM EDT
Canandaigua, NY, US

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