| |
 |
|
 |
| |
| |
WHERE PEACEFUL WATERS FLOW
30" X 48" Oil Painting
Video
Steamboat METAMORA on the Oklawaha River, 1900.
At the turn of the nineteenth century, times were good along the rivers
of Florida. Steam driven rivercraft like the METAMORA, wound the bends
of the Oklawaha river from Palatka to Silver Springs, bringing freight
and visitors from the northern states.
Florida was known worldwide as a haven for sport fishing and hunting.
These early tourists also benefitted from the warm climate that offered
comfort and healing. Those who lived along the banks and labored hard
for their simple livelihood could always count on a few fresh panfish
from the river for dinner and flowering blooms from the water
plants to dress up the table of their little cabins.
The METAMORA, outfitted with her stateroom accommodations, offered
sightseeing, fishing and fowling frrom her decks. At night, the craft
cruised the narrow river with blazing "lighter pine" logs burning in a
pan on the roof of the wheelhouse that would cast a dramatic light ahead
of their course.
However, the METAMORA was destined to a sad fate. She was the only
steamer on the rivers to suffer a crash that involved casualties. During
one night, she hit an underwater snag that caused her to sink...drowning
two deckhands sleeping in the rope locker.
But for the most part, life on the river and the gentle motion of the
steamboat traffic made Florida a place of tranquil wonders for both
visitors as well as those who made their homes here.
|
|
|