Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
STRECKFUS STEAMBOAT LINE
STRECKFUS STEAMBOAT LINE. In 1884 Captain John Streckfus, Sr. established the Acme Packet Company. Located in Rock Island, Illinois, the company had a small fleet of packet boats used for shipping freight and passengers along the MISSISSIPPI RIVER. By the turn of the century, Streckfus recognized the impact of railroads on the shipping trade. To reduce losses, he reorganized his company. He maintained a few packet boats but concentrated on establishing an excursion trade. (1)
On February 3, 1911 the DIAMOND JO LINE was sold to the Streckfus Company of Rock Island. For $200,000 the Streckfus Company obtained the steamers St. Paul, Quincy, Dubuque and Sidney. In addition it received the wharves, warehouses and boatyards of the company.
The Streckfus Company announced that it intended to remodel the Sidney into a first class excursiion boat to take the place of the J. S. which was destroyed by fire near Trempealeau, Wisconsin during the summer of 1910. The Sidney was to be ready for the excursion season beginning on May 1st and would sail between Peoria and St. Paul during the summer and south at New Orleans during the winter. The other three steamers would be refitted and placed into regular packet trade between St. Louis and St. Paul during the summer and St. Louis to New Orleans during the winter. While general offices of the new company would remain in St. Louis, it was announced that Dubuque would remain important since it was a midway point between there at St. Paul.
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Source:
www.jstor.org/stable/779421