The Passenger Experience
Mary Powell underway on the Hudson River. Note the large crowds on board. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
As a “family boat,” the Anderson family and crew of the Mary Powell worked hard to ensure that the atmosphere on board the boat was professional, safe, and welcoming. This was especially important in the mid-19th century when it was often dangerous for women and children to travel without an escort and some steamboats had an unsavory reputation. Not so the Mary Powell.
The Powell was a day boat, meaning she left Rondout and stopped at other Hudson River ports in the morning, returning from New York City in the evening, with about twelve hours between, including travel.
Main saloon of the Mary Powell, 1892. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Dining room of the Mary Powell, 1892. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Upon arrival, passengers would purchase tickets from the purser, and check their baggage with the baggagemaster, in exchange for a small brass token. Once on board, passengers could relax, either in indoor saloons, with a special saloon or parlor for ladies only, operated by stewardess Fannie M. Anthony for most of the Mary Powell’s career. The dining room, originally located in the hull of the boat, was later moved up above the waterline, with large windows that could be used when seated, the better to enjoy the views while dining.
Out on the deck, which was a popular location during the warm summer months, passengers could relax in deck chairs, enjoy the scenery, and walk about the boat.
Steamboat Mary Powell passing the Palisades, 1906. Hudson River Maritime Museum collection.
Passengers on the top deck of the Mary Powell, crowded around the pilot house and at the bow, c. 1890s. Photo taken from top of starboard paddlebox. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Passengers gathered around the port side of the pilot house of the Mary Powell, c. 1890s. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Passengers, including children, on the top deck near the walking beam of the Mary Powell, c. 1890s. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Mary Powell deck scene looking aft toward the stern of the boat, going through the Hudson Highlands, c. 1890s. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Hudson River Day Line advertisement for steamboats Albany and Mary Powell, “For Charter — Season of 1913.” Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.
The Mary Powell was also available to charter for special excursions, and she was a frequent recipient of Vassar college girls, West Point cadets, fraternal organizations on outings, etc.
Mary Powell at Cornwall Landing, large crowd on board and passengers waiting on pier. Hudson River Maritime Museum collection.
Upon arriving, passengers would disembark to waiting carriages, trolley cars, and later even automobiles.
Passengers disembarking from the Mary Powell, unnamed dock, c. 1890s. Donald C. Ringwald Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum.