Over 100 former passengers, crew and entertainers who are spending the weekend aboard the Delta Queen got an unexpected and delightful surprise on Friday as they viewed the historical collection of Jim Burns.
Mr. Burns served as the chief of construction of the Delta Queen and Delta King and the collection of memorabilia includes over 1,000 items. From blueprints and photos to a trunk of tools and brass collectibles, it is obvious that the late Mr. Burns kept as much information as he could over the years about these historic vessels.
The collection also includes personal correspondence, marketing brochures and other personal items that make it extremely valuable as a part of the Delta Queen’s rich history. The items were recently presented to current operators Leah Ann and Randy Ingram on behalf of the Delta Queen Preservation Foundation.
Justin Strickland, Delta Queen sales director and historian, said June Antrim showed up recently with some of the fascinating Burns items. He said he was transfixed by the early photos, which he said riverboat historians did not know existed.
He said he learned that Ms. Antrim had previously lived in San Francisco and was friends with the Burns family. She was given the items by the son of Mr. Burns, who has since died.
Mr. Strickland said Ms. Antrim made two more trips to the Delta Queen and completed the donation of the special collection. He said it will be carefully cataloged and preserved.
“We are honored to be the keepers of this collection and will do all we can to make sure the items are well cared for and tended to in the future, “said Leah Ann Ingram. “These items assist in telling the story of the Delta Queen as well as the story of the man behind her construction. We will do all we can to be good stewards of this important collection.”
Among those staying aboard the boat for the weekend reunion include two former captains, two river laureates, servers, and many passengers who have enjoyed experiences and built life-long friendships aboard the Delta Queen. The group gathers twice each year to catch up and volunteer to help around the boat. Several noted that they plan their annual travel schedules around these gatherings.
Once aboard, they reminisce, and assist with some of the upkeep of the boat, including polishing the inordinate amount of brass fixtures on the 1917 vessel. “The addition of these volunteers and friends of the Delta Queen make it possible for her to maintain her timeless beauty and elegance, “said Ms. Ingram. “We love hearing the stories of Delta Queen experiences and look forward to having this wonderful group of people join us.”
Ms. Ingram said that many of these individuals are joining in the effort to keep the Delta Queen in Chattanooga. “They have expressed their support for our efforts to keep the Delta Queen as a hotel, restaurant and learning lab for students of all ages. The Delta Queen has the ability to teach many lessons and it is our hope that we can keep her in Chattanooga for many years to come,” she said.
The Burns Collection will be on public display in the coming months after each piece is catalogued and placed in appropriate viewing venues.