"Belle of Minnetonka" along with another boat moored at Wayzata. The Arlington hotel in the background. This is half of a stereograph picture. The other half is SP—BB20b. Plans for a new steamboat was announced in 1881 by James J. Hill of the St. Paul Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway and Charles A. Zimmerman of the Minnetonka Steamboat Company. The model of the boat was a closely guarded secret. Captain Peyton S. Davidson was in charge of the construction. After plans for the boat were leaked Sen. Washburn, president of the Minneapolis & Saint Louis Railray pleaded with Hill not to build it. Hill ignored Washburn and by 1882 the "Belle" was on the lake. The "Belle" was officially launched and christened on July 4, 1882 and soon had problems with a crew that didn't know anything about the new 'palace steamer'. On July 5, while running to Lake Park the pilot misjudged the distance and wind strength drove the boat into some pilings and punctured the hull just above the waterline. The damage wasn't deemed severe. On July 18, 1882 there was a big explosion os an exhaust pipe on board and the cause remained a mystery. After being repaired the "Belle" developed an intense rivalry with the "City of Saint Louis" and races commenced between the two even though such races were banned and denied by both. Basically the rivalry was calmed when both steamers came together under the management of the Lake Minnetonka Navigation Company in 1883. After that sale the "Belle" was altered and passenger capacity increased from 2000 to 2500. She proved too large to be operated economically on the lake and after 1885 was used only for special occasions. During the 1887 season the steamer was used only twice and was placed in winter quarters in August of that year. After the 1890 season she became permenantly mired in St. Alban's Bay and dismantling started in 1897. Her bell can be found at the front entrance of the Excelsior Public Library. ADOOB by Scott McGinnis

1883

Wayzata Lake Front Scene

Card, Cabinet

16.2x8.9 cm

Wayzata, MN

3780.00

Excelsior—Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Photograph Collection

4430.00

SP—BB20a

50236440

A high resolution (1200 dpi) version of this image is stored offline. Please contact the owning repository to obtain a copy for a fee.

Excelsior—Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
Copyright 2011, —— This image may not be reproduced for any reason without the express written consent of the Excelsior—Lake Minnetonka Historical Society send comments, questions to Info@elmhs.org

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