USS Ward Battleship
A battleship in San Diego Harbor, possibly the USS Ward, Destroyer #139, APD - 16. The USS Ward was launched June 1, 1918, visiting California ports such as San Diego in 1919. She was decommissioned July 21, 1921 and placed in "Red Lead Row" at San Diego. She was recommissioned January 15, 1941 at the Naval Destroyer base, San Diego, and headed to Hawaii to patrol the entrance to Pearl Harbor. The USS Ward has the distinction of firing the first American shot in the Pacific during World War II. She sank December 7, 1944.
1918 - 1944
Midway Village Museum
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Still Image
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Steamboat "May Lee"
In 1896, "May Lee" was the second steamboat owned by Theodore C. Largent, who named it after his daughter May and son Lee. The steamboat was cut into two pieces when it proved to be too small to keep up with the demand for passenger travel. A middle section was added, allowing it to carry up to 400 passengers.
circa 1896
74.657.31c
Steamboat "Illinois"
The steamboat, "Illinois" with passengers at the rails. The "Illinois" was owned by John T. Buker and former Rockford Mayor Amasa Hutchins, built in 1900. The steamboat quickly became the most locally known and popular steamboat on the Rock River. Modeled after a Mississippi steamer, it was 125 feet long and 26 feet wide with a maximum speed of 10 mph. Its baritone whistle was a familiar sound as it travelled from Mulberry Street seven miles up the river. Able to carry 1,000 passengers at once, it carried a record number of 50,000 passengers per year. Its top deck could hold an orchestra and was used for dancing.
circa 1908
76.179.4
Steamboat "Illinois" Sinking
The steamboat, "Illinois" starting to sink in the Rock River in front of the Rockford Public Library and Vaudeville Orpheum Tent Show
July 19, 1908
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Steamboat "Illinois" Sinking
The steamboat, "Illinois" sinking in the Rock River in front of the Rockford Public Library. An accident that may have been caused by carrying too many passengers, caused the steamboat to partially sink.
July 19, 1908
76.179.6
Steamboat "Illinois" Sinking
The steamboat, "Illinois" sinking in the Rock River in front of the Rockford Public Library. An accident that may have been caused by carrying too many passengers, caused the steamboat to partially sink.
July 19, 1908
76.179.7
Excursion Boat
An excursion boat.
circa early 19th century
77.179.7
"Illinois" Steamboat
Steamboat "Illinois" on the Rock River, possibly near Harlem Park.
circa 1910s
80.109.60
"Arrow" Steamboat
The banks of the Rock River with the excursion steamboat "Arrow" and row boats. The "Arrow" was the first steamboat launched in Rockford in 1885. It sank in 1900. This picture may be of the "Arrow's" maiden voyage on the Rock River.
circa 1885
80.137.4
Excursion Steamboat on the Rock River
An excursion steamboat docked on the Rock River, looking north. The Rockford Waterworks is in the background at left. The Waterworks building was built in 1874 near the Rock River on the south side of Park Avenue. It was the headquarters and main pumping station for Rockford's water supply, becoming a secondary pumping station in the early 1920s. It was abandoned by the Water Department after a fire in 1953.
circa 1910s
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Excursion Steamboat "Illinois"
The excursion steamboat "Illinois" with passengers standing on the deck.
circa 1900s - 1910s
83.45.82
Early Motor Boat
A motor boat under what may be the North End high bridge at Auburn Street. Motor boats came about before the automobile. As automobiles became more popular, boat design began to mimic cars with dashboards, steering wheel and front facing seats. The large boat companies were located in the Midwest where advances in engine technology were taking place. The calmer Midwestern waters led to boat designs favoring speed and varnished mahogany over seaworthiness and durability. Boating became a status symbol of the wealthy and a popular past time.
circa early 1900s
84.139.81
Rockford Boat Club
Rockford Boat Club members on the Rock River looking west. The Rockford Water Works is in the background center. The Rockford Boat Club held annual canoe races, competing against other area boat clubs.
circa early 1900s
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"City of Rockford" Steamboat
"City of Rockford" excursion steamboat on the Rock River. In 1918 the steamer "Illinois" was purchased by the Excursion Amusement Co. and renamed the "City of Rockford". It was carrying 50,000 people annually until it was destroyed by fire on March 4, 1924 while in its winter berth.
1918 - 1924
85.109.955
The Harvey and Norris Boat House
A boat house looking east belonging to G.C. Harvey and H. F. Norris.
April 1897
85.109I.645
Excursion Steamboat "Illinois"
The excursion steamboat "Illinois" docked at the Rockford Public Library.
circa 1903
85.109I.742
Excursion Steamboat "May Lee"
In 1896, "May Lee" was the second steamboat owned by Theodore C. Largent, who named it after his daughter May and son Lee. The steamboat was cut into two pieces when it proved to be too small to keep up with the demand for passenger travel. A middle section was added, allowing it to carry up to 400 passengers. This photograph shows the added middle section.
circa 1900
85.109I.762
Row Boats
Two rowboats at the edge of the Rock River.
circa early 1900s
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Motor Boats
Motor boats moored on a river.
circa early 1900s
85.109I.771
Ferry
People traveling on a ferry on an unknown river. In 1836 Germanicus Kent established a ferry in Rockford, located where the State Street bridge would be built later. The ferry transported vehicles, people and animals across the Rock River. Ferry houses were built with boarding platforms on each side of the river. February 27, 1843, Illinois state legislation authorized a bridge to be built. The first bridge in Rockford opened July 4, 1845.
circa late 1800s
85.109I.802
Canoes
Canoes moored around a pier. This appears to be Canoe Club activities as the canoes are filled with materials and one man is taking a photograph with a small camera.
circa 1900
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Boathouse
A boat house at the edge of a river
circa early 1900s
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A River Scene
Canoes and a boathouse at the edge of a river, at the base of a stone cliff.
circa early 1900s
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Canoeing on a River
A row of canoes on an unknown river.
circa early to mid 1900s
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A River Scene
Two small fishing boats.
circa late 1800s
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Steamboat
An excursion steamboat traveling on the Rock River
circa early 1900s
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Sailboat
A sailboat on a river.
circa 1920s
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Steamboat
An excursion steamboat on a river.
circa 1920s
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Steamboat
An excursion steamboat on a river bend.
circa 1920s
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Rock River Scene
A Rock River scene, north of the State Street bridge looking east. Rockford Wholesale Grocery is on the east side and a steamboat is at each side of the river. The foreground is the riverfront side of the Rockford Public Library.
circa 1920s
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Rockford Boat Club
Private dock for the Rockford Boat Club.
circa 1920s
85.109I.906c
Steamboat
An excursion steamboat docked in front of the Rockford Public Library.
circa 1920s
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Steamboat
An excursion steamboat docked at the Rockford Public Library.
circa 1920s
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Harlem Park
Rock River at Harlem Park
circa late 1800s
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Steamboat "Illinois"
Steamboat "Illinois" being boarded.
circa 1905
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Fisherman
A fisherman on the Rock River.
circa early 1900s
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Fisherman
A fisherman on the Rock River.
circa early 1900s
88.1.128b
Fisherman
A fisherman with his boat. A motor is in the center of the boat.
circa early 1900s
88.1.128c
Steamboat
Excursion boat docked at the Rockford Public Library.
circa 1920
88.1.130
Steamboat "Illinois"
The paddle wheel steamboat "Illinois" on the Rock River. A steam engine drives the paddle wheel which propels the vessel through the water.
circa 1905
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Steamboat "Illinois"
The steamboat "Illinois" on the Rock River.
circa 1900 - 1918
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Steamboat "Illinois"
The steamboat "Illinois" on the Rock River.
circa 1900
96.20.11
Steamboat "Illinois"
Steamboat "Illinois" with many passengers disembarking.
circa 1900 - 1910
2007.32.1
Steamboat "Illinois"
The steamboat "Illinois" on the Rock River.
circa 1900
2015.45.11