Steamboat "Illinois"

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

5" x 4"