One of the second floor rooms in Wellsville's River Museum is called "The Riverboat Room" and it is loaded with riverboat models & memorabilia. Two of those impressive models were made years ago by a fellow named Frank "Skipper" Baldwin. He was a riverboat captain and about three or four generations ago he built two riverboat models - one each for his two sons Paul & Harold.
On Sunday Wellsville's Historical Society members Brassy & Bonnie Beresford hosted 15 descendants of Skipper Baldwin for a tour of the museum and specifically for younger members of the family to learn a bit of family history. The group was led by Richard Baldwin of Lisbon. Richard is a grandson of Paul Baldwin. Skipper was his great-grandfather.
Skipper's son Paul donated his model boat to the museum sometime ago. His brother Harold followed suit a while later thinking that would be the ideal place to display and preserve the second model. Today both of Skipper's models are prominently display in the Riverboat Room. Harold is an retired EL history teacher. Wellsville's late Allen Baldwin was also related to this family.
Shown above is Beresford greeting the Baldwin clan at the museum's front door. The second picture is Skipper's model of the boat named Republic. Wellsville was a big riverboat city with both manufacturing and transportation in our early history.
Even though regular hours for touring are over, tours can be arranged for any group wishing to see the many historical treasures on display at the museum. Advanced arrangements must be made by calling 330-532-3941.
Don't forget tomorrow's antique appraisal sponsored by the Historical Society. It will be held from 1 - 3 P.M. at the River Museum, Saturday, September 19. Professional appraiser Harry Bowkow will be on hand and that BBQ grill gourmet Byron Carter will be cooking up ribs & chicken too.
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