Goldenrod Preservation Effort

The Goldenrod Showboat was debuted as the largest showboat ever built when she came onto the scene in 1909. She was a vessel of pure decadence fitted with brilliant decor and lighting for which no expense was spared. The music of her calliope would signal her long awaited arrival as she traveled from Omaha all the way south to New Orleans. She would offer small towns the access to melodramas, vaudeville, music, dance, and in some instances,” talkies” that would have otherwise been out of reach.  When the Goldenrod settled in St. Louis, she transitioned from a traveling attraction into a popular travel destination, becoming a mainstay in local entertainment for music and theater lovers alike.  

Today the Goldenrod Showboat sits on the riverbank in Kampsville, Il. far from the joyous life she has known and deserves. Our goal is to preserve as much of the Goldenrod Showboat while creating a museum for all the showboats of the St. Louis Riverfront! It is a large task and many tell us we are crazy for believing in this goal but if you could see her through the eyes of her caretakers you would be just as crazy. These past few years have been tough on the Goldenrod, she has survived two seperate floods and countless odds, but this last flood has taken a major toll on this amazing vessel.  However, the Goldenrod is still fighting to stay alive in one way or another and we are trying everything possible to make that dream a reality! We are now asking for the publics help to raise funds to help with preservation efforts. With so many memories, not just from the public but from crew and preformers as well, it would be a shame to let this piece of local history be destroyed. Anything can help to keep the show going!

for more information on the Goldenrod Showboat or for more ways to help please go to http://www.goldenrodshowboat.com