Uncategorized

W.P. Snyder documentary “Saving the Snyder” available for purchase


Posted on:

< < Back to

Marietta’s W.P. Snyder steamboat is the subject of a documentary called “Saving the Snyder.” The program chronicles the Ohio Historical Society’s yearlong below decks restoration of the nearly 100-year boat.

Originally built by the Carnegie Steel Company in 1918, the W.P. Snyder Jr. towed coal, iron and steel on the Monongahela River until 1953 and was given to the Ohio Historical Society by Crucible Steel Company in 1955 for exhibit at the Ohio River Museum in Marietta.

Since 1955, the boat has been docked on the Muskingum River and provides visitors a look at the history of steamboats on the Ohio River. The boat was named a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

“Saving the Snyder” chronicles a 10-month, $1.4 million renovation of the boat’s hull and paddle wheel and includes the history of the boat with footage of the 146-mile journey from Marietta to the McGinnis Shipyard in South Point, Ohio. The program shows the tedious process of moving the historic vessel, the complications of the restoration and the trip back to Marietta to welcome home celebrations from the community that has adored the W.P. Snyder Jr. for generations.

The documentary was produced by Cheri Russo, WOUB News managing editor, edited by Jonathan Falk and narrated by Eddith Dashiell.

The documentary is available for purchase for $28, which includes taxes and shipping. To pay by credit card call 740-593-4944 or mail a check made out to WOUB to WOUB Public Media, attention Kelly Martin, 9 S. College Street, Athens, OH 45701.