The "Julia Belle Swain" steamboat

[baritonebynight]

A shame that this real steamboat is no longer in operation but the FAKE riverboat

Twilight with no paddlewheel and no steam is still in operation.

[ellisinman]

@baritonebynight I would never refer to The Twilight as a fake riverboat! She is just as much a riverboat as The Julia Belle, and never even claims to be steam powered. I have never had the chance to ride on Twilight, but have been on a tour of her. I spent weeks at a time on the Julia Belle with my dad though, He was the captain for years. In many ways the Twilight is more beautiful and graceful than Julia Belle, but I love the steam. They are sisters though, and both are beautiful!!!

[baritonebynight]

@ellisinman I suppose you are right that the Twilight is real riverboat, as it is a boat on the river. However, I only like authentic steamboats and would be happy to see the Twilight scrapped and sold and the money from the sale used to return the Julia Belle to service.

[riverexplorer]

Lets hope the JULIA BELLE can find a new owner and get back on the river before it is too late. She has been sitting for the last 3 years not running and is in bad shape. She needs love and help!

[ZeroGal5]

what a great man, lost to a terrible tragedy. he's one of the few who understands and respects this country's great maritime heritage. he we will be remembered forever, and the Julia Belle Swain will sail on forever as well.

[LoreneFaith]

Is it possible to get the entire video of this? I would love to see the rest! Thanks so much for posting this and keeping the riverboat alive in the minds of the people.

[choboo123]

Denny just died recently in a very tragic plane crash. Rest in peace Denny!

[melman74b]

I also remember her on a TV commercial for Frosted Mini Wheats back in the 70's too, besides the Huck Finn Disney movies. I got to meet Capt. Trone too and he was great! What happened to the big T in the middle of her stacks?

[melman74b]

When I was a kid growing up in Pekin Illinois my family and I used to love going on the cruises the JBS would have out of Peoria. Its whistle was a three-tone waver and I'll never forget the races she would have with the Delta Queen every July during Steamboat Days in the early 70's. Great Times!!

[spinm37]

Our Family rode the JBS & The Twlight on the Illinois and the Mighty Mississippi every year for over 25 years. What a man Dennis Trone was,one of a kind. We will all miss him and his knowledge of ships and the rivers in the midwest.

The "JBS" still runs out of LaCrosse,Wi.and the beatiful "TWLIGHT" is still running trips from LeClare.Ia. up the river to Dubuque,Ia.

Try it, you will love it ! Matt.

"God Bless Dennis Trone"

[bjasinger]

Rest in peace Dennis you will be rembered as a great man.

[oldwaysgotthrwayagn]

I love the old river and I love John Hartford's ode to this boat. Can anyone tell me if the Jbs is still runnin' the river? I'd love to see it.

[foxrivermotorman]

Yes. Goto julia belle swain on the net. I am

going on a trip this summer

[oldwaysgotthrwayagn]

Thank you much

[choboo123]

i work on the twilight the julia belle's sister boat

[jO6pac]

the Jbs is a Mighty fine boat

seen her in two Huck Finn Movie's -Uncle Bens Rice news paper add ,Rode her with Hartford in Ill.

[5KCHAMP]

God bless Carol,Julia,Dennis, The late Robert "Moon" Trone and the entire family. My life has been bettered by knowing them all. I thank them all for that, and will always be sorry for my old sick ways. I am changed now. But alot had to do with the wonderful Trone family.