| WAWASET MEMORIAL - on the Potomac |
|
POTOMAC CHAPTER MEMBERS ASSISTED
WITH
WAWASET MEMORIAL & VOLUNTEER PICNIC
ON
ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGIC SINKING
The Steamboat Wawaset tragically sank off the shores of King George Virginia on August 8th, 1873. The disaster brought out volunteers to rescue, recover, report and investigate the tragedy. On the anniversary in 2010, The Historical Society held a planning picnic concerning a memorial for those who perished in the tragedy. Ed Veazey, of MOAA's Potomac Virginia chapter, is also the chairman of the Historical Society Wawaset. The Potomac chapter publicized the event in advance, in their chapter newsletter, inviting members to participate in the 8 Aug 2010 event, including traveling aboard the paddleboat, Vivian Hannah to instruct Boy Scouts in navigation.
Navy divers from Indian Head Maryland conducted training dives to locate remains of the Wawaset. The King George Historical Society layed a wreath over the site in memory of those who lost their lives. The Steamboat Era Museum of th Northern Neck provided a display of paddleboat history on the Potomac. The Ruritans sold food and drinks. People could also bring their own picnic. Other participating organizations included the Chamber of Commerce, Builders Association, YMCA, Lions, Optimists, DHRT, Girl Scouts, King George Parks and Recreation, Rescue Squad and more.
The Historical Society information booth carried copies for sale of the book, Disaster on the Potomac - The Last Run of the Steamboat Wawaset by Alvin F. Oickle.
|
|
|
|
|
