July 16, 2021
By Keith Norrington
The Old Boat Column this week presents two versions of a vintage view of the riverfront at New Albany, Ind., the writer’s historic hometown. Published as night and day post cards, the original image was taken during low water from the Kentucky shore on Sunday, September 20, 1908; the skiff in the foreground was likely used to ferry the photographer across the river. The steamboats Tell City (right) and the R. Dunbar are moored at the levee with the city wharfboat, long managed by Moses Irwin, pulled out on the cobblestone esplanade for repairs. At the far right of the photo is the spire of what has long been known as the Town Clock Church. Built in 1849 as the Second Presbyterian Church, the edifice, which is extant, contained a fine Hook & Hastings pipe organ and was a noted landmark for river pilots, as well as being a station on the Underground Railroad. Since the 1890s, the stately structure has been owned by the Second Baptist Church and, despite having a small and dwindling congregation, regularly holds weekly services in the building.