125 Years m 1866-1991 Tower Times US Army Corps of Engineers Volume 13 No. 10 October 1991 North Central Division Rock Island District Col. John R. Brown Commander's Corner
To talk of many things ...
Congratulations and appreciation for through donations to the charity of our Rock Island District's 125 years of service choice. You should be contacted by a were expressed by the Quad Cities Council keyperson who will provide you all the in of the Chambers of Commerce with a din formation needed to make a decision. If ner and program on the 4th of September. you choose to donate, you can specify the Speakers were Congressman Leach of agency( s) who will benefit from your gift. Iowa, Mayor Schwiebert of Rock Island, As a group, we have been generous in the Commissioner Winborn of Scott County, past and I expect that trend will continue and Mr. Charles Ruhl of the Council of so I thank you for your generosity in ad Chambers of Commerce. It was a pleasant vance. evening on the banks of the Mississippi Safety is still a concern for all of us. We near the Visitors Center with a large tur are making progress in reducing both the nout of guests and our people. I was very rate and severity of the accidents ex proud to accept the speakers' laudatory perienced. However, the rate is not zero so comments on behalf of all the past and we can still improve. I encourage present members of the Rock Island Dis everybody to review their work habits from trict. The plaque recognizing the occasion a safe practices viewpoint and let's try now hangs in the Clock Tower Building. I eliminate accidents of all types! If you would like to say thank you to Mr. Paul need specific advice on safety, give the Soyke and his committee members who did Safety Office a call at extension 6280. an outstanding job of coordinating our part We are in the last stages of the summer of the celebration. Great work! construction season and trying to make up Major Thomas G. Ayers has joined the some of the time lost to flooding and exces district as the Deputy District Engineer. sive rainfall in the spring and early summer. He comes to us from an assignment as the This means our activity at the field sites will Executive Officer of the 15th Combat En be at a higher level than normal as the gineer Battalion at Fort Lewis, Wash. I weather turns colder. Plan ahead for the would like to welcome him, his wife Leigh, variable conditions. This could also impact and their four children to Rock Island Dis on time off so plan ahead for your leave trict. and don't get caught in the use or lose trap. The Combined Federal Campaign has On January 11, 1992, the pay year will end begun throughout the district area. This is so there is one quarter left. the annual opportunity for us to help Have a great month! others less fortunate than ourselves
2 Tower Times October 1991 Tower Times CONTENTS 4 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District District welcomes new deputy Vol. 13 No. 10 October 1991 6 Women's Equality Day DISTRICT ENGINEER Col. John R. Brown
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER 8 Ron Fournier Taming the Rock Island Rapids
EDITOR Denise C. Yale 10 GRAPHICS Hispanic Heritage Month Loren Carey
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Evelyn Fincher 16 TOWER TIMES REPORTERS Smithsonian group tours Mississippi Marlys Busch Evelyn Fincher George Gitter NormaMahl Richard Rupert Denice Seaman DEPARTMENTS Steve Vacek News Briefs 5 Retiree's Corner 14 Field Notes 12 People 15 TOWER TIMES is an unofficial pub Corpsnucopia 14 lication authorized under the provisions of AR-360-81, published monthly by offset press for the employees of the Rock Island District. Cover Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The "Old Pella Bridge", the Department of the Army. Address which is downstream mail to: Rock Island District, U.S. from Red Rock Dam, Army Corps of Engineers, Attn: P AO, Clock Tower Building, Box 2004, Rock collapsed in late Island, Illinois 61204-2004. Phone August. The bridge had (309)788-6361 ext. 6638. Circulation been closed to traffic 1300. All photographs are U.S. Army property unless otherwise specified. since 1989 for safety reasons. A new bridge The deadline for submitting articles for is being built to replace the Tower Times is the lOth of the it. For more, see story preceeding month. Send articles to Denise Yale, Public Affairs Office. on page 5.
Photo by John Holt
October 1991 Tower Times 3 New deputy joins Rock Island District The Rock Island District welcomes its new 9th Infantry Division (Motorized); and most deputy district commander--Maj. Thomas G. recently, Executive Officer, 15th Combat En 11 Ayers. Ayers is not a stranger to the Quad gineer Battalion ("Drive On ), 9th Infantry Cities area or the Corps of Engineers. Division (Motorized) at Ft. Lewis, Wash. "I was born in Davenport, but am actually a na His awards and medals include Airborne tive of Rock Island, Ill., and currently a resident Wings, Expert Infantryman's Badge, of Alaska. Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf "I grew up in Rock Island and went to Im Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Air manuel Lutheran School, Central Junior High Force Commendation Medal, Army Achieve School, and Rock Island High School. My dad ment Medal, National Defense Service Medal was the fire chief in Rock Island from 1965- (two awards), and Overseas Service Ribbon 1976. My folks and siblings (two awards). moved away from the area in Ayers is a member of several organizations 1976." such as Association of Graduates, USMA; Ayers received his Society of American Military Engineers; As bachelor's degree from the sociation of the United States Army; Kansas United States Military State University Alumni Association; and Academy (USMA) and his numerous unit associations. master's in industrial en Our new deputy district commander married gineering from Kansas State the former Miss F. Leigh Crain of Clarksville, University. Some of the many Tenn., on Dec. 12, 1975. They have four military schools he has com children: Corbin E., age 9; Ashley E., age 7; pleted include: Airborne, Christopher T., age 5; and Marcus T., age 4. Jumpmaster, Mortar Officer's 'The boys all attend school at Immanuel course, Northern Warfare Lutheran. Ashley is profoundly deaf (pre-lingual Course (Summer and Winter from a virus at age 6 months) and goes to Lin phases), Construction/Con coln-Irving in Moline, which is one of the ad tract Management Course, vantages of being here. I was offered Memphis, and the Command and Kansas City, or Rock Island Districts. The Hear General Staff Officer's ing Impaired program is exceptionally good here Course. in the Black Hawk School District, especially "I decided to attend USMA compared to Memphis and Kansas City. Rock Is Photo by Denise Yale in 1971 after attending Augus- land District was the clear winner as an assign Maj. Thomas G. Ayers tana College in Rock Island ment, and my family is very happy with the area, for a year. I graduated from the Academy in the local people, and the job." 1975. I was commissioned Infantry--by choice- In 1986, Ashley was selected for a FDA ex and branch transferred to the Corps of En perimental cochlear implant --one of the very gineers in 1986--again, by choice." first and very youngest children in the country to Ayers has held a variety of positions before receive a single-channel cochlear implant. Last coming to Rock Island District including: Air year, she received FDA approval for a multi borne Rifle Platoon Leader; Airborne Infantry channel implant on her other side--making her Mortar Officer; Battalion Mortar Platoon possibly the first young recipient of a Nucleus 22 Leader ( 4/23rd Infantry--"Tomahawk"); Brigade channel cochlear implant after having a single Liaison Officer (172 Light Infantry Brigade- channel device. As part of a 20-year FDA ex "Snowhawk"); Assistant S3 (Air); Infantry Com perimental program, Ashley makes many trips pany Commander (1/60th Infantry--"Go each year to James W. Riley Children's Hospital Devils"); Infantry Fighting Vehicle NETT in Indianapolis. Ayers said that his wife is always Project Officer (New Equipment Training available to discuss the pros and cons of Team); Area Commander, Recruiting Com cochlear implants, raising hearing-impaired mand; Instructor, Northern Warfare Training children, education of the deaf, and other re Center; Director of Plans, Training, and lated parental concerns. Security, Fort Greely, Alaska; Project Engineer, Ayers is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunt Ft. Benjamin Harrison Area Officer (Louisville ing, fishing, backpacking (especially in the moun District Corps of Engineers); Resident En tains) and is particularly fond of sheep hunting gineer, Chanute AFB (Louisville District); in Alaska. He does a lot of winter camping and Brigade Engineer, 3rd Brigade ("Go Devils"), shuns the use of RVs or campers.
4 Tower Times October 1991 :rrnn:III?IItiitrt:t:n:ttliiiiiiii1Ittiiiiiiiiitti:t::niikt1tt:ttriittiti:trrmn:wt:titi~:IIIIJttit~m:m:IIIIIItimi~I:~n:~:tttiJtimr:mtr N e ws b ne fs Former employee helps build school Bridge below Red by Tim Feavel As an Army Engineer Reserve Officer, Rock Dam collapses I was given the opportunity in May to take The center section of the "Old Pella a 40-person crew from the 389th Engineer Bridge" linking the north and south Battalion to Honduras, Central America. banks of the Des Moines River a half We were tasked with building new school houses for two extremely remote mile downstream from the Red Rock villages in the coastal banana groves in the Dam collapsed Saturday, August 31. Department of Cortez. The entire two Observers said an ear-splitting squeal weeks was one adventure after another of twisting metal accompanied the col and after 10 days of 100 degree tempera lapse as two of the bridge's nine spans tures, rough roads, language barriers, (almost 300 feet) fell into the water. logistic problems, etc., we had two Jerry Dowell, park manager at Lake schools up. The next 40-person rotation Red Rock, said two park visitors had would come in to do finishing work, build been sitting on the bridge just moments the roofs on both buildings, and do a before it collapsed and that another repair to an additional school house. man had been fishing within 30 yards of Thanks to the generosity of some Rock the bridge when it fell. Island District employees, the school kids of these villages will have the materials to The collapse of the bridge did not attend their new schools. Tim Feavel (far left) and other members come as a surprise. It was closed to traf The money donated by district of his Reserve unit, hand out school sup fic in 1989 as a safety precaution. The employees was used to purchase school plies to school children in Honduras. Corps, under the Greenbelt Project, supplies which are virtually unobtainable had begun constructing a new bridge in both villages. The 1,400 pencils, paper, Editor's note: As reported in last last fall. Pilings had been set, but the and other supplies were handed out month's issue of the Tower Times, Tim high outflows this year delayed work. directly to school kids and teachers Feavelleft Rock Island to work in Alaska. When the outflows were reduced, work during a project completion ceremony on This is his new address in case anyone began again. The new bridge is ex our last day of construction. I wish those would like to write to him. pected to be completed by April1, 1992. who donated could have seen the faces of Tim A. Feavel Historical interest was one of the the kids, teachers, and parents that so P.O. Box56652 reasons the old bridge wasn't removed graciously accepted these gifts. North Pole, AK 99705-1652 earlier. Thanks again. Work Phone (907)488-2748 "There was some local interest in res toring the Pella Bridge," said Assistant Nancy P. Dorn heads Army Civil Works Park Manager Sherri Richardson Duey. The Honorable Nancy P. Dorn was for Prior to her nomination as ASA(CW), "The bridge was being considered for mally sworn in on Aug. 1, 1991, as the Ms. Dorn served as the Deputy Assistant placement on the historical register and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Secretary of Defense for Inter-American would have been placed on the fall Works (ASA(CW)) in a ceremony at Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary referendum to let voters decide if they tended by Secretary of Defense Dick of Defense (International Security Af wanted to fund the restoration." Cheney and Secretary of the Army fairs) since January 1990. She has also The collapse of the bridge has not Michael P.W. Stone. The United States served as Special Assistant for Legislative deterred those who have worked so Senate confirmed Ms. Dorn on July 17, Affairs to both President Reagan and hard to get it on the historical register. and she took the oath of office on July 24. President Bush, In that capacity, she Richardson Duey said that if the remain As the ASA(CW), Ms. Dorn is respon acted as the liaison between the White sible for formulation, development and House and the House of Representatives ing piers are structurally sound, the implementation of the Secretary of the on all foreign policy and national security county may utilize them as viewing Army's, Secretary of Defense's and matters as well as key domestic issues. areas. Administration's policies governing civil During 1986 and 1987, Ms. Dorn was A contract for removal of the col works activities of the Army Corps of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for lapsed section was awarded on Sept. 13 Engineers. Legislative Affairs. Prior to that appoint with work to be completed within 30 She is also responsible for policy over ment, she served on the staff of the House days. It is important that the collapsed sight and analysis of critical elements of Appropriations Committee and as Chief section and adjacent piers, which are in the Corps' water resources development of Staff and Floor Assistant to Con a deteriorated condition, be removed and regulatory programs. Other duties gressman Tom Loeffler of Texas. before there is a need to release high include administration of Arlington and Ms. Dorn, a native of Texas, is a outflows, which could cause additional Soldiers Home National Cemeteries and graduate of Baylor University. collapse. Corps international programs.
October 1991 Tower Times 5 ----by Norma Mahl ---- making the financial arrangements, Connie L. Duffy was selected as the coordination of the speakers schedule Rock Island District's Woman of the and needs while in the district area- Year for 1990 at the Women's Equality whatever she is monitoring is ac Day luncheon held on August 21. complished with grace and skill. Although she has only been with the Duffy's support of EEO is well Corps of Engineers for three and a half grounded in her past experiences years, Duffy, who works in the Informa within her church. A leader in her tion Management Office, has proved to church activities, she is the president of be a loyal supporter of the Equal a group of over 100 women repre Employment Opportunity Program. senting multi-races and nationalities In the last two years she has provided and ranging in age from 18 to 108. competent support for the program as a Duffy's role is to coordinate the ac member of the former Federal tivities of the group. These activities in Women's Program Committee and the clude leadership training, delivering current Special Emphasis Program meals on a daily basis to shut-ins, cloth Committee (SEPC). As secretary for ing drives, and arranging monthly meet both organizations she has kept prompt ings which teach family care skills. She and accurate records of the activities of skillfully pulls them into an integrated both groups. Working on the activities Photo by Carol Otte group, encouraging them to accomplish the organization goals. subcommittee for both groups, she has Connie L. Duffy made her presence felt through the Currently enrolled in Scott Com competent way she has managed the 1990, the SEPC Spring Seminar in 1991, munity College, Duffy is married and duties assigned to her. and the Mentoring Program workshop has four children. She juggles kinder, Her quiet touch contributed to the held in September. Ticket sales, kirk, and kuchen (German for child, success of planned activities of the posters, physical arrangements of space church and kitchen)and weaves them Women's Equality Day Program in and materials, contacting the speaker, into the fabric of her life. Student aides honored at luncheon
Three student aides were honored for ber of the Specifications team for two tions from supervisory realty specialist their outstanding accomplishments at years. to attorney advisor to realty technicians. the Women's Equality Day luncheon. Stritesky created, prepared, and con The Acquisition Branch does not Since Tony Viscioni's employment tinues to update a student aide's manual employ a full-time clerk, therefore, she began in 1989, he has personally visited for the Specification Section which out has provided literally the entire clerical with over 7,000 visitors at the Mississip lines the tasks and provides detailed in support of the branch. Real Estate pi River Visitor Center. He has con formation on the procedures to be during the past year has been actively ac ducted over 30 programs which followed for the numerous duties re quiring lands for the Saylorville High impacted and were directed to over 900 quired of the position. way 415 project (approximately 100 individuals. She has completed a total reorganiza tracts). Hichborn has been responsible During Spring 1990, Viscioni worked tion of the Specifications Section's draw for typing deeds, attorney's opinions, and coordinated with two other district ings and specifications files and has and other legal documents necessary for employees to develop and submit a sug created a master index of such materials the acquisition closings. gestion for the district office to estab which allows rapid and efficient Most recently, during the extended ab lish a recycling program. retrieval of drawings and specifications sence of a realty technician, Hichborn In addition to his work on the recy for use by district personnel. assumed the duties of processing op cling suggestion, Viscioni has also Stritesky assumed the task of deter tions which required that MODs, accep developed new recycling activities that mining obsolete reference materials, tance letters, and deeds be prepared. have been incorporated with the visitor and in coordination with Specifications Hichborn developed and instituted an center's interpretive program. personnel, was able to reorganize and automated procedure in this branch for Since "marke~ing'' is Viscioni's major eliminate significant amounts of such monitoring and organizing the branch's in college, he has provided numerous reference materials, without impacting computer input. ideas and given feedback relating to the materials. Three other students were nominated numerous marketing ideas used or Lynn A. Hichborn, Acquisition for the Student Aide Award: Jennifer proposed by. Branch, Real Estate Division, is respon Black, OD; Brenda Schaeffer, PP, and Jody Stritesky has been a student sible for providing clerical support to Irene Kremer, IM. aide for four years and has been a mem- six employees ranging in job classifica-
6 Tower Times October 1991 lliBRBWOOWDBBRRD-RBOOBROO-BEBMRBBMRRffi ~men~£qua~0ay Women's civil rights and the law
Editor's note: The following are excerpts from Geraldine Johnson Lowery's keynote address at the Women's Equality Day luncheon held on Aug. 21.
The topic is Women's Civil Rights and the Law. The topic itself is sugges tive of the state of our society. Laws are supposed to be neutral and protect everyone, yet we find it necessary to address the relationship of women to the law. I will not attempt an overview of women's rights, and I'll explain why. Law governs every aspect of human life and interaction. I I would like to talk to you briefly about what law is. Since human beings are generally gregarious by nature, we like to live in groups, in contact with other human beings, for the most part. But as you know from your family of origin or from later groupings, with togetherness comes conflict. Thus, men and Photo by Carol Otte women, humankind, have had the need for rules. These rules or laws have ex Geraldine Johnson Lowery panded over the centuries and passed from generation to generation. If you've ever been in a law library and wondered what all those books are, Real Estate attorney they basically fall into two categories: the codes, statutes, ordinances and rules passed by legislative bodies, and the reporters which contain the case keynote speaker at law or actual disputes. Even with all those laws, we've found it necessary over luncheon the years to add others which protect women, minorities, the aged, and those with physical disabilities in the areas of employment, housing, credit, educa Geraldine Johnson Lowery, attorney/ad visor in Real Estate Branch gave the keynote tion, and public accommodations. speech at the Women's Equality Day lunch We don't have too many women in the field of law. Though women are eon in August. entering law schools in record numbers--perhaps one-third to one-half of an Johnson Lowery is a Quad City native, a entering class are now women--as recently as the mid-1970s at the University product of the East Moline school system of Iowa and other law schools only a handful of women could be found. And and Augustana College where she earned a since women have only recently entered the field in large numbers and bachelor's degree in sociology in 1968. She haven't reached their professional zeniths yet, the height of their careers, later earned a master's degree in social work their impact has not yet been felt. In Iowa, where I am licensed, we have only from the University of Pennsylvania and one female on the Supreme Court, Justice Linda Neuman; and we have only worked as a mental health therapist prior to deciding to go to law school in 1978. one female on the United States Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O' Upon completion of her legal training, she Conner. worked for the Davenport Civil Rights Com I believe that it's important to have women amply represented in every mission and later as a prosecutor for the city profession and walk of life. Only then can we make our presence felt and end of Davenport. Presently she is attorney/ad discrimination. We as women have a lot of talent, creativity and energy to visor in Real Estate Division. contribute, not to mention the fact that every human should have the right to She has appeared in Who's Who Among use his or her talents and gifts to the fullest and be self-fulfilled. Black Americans; and, a survey of literature So, women, I encourage you to consider the field of law. And especially to in the area of sex education which she consider a political career. I encourage all of you, men and women, to en drafted as part of her requirements at the University of Pennsylvania is on file at the courage your daughters, not just in these areas, but tell them they can be British Library, the equivalent of our Library whatever they want to be. We need female mathematicians, not just of Congress. beauticians. We need physicists, doctors, plumbers, electricians, mechanics. Johnson Lowery has been active in the We need to open the door to every career. community, having served as vice-chair of Maybe some of you today are not truly where you want to be or where your the Davenport Civil Rights Commission and talents can take you. Search your hearts and minds and you'll know. If that is on the Board of Family Resources. She has the case and an idea begins to take shape in the back of your mind, bring it coached and judged mock-trial teams and forward and examine it. Make plans, strategies, take action. In the words of moot court competitions. She presently ser President Roosevelt, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." ves on the board of the 7th Judicial District Department of Corrections.
October 1991 Tower Times 7 ~ci('Js{aru;{ '1Jistrict--1.25tli.9lnniversaJY ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::=:=:=:=:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::=:=:=:=:=:=:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
nited States independence in 1776 and the Louisiana UPurchase in 1803 increased the importance of the Mis sissippi as a trade and navigation route. In response to this in creased need for transportation, the newly invented steamboat arrived at New Orleans in 1811 and quickly be came the dominant mode of travel on the Mississippi from the mouth of the Ohio River south. North of St. Louis, however, the Mississippi presented several obstacles to steam navigation--the Des Moines Rapids and the Rock Island Rapids. Although they both impeded navigation, the Des Moines and Rock Island Rapids were quite different in composition, age, and in the problems they had created. The Des Moines Rapids ran upstream from Keokuk for 111/4 miles. Here the Mississippi, running through a channel at least 120,000 years old, had scoured itself down to bedrock, a wide, relatively even slab of rock between the bluffs, inclined at about the same plane as the river surface. There was no real channel through the rapids; during low water, the whole stretch of rapids simply became impassable. The Rock Island Rapids were more typical rapids, with fingers, or chains, of rock stretching out from each shore. The navigation channel through these chains was often narrow; and because the channel twisted from one shore to the other, strong cross currents made travel hazardous for boats coming through the rapids, even during high water. Originally the Mississippi turned eastward near present-d ay Clinton, Iowa, and met the Illinois River near Princeton, Ill. (The Meredosia Bottoms today show where that old channel went.) Two periods of glaciation, the Illinoisan and the Wis consinian, both pushed the river westward south of Clinton, forcing it into Iowa. Not until about 18,000 to 20,000 years ago did the Wisconsinan drift firmly settle the Mississippi in its present east-west channel between Rock Island and Port Byron. There, the river was forced to cut through debris left by the glacier and through hard dolomite limestone outcrop pings. Thus the Rock Island Rapids are much younger than those at Des Moines; the river has not had time to scour a smooth wide channel through the hard rock. Even though the Rock Island Rapids left pools of deep water between the chains of rock in its 13 3/4 miles from the foot of the Island of Rock Island upstream to LeClaire, Iowa, these rapids were The Steamer "Ellen" is the first steamboat to lock through the much more dangerous than the Des Moines Rapids. newly completed Lock and Dam No.JS in 1932. In spite of the difficulties of low water and the danger of the rapids, steamboat traffic slowly increased on the Upper Mis sissippi. In 1857, Davenport, Iowa, counted 1,587 steamboats 7~ ~ad 'ldtMtd arrivals in one year, with an additional20 each week landing across the river at Rock Island. The General Survey Act of 1824 (which also gave the presi ~~ dent authority to employ officers of the Corps of Engineers Taming the Rock Island Rapids to allow for river improvement work) appropriated money for the upper Mississippi. navigation on the Mississippi River was the In 1837, a young engineer officer, Lt. Robert E. Lee, second project that the newly formed Rock recommended deepening and straightening the main channel Island District undertook. This area was also at Rock Island Rapids, widening it where necessary and cut the site for the first lock and dam of the 9-foot ting off projecting points of rock--a project he estimated would cost $154,658. channel. No further work was done on the Rock Island Rapids until 1852 when Congress, responding to increased river traffic Condensed from the booklet 11 A History of Navigation lm- and new settlements in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, provements on the Rock Island Rapidsll by Roald Tweet passed the Western Rivers Improvement Act. This act, which placed river and harbor work more explicitly under the direc- 8 Tower Times October 1991 tion of the Corps of Engineers also authorized $100,000 for been removed--twice the amount estimated in 1854. improvement of the Des Moines and Rock Island Rapids. Even before this first sustained effort at improving the Lt. G. K. Warren made another survey of both rapids in the rapids was complete, increased river traffic and large boats summer of 1853 and agreed with earlier reports that the were making the original4-foot depth established for the Rock Island Rapids would prove far easier to improve than Upper Mississippi obsolete. Congress responded by the Act those at Des Moines. of June 18, 1878, which authorized a 41/2-foot channel. This The need to improve the rapids had become more urgent depth would be achieved primarily by a series of wing and with the increase of traffic. In 1853 alone, seven steamboats closing dams which would narrow and deepen the navigation had wrecked between Keokuk and St. Paul, two of these on channel. the Rock Island Rapids. So successful were these dams in achieving a deeper chan Contract work on the Rock Island Rapids began in August nel that by 1900, the Rock Island Rapids had again become a 1854. The method used to remove rock was developed by Lt. relative bottleneck to navigation. Lee in 1838. An iron tripod was placed on the river bottom Congress authorized a survey for a lock at Moline in 1902. over the work site to hold a working platform and a drill The bill directed that the new lock use the new method of guide. A hole was drilled in the rock and filled with gunpow poured concrete construction which had only recently been der and ignited. The resulting explosion split the rock so that developed for the Hennepin Canal locks, and which was it could be removed in large pieces. shortly to revolutionize construction Earlier estimates on the ease of The project had taken 20 years methods in the United States. the improvement work proved to Work on the lock went quickly, and be optimistic. Four men required and cost $1,166,608. More than by the end of 1907, the nearly com two weeks to cut off two and one 87,000 cubic yards of rock had pete lock was opened to traffic. In half feet of rock projecting into the August of 1909, the lock reached its channel. At the present rate, it was been removed--twice the amount peak usage: 1,140 lockages, with estimated the Rock Island Rapids estimated in 1854. 18,998 passengers and 182 tons of project would take "forever." commercial freight. Due to the introduction of new steam equipment in 1855 The Moline Lock had the misfortune to be completed just and 1856, work progressed somewhat faster. A new problem as a long decline in river traffic began. appeared though: the railroad. Many of the good workers Both Congress and river interests realized at the beginning available had caught railroad fever, as had much of the of the 20th century that if river traffic was to remain competi country, and had gone off to work on the several lines near tive with the railroads, the channel would have to go deeper ing the Mississippi. that 4 1/2 feet. Steamboats were beginning to shift to strings Another problem appeared with the construction of one of of barges to transport bulk goods. In the Act of March 2, the first railroad bridges, which crossed at Rock Island, the 1907, Congress authorized a 6-foot channel. narrowest part of the rapids. Even before the bridge was The first of the two projected locks in the project was part completed, a steamboat had struck one of its piers, and had of a private water power dam built at Keokuk. The second burned and sunk. Of the 1,667 rafts and steamboats passing project was the LeClaire Canal and Lock, which would per the bridge in 1857, 55 collided with the structure. mit boats to bypass the upper 3.6 miles of Rock Island Serious sustained work did not begin until1866, when Con Rapids. gress authorized the establishment of a permanent Corps of World War I interrupted the canal project before construc Engineers office in Keokuk, Iowa. Capt. P.C. Hains was sent tion could begin. Work finally began in 1921, and the lock to Davenport where he conducted another survey and con and canal opened to traffic in November 1922. vened a board of engineers to consider alternate methods of The Act of July 3, 1930, authorized the 9-foot channel improvement. The board rejected a lateral dam because it project and $7,500,000 was appropriated. The Act provided would not improve navigation until the whole project was for a uniform lock size of 110 by 600 feet. Neither of the two complete. They rejected a lock and dam because it would im locks at the Rock Island Rapids met those specifications. pede navigation during the four months of high water each As with previous navigation improvements projects, the sys year, when the rapids were not a problem. tem of 26 locks and dams was constructed by beginning at The original plan still seemed the most feasible: to blast those locations which provided the most serious obstacles to and chisel the existing channel. They decided to begin work navigation. It was no accident that the first lock and dam to on the most difficult and dangerous spot, then move on to the be constructed was No. 15 in Rock Island. Here, in 1931, the next most dangerous spot, until the entire rapids was safe for 9-foot channel project began. Dam 15 would submerge these navigation. rapids under a minimum of nine feet of water. The cost of the project was estimated at just over $800,000. Locks and Dam 15 was opened to traffic in the spring of Cofferdams were used around the areas to be excavated. 1934 at a total cost of about 7,480,000. Once the rock inside the coffer dam was exposed, it was Because the LeClaire Canal and Lock, built in 1922, al removed by hand drills and blasting powder. ready provided a fairly good channel over the upper section By 1886, work on the rapids was virtually complete: a chan of the Rock Island Rapids, Lock and Dam No. 14 adjacent to nel with a minimum width of 200 feet and a minimum depth the LeClaire Lock was the last of the locks and dams to be of four feet had been cut out. built. Its completion in June 1939, at a cost of $5,472,000, The improvement work had cost more than previous es marked the beginning of a new era in Upper Mississippi timates had imagined. The project had taken 20 years and River transportation, and the end of the last section of the cost $1,166,608. More than 87,000 cubic yards of rock had troublesome Rock Island Rapids. October 1991 Tower Times 9 Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15- October 16 The meaning of .. Hispanic .. They were called all kinds of irritat a basis in the word "Hispaniola" (the States, Central and South America or ing names: Spanish-origin, Spanish Caribbean island shared by Haiti and Spain. It's a combination that has cul speaking, Spanish-Americans, the Dominican Republic) and because ture and language -- that is, born and Latinos/Latin, Latin-Americans, Indo it allows each subgroup to retain its raised and acculturated in the Western Hispanic, Hispanic-Americans, Afro identity - Cubans are Cubans, Puerto Hemisphere or the southern part of the Hispanic, Iberian and others. Ricans are Puerto Ricans, and Western Hemisphere." Symbolism and semantics often stood Mexicans are Mexicans," Oliverez said. Oliverez said for the process of in the way of working on important is "The word has no negative or positive programs for jobs and political, social sues because there was no neutral, all history and therefore, no cause for any and economic issues in the United encompassing term that connoted subgroup to be offended by it." States, Hispanic serves as a word that some of the culture and heritage of In short, Hispanics are citizens of the in one concept depicts all of the various each subgroup of Americans subgroups into one of Spanish ancestry. Hispanic family. "Not having a name accept "A Hispanic-American able to every group created like myself, for instance, dissension, lack of harmony, sees himself as Mexican conflict of interest, and it under the Hispanic contributed more to identify umbrella. But the way I ing what's separate instead perceive myself isn't neces of what's united," said sarily the way a Chilean, a Manuel Oliverez, manager of Paraguayan or an Argen the Department of Defense tinean may perceive me. Hispanic Employment Pro He probably perceives me gram at the Pentagon. as an American, although I Oliverez said the govern look very much like him ment realized in 1969 that a and speak Spanish quite a new way had to be found to bit like him. identify Hispanics. A White "As a Mexican, I listen if House committee, of which someone is talking about Oliverez was a member, was Hispanics," he said. "When formed to find a generic we specify Cuban, Puerto term with universal applica Rican, El Salvadoran, tion for Americans of Nicaraguan or other sub Spanish ancestry. groups, we're concentrat "All the terms in vogue at that time - United States who trace their ancestry ing on the differences instead of em Chicano, Spanish-speaking, Hispanic to Latin America and Spain. phasizing our similarities." American - were ranked, discussed and "Although we can't claim the word is He said that is the mistake the com looked at from different angles," said a 100 percent solution, it allows the mittee made in 1969 when the members Oliverez. "We finally settled on the Hispanic community to focus on things were supposed to be looking for a term word 'Hispanic.' other than semantics," he said. acceptable to all subgroups. "Having accepted the term doesn't The dilemma was that "we're a varied "Mostly Mexicans from the Southwest mean that every Cuban, Mexican, Puer people; from very white and blond to were on the committee, and we were al to Rican or other subgroup bought off black and in-between," said Oliverez. ways talking about Mexicans and on it," Oliverez said. "But they under "There are African, Italian and Orien Chicanos," Oliverez recalled. "We real stood that Hispanic was the best alter tal Hispanics; to be Hispanic, you don't ly got our butts kicked for that. People native available. have to be a mixture of populations in started writing letters to the president "Hispanic was adopted because it has digenous to the southern United and taking us on. Finally, we saw their
10 Tower Times October 1991 point. Cubans don't care about what Mexicans think, they're proud to be District celebrates Hispanic Cubans. We decided that if we were going to help this country and oursel Heritage with activities/contests ves, we would have to stop making people feel left out." Under the guidance of Richard Carril held at the Hispanic lunch. The winner The word Hispanic has served the lo, the Hispanic Program Manager for will receive dinner for two at the "Su Hispanic community and the country CENCR, Hispanic Heritage Month will Casa Restaurant" in Bettendorf. well, Oliverez believes. be celebrated with several activities in "For instance, we don't have goals in the Clock Tower complex from Sept. 16 A Lunch and Learn will be held Sept. DoD for the employment of Puerto through Oct. 15. This month is set 25. The speaker will be Mr. Robert Ricans, Cubans, Mexicans or any other aside nationally to recognize the con Saucedo, city councilman from East group," he said. "You have goals for tributions of the Hispanic community Moline, Ill. The subject of discussion Hispanic-Americans. And you try to to the growth and development of the will be characteristics of the Hispanic find the most qualified Hispanic United States. culture and their impact in the Americans to make contributions to the In recognition of the achievements of workplace. mission of the Department of Defense." the Hispanic American Community, Now, more than 20 years after finding Congress, by a Joint Resolution, ap A second Lunch and Learn is a term acceptable to the subgroups, proved Public Law 90-298 Sept. 17, scheduled for Oct. 2. The speaker will another problem of identity is emerg 1968. This law authorized and re be Ms. Rusty Barcelo, assistant dean of ing. Just as it looked for a new way to quested the President to issue an an Academic Affairs at the University of identify itself in 1969, the Hispanic com nual proclamation designating the week Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Her subject will munity is questioning whether the term that included Sept. 15- 16 as National be the historical background of the na is still applicable in the 1990's, said Hispanic Heritage Week. President tional Hispanic Programs. Oliverez. Reagan later signed Proclamation 5522 He said the reason for the rekindled expanding the period to Hispanic The local Hero Street heroes will be concern about identity is the North Heritage Month. honored Oct. 9. The video, "Hero American free-trade agreement that's This month will be noted by the fol Street U.S.A.", will be shown twice on expected to be approved by Congress lowing activities: the local internal television network. At and the president. The agreement will 12:30 p.m. a short program will be held create new relationships between the A "what color is the little red school on the Clock Tower Building lawn. A United States, Canada and Mexico, house" contest will be held beginning color guard presentation will be made which Oliverez thinks will cause the Sept. 16 through Oct. 15. The purpose by the Mexican American Veterans As Hispanic community to re-examine it of the contest will be to broaden the sociation of Silvis, Ill. Mr. Joseph A. self and its role in American society. He participants knowledge about Hispanic Terronez, Mayor of Silvis, Ill., will also cited increasing relationships with culture. Questionnaire entries will be speak about "Hero Street". Latin American countries as a reason available at the main bulletin board and for concern. the two SEPC bulletin boards. RIDWA will sponsor a Hispanic "Hispanic is a domestic term that has Answers to the questions will be posted Food lunch at noon on October 15 for no meaning to our more than 290 mil as part of the bulletin board display in Clock Tower employees. A menu of lion Hispanics to the south of us," said the main hallway of the Clock Tower tacos and bunuelos will be offered. Oliverez. "I believe as we expand com Building. One set of questions will be Bunuelos are a Mexican pastry. They mercial, economic and social relation posted each week. Participants may will be prepared by Juanita Heald, ships between Hispanic-Americans, submit one entry for each set of ques Equal Employment Office. The draw Mexicans and Latin Americans, we tions. ing will be held for a dinner for two at need to find a neutral term that ties us To be eligible for the drawing, three "Su Casa". Hispanic music will be together with our brothers and sisters of the four questions must be answered played. to the south of us. correctly from the material posted on "We don't know what word or term to the main bulletin board. Thus, it is pos The Special Emphasis Program Com use, but Hispanic will certainly be out," sible for each entrant to submit a total mittee (SEPC), under the guidance of he added. of four eligible entries. A drawing from the Equal Employment Officer, is coor By Rudi Williams the pool of all eligible entries will be dinating these plans. American Forces Information Services
October 1991 Tower Times 11 Mississippi River
Homeless families use free campgrounds Mississippi River Recrea tion free campground areas are occasionally frequented by homeless families that move from one free campground to another as they meet their 14-day limit time frame. This is especial ly true of sites that are more remote and lack 24-hour sur veillance or constant ranger presence. This kind of situa tion has existed to one de gree or another for several years, and on several oc casions has been cause for bringing in social service Photo by Evelyn Fincher agencies to check on the wel Park Ranger Ed Bruss visits with some campers at Grant River Recreation Area, Potosi, Wis. fare of any children involved.
Junior Angler Clinic held Camping on the Mississippi River Co-op student Laurie by Evelyn Fincher------ Maloney conducted a Junior Picture a Mississippi River Corps campground with RV's driving slowly around winding Angler Clinic for 24 youths paved roads, fishing and recreation boats skimming up and down the river, and tows age 7-13 at the Lock and ponderously moving their barges through the waves, and--trains? Dam No.14 day use area. At Grant River Recreation Area, Potosi, Wis., more than 20 trains zoom past daily (and The students learned about nightly) on the double set of tracks along the campground's land-side boundary. On the op aquatic ecology, habitats, pol posite side of the campground, campers and visitors are offered a breathtaking view of the lution, fish identification, Mississippi River and its wildlife and traffic. fishing equipment, fish clean Although the blaring whistles and thunderous roar of so many trains adjacent to its 73 ing practices, regulations, campsites is unique to Grant River, train watching does not attract most of its more than and even had the time to 20,000 annual visitors. practice their fishing skills "Fishing is probably the biggest attraction to the area," Ed Bruss, park ranger, said. "There for a couple of hours. Prizes is a wide open view of the river here, too. This appeals to campers and others who enjoy na were donated by local bait ture." shops. Summer Ranger Steve Bruss said campers stay at Grant River during the second weekend in August for the Potosi Shirk from Lock and Dam Fish Fry, parade, antique car show, and other activities. The Chicago Bears hold their sum No. 16 assisted by cleaning mer training camp in Platteville, Wis., which is a few miles northeast of Potosi, and some the catch while Ranger Steve Bears fans camp at Grant River and go to Platteville to watch the team practice and scrim Vacek from Locks and Dam mage. No. 15 cooked the fish for The campground is open for full service facilities from April12 through Oct. 26. Fees vary the kids to sample. from $6 to $10 based on the location of the selected campsite. Electricity is available at each site, except for the 10 walk-in tent sites. There are reservable campsites available for a $2 ad Coralville Lake ministration fee, and the picnic shelter may be reserved from May 1 through Oct. 31 at a cost of $25. It is available on a first come basis when not reserved. Recreation facilities also in Welcome back clude rest rooms, showers, playgrounds, and a boat ramp. Camping and shelter reservations Student aid Kelly Kay was may be made with the fee attendant at (319) 763-2140. welcomed back to the office The Grant River Recreation Area is located north of Dubuque, Iowa, and west of Plat staff in August. She was final teville, Wis. Follow U.S. Highway 61 from the Quad Cities through Dubuque to Dickeyville, ly released from active duty Wis., and continue on 61 to Potosi. In Potosi, you follow Wisconsin Highway 133 to the Grant for Operation Desert Storm. River Recreation Area sign. "Highway 61 has been under construction most of the summer, but it's supposed to be Editor's note: The informa finished by the end of November," Bruss said. tion above was pulled directly For detour information (for the balance of this recreation season) and schedules of special from the monthly field reports events at Grant River Recreation Area, contact the Mississippi River Project Office, Box 534, and the District notes. Pleasant Valley, Iowa 52767, (309) 788-6361, ext. 5524.
12 Tower Times October 1991 !Ii1Ifi1Jt!IililiiiiitttmtmtttltEIIlJJiiliJJiiliililiililiJimtliii1IliimtttliiiiliJiiitttlJIJiiilltiiliiiiiiliiiililtFltttliiliiJIIiliiiilii Fi e Id n0 te s Mississippi River summer rangers--a unique breed by Brenda Lackey sofa, rug, coffee table, end table, lamps and a bed all set up outside. They even had a door that they used. If you wanted The dream of many--the chance to be a park ranger for a to talk to them you had to knock on their door." summer. It sounds glamorous--working outdoors, enjoying the scenery, being available to assist the park visitors in a Name: Troy Tady. variety of ways, and protecting our natural resources. It Area of residence: Parents sounds easy enough, but the job does get demanding at live in East Moline. Troy is at times. tending school at Moscow, \Vorking on the Mississippi River as a summer ranger re Idaho, at the University of quires an individual with versatility. Skills needed may in Idaho. He has an apartment clude public speaking, mechanical knowledge, the operation in Pullman, Wash. of vessels, the ability to develop and present educational Status: Single. programs, and the enforcement of regulations, just to men Hobbies and interests: Troy tion a few. enjoys travel, piano, The summer staff helps manage six highly developed harpsichord, organ, hiking, recreation areas and 19 less developed areas. The visitation downhill skiing, American his for these areas in 1990 was estimated at five million visitor tory, geography, and post card hours. The project's water safety program involves three collecting. patrol boats operating in pools 13-16, 21 and 22 on the Education: United Township High School graduate, Augus weekends and special events. tana College--Bachelor's degree in Biology/Environmental The project would not survive a summer without the help Science, University of Idaho--first year graduate student. of summer rangers. Each has an interesting background. Job duties as COE ranger: Interpretation, patrol, Welcome Here are the profiles of three, to show the kind of quality Ranger, recreation area safety inspections, bulletin boards. staff the Corps is employing in the Rock Island District. Length of time as ranger: 3 summers. Remainder of year activities: Student. Name: Steve Shirk. Most liked about being a ranger: Having the opportunity to Area of residence: Wilton, instill conservation-oriented values in both children and Iowa. adults through interpretive programs. Status: Steve is married to Most memorable experience as a ranger: "When I spent Susan. They have two three hours trying to dig up a water hydrant to find the shut children: 13-year-old son, Ben, off and later found out that all that was missing was a set and 8-year-old daughter, screw. Didn't get the water shut off either." Katie. Hobbies and interests: Fish Name: Tom Okulczyk. ing, boating, training horses. Area of residence: Port Byron, Education: Bachelor's degree Ill. in Industrial Technology. Status: Married for 14 years Job duties as summer ranger: to Gail; no children. Maintenance, patrol-law enfor- Steve Shirk Hobbies and interests: Boat cement, resource management, public relations, and inter ing, fishing, camping, com pretation. puters. How long as a summer ranger with COE: 10 summers. Education: 2 years college (al Remainder of year activities: Steve teaches Industrial Tech most) at Blackhawk College. nology at Wilton High School. Industrial Technology con Licensed in all lines of in sists of units in production, lasers, robotics, hydraulic surance Licensed N.A.S.D. aerospace, research and development. He also teaches a Securities Broker (series 7). course called Alternative Energy Technology, and is the Job duties as ranger with Tom Okulczyk wrestling coach for the school. COE: Water patrol from Lock and Dam 13 to Lock and Liked most about being a ranger with the COE: The variety Dam 16, (including patrol for special events such as the 4th of the job. of July, River Tug Fest, Bix Fest, etc.). Maintenance, repair Most memorable experience on the job as a ranger: "Meet and general responsibility for two ranger water patrol boats, ing people traveling through from different places is always resource management, computer work. interesting. The most memorable person I encountered was Length of time as a ranger: 1 summer. Professor Shenendoah. He was camping at Blanchard Is Remainder of year activities: College student. land. He was driving an old rambler and pulling a covered Most liked about being a ranger: Diversity of duties. wagon he had converted into a camper. He claimed to be a Most memorable experience as a ranger: "First aid and college professor who taught a course called Intergalactical transport of a fisherman who accidentally attempted to am Wanderings. Then there were the people I ran into one day putate his leg above the knee." who had set up house at the campground. They had chairs, Photos by Brenda Lackey, Lynette Ripley, and Laurie Maloney October 1991 Tower Times 13 Rock Island District 125th an Owls, including Sandy Duffy, daughter National Disability Aware niversary dinner held of Connie Duffy, and Jason Haggard, ness Month grandson of Visitor Center volunteer, A community celebration to honor Richard Haggard. The Special Emphasis Programs Com Rock Island District's 125th Anniversary mittee announces tentative plans for was held the evening of Sept. 4. The din Illinois Waterway picnic held the district's observance of National ner was sponsored by the Quad City Disability Awareness Month, Oct. 1-31, Council of Chambers of Commerce. Ap Perfect weather, delicious food, 1991. Plans include videos on the dis proximately 260 people attended the families and good friends are definitely trict network, a bulletin board display, celebration, including the speakers for the requirements for a successful pic and a lunch and learn, "Pick Your Dis the program: Charles A. Ruhl, Jr., presi nic. Ninety-one Rock Island District ability". Specific times and dates will be dent, Quad City Council of Chambers of employees, retirees, North Central posted on the district bulletin boards Commerce; Mark W. Schwiebert, Division (CENCD) guests, families, and on CC:Mail. mayor, city of Rock Island; Edwin G. and friends helped make a success of Winborn, chairman, Scott County Board the 1991 Illinois Waterway picnic held Speakers Bureau of Supervisors; and, Honorable Jim Saturday, Sept. 7 at Illini State Park, Leach, U.S. Representative, First Dis Marseilles, Ill. On September 6, Jerry Skalak, PO trict, Iowa. Robert Neal and Clair Reuter of W, gave a presentation on the current Colonel Brown accepted a plaque on CENCD Construction-Operations status of the Peoria Lake, Ill., habitat behalf of the district employees. The Division and retirees Walt Gatza, Dan project to participants in the 18th an plaque is now displayed on the first floor Callahan, Doyle Kuykendall, "Buzz" nual "Riverfront Awareness" cruise of the Clock Tower. Byczynski, Dean Andrews, and Bob sponsored by the Tri-County Riverfront Hamill were some of the special guests Action Forum. Thank you present. Bob Kelley talked to the Macomb, The 125th Anniversary committee Nand a receives award Ill., Rotary Club at their luncheon meet (Evelyn Fincher, Denise Yale, Sue Sim ing on Sept. 10, 1991. His presentation mons, Paul Soyke, George Johnson, The Paul Harris Fellow award was was on "Innovations Caused by Advan Norma Mahl, Steve Vacek, and Aria presented by Rotary International to ces in Technology." Approximately 110 Olson) thanks everyone who planned S.K. Nanda. To qualify for the award, a people attended the luncheon. and staffed the Northpark and South person must donate $1,000 to the or park Mall exhibits in celebration of the ganization. Rotary International Baby Corps Rock Island District's 125th Anniver promotes good will, education, and un sary. There were several hundred derstanding between nations through Brianna Christine Simpson was born visitors to the displays at each mall and exchange programs. to Dave Simpson and his wife, Carol, the public response was positive. Nanda is president-elect of the Bet on Sept. 4. She weighed 8 lbs. 5 ozs. A special thanks to all of our Woodsy tendorf Rotary Club. Simpson is an engineering aid in ED DG.
Johnl.Novel Clarance D. Sherwood Harrison Knowles Hannibal, Mo. Rock Island, Ill. Plainfield, Ill.
"I retired in 1979 as operator of the "I retired as an engineer technician in "I retired from the Corps in February Tow Boat "Rock Island." the Hydraulics Branch in February 1977 as a boat operator and diver. "I keep busy with hunting and fishing 1977. "I spend my time fishing, visiting my trips to several states and working and "I play golf and travel. I have taken granddaughters and taking trips. I have showing hunting dogs. I also like to do two trips to Hawaii; two Caribbean been to Altonia, Brazil, to visit a mis carpentry work and I have a large gar cruises; one cruise from Los Angeles sionary brother twice. den to take care of. down the Mexico coast; trips to Alaska, "To employees in the district, I'd like "To employees of the district--If you Norway, England, Ireland, Scotland; to say get out as soon as possible. It have anything you want to do, better do and I have driven to most of the states. makes you feel good." it now. You will not have time to do it "Retire when you can." after you retire."
14 Tower Times October 1991 Quality Step Increase Stephanie A. Rosenberg, IM William H. Shuck, OD L&D 22 Danet L. Dexter, OD Mississippi River Proj. Suzanne R. Simmons, PO Jody S. Stritesky, ED, SEPC Student Aid Performance Awards Award Tom P. Dumoulin, ED James R. Sturtz, OD Mississippi River Proj. William D. Evans, OD, Marseilles L&D Thomas P. Swift, OD L&D 11 Janet C. Hodges, CD Troy P. Tady, OD Mississippi River Proj. Aria M. Olson, RM Anthony L. Viscioni, OD-RM, SEPC Student Vanessa Tatum, RM Aid Award David A. Vorel, ED Lisa M. Wiese, PD Colene J. Wilson, OD Richard C. Atkinson, ED Retirements James H. Blanchar, OD William L. Verlinden--Reproduction and Harlen L. Briggs, CD Photography Patrick T. Burke, PD Foreman, Audiovisual/Reproduction Section, Michael A. Cockerill, PD Information Support Services Branch, John J. Copeland, ED Information Management Office Leroy R. Corey, CD Effective: 08-30-91 Thomas F. Crane, OC Photo by Carol Otte Jerry L. Crittenden, CD Promotions Annette Bealer Richard J. Fleischman, PD LaVeta B. Bear, Applications Examiner, 00-SI Victor P. Gervais, CD Colleen R. Carlson, Voucher Examiner, AM-FE Dudley M. Hanson, PD Kevin D. Ewbank, Park Ranger, OD-IWVC Employee of the George L. Hardison, OD James P. Kankel, Hvy Mobile Equip Mech, Danny L. Hare, OD OD-MP, Repair Shop month Monte P. Hines, OD William E. McCarthy, UD Optr, O'Brien UD Annette Bealer was selected to Mark R. Hoague, ED Curtis G. Norby, Towboat Operator, 00-MP Raymond J. Horton, OD Mark P. Witalka, UD Equip Mech, Starved receive the District Commander's George E. Johnson, ED Rock UD Award for the month of July. Larry E. Jones, XO Bealer was the district's travel clerk Robert W. Kelley, ED New Hires Donald L. Logsdon, ED Jeffrey, C. Inks, Park Ranger, OD-RS before she transferred to Resource Richard W. Lemke, CO Kevin G. Porteck, Forester, OD-R Management. She was cited for assist Gary L. Loss, ED ing the Logistics Office on various oc Robert A. McAfee, ED Losses casions when travel questions came up. Doyle W. McCully, PP George W. Burcham, Jr., UD Optr, Lockport George J. Mech, ED Lock "She no longer works in Logistics, but Dale R. Rossmiller, ED Jon R. Duyvejonck, General Biologist, PD-E her caring attitude and desire to see a Roger W. Risser Jr., PP Gary E. Prewett, UD Optr, LaGrange UD good job done and done well has kept Mark C. Schroeder, PP Cheryl A. Sersland, UD Optr, UD 15 Paul D. Soyke, PD John W. Sharpe, Hvy Mobile Equip Mech, OD the travel functions of the district Terry M. Stairs, RM MP, Repair Shop operating during the travel clerk vacan Lee V. Swanson, IM Compiled by Personnel Office cy." Willis M. Tait, RE Steven J. VanderHorn, OD 1991 Combined Federal Campaign underway James A. Wadle, IM Angelo M. Zerbonia, OD The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) for 1991 kicked off Sept. 16 and will run until Oct. 16. This year, coffee mugs or a 12-inch magnifying ruler will be On-The-Spot Cash Awards given to special donors who contribute a minimum of $104. Wende A. Allen, PO Contact the keyperson in your area if you have not received you CFC materials Lisa T. Bickford, IM and donor cards or if you need more information. Carl D. Fox, OD L&D 22 » RM--Annette Bealer Harold A. Hastings, OD Lake Red Rock » OC/EP--Aimee Vermeulen Lynn A. Hichborn, RE, SEPC Student Aid » EE/PP/XA/PA--Juanita Heald Award » ED--Sue Hankins, Sibte Zaidi, Lila Buehrle, Carol Jacks Sarah E. Hoover, OD Saylorville Lake » PD--Dorothy Rowley, Diane Demeyer Laurel K. Irvin, IM » IM--Ardeth Hoover, Dorothy Lindsey Irene M. Kremer, IM » CT/LM--Tom Bales Donald J. Larson, OD Mississippi River Proj. » RE--Denise Tyler Thomas E. Mack, ED » CT--Tom Fratzke Stephen J. McCann, OD L&D 22 » Ingrid C. Oberg, PO OD--Gerry Wise, Karolyn Bebensee, Jackie Peterson, Danet Dexter, Michael Thomas G. Okulczyk, OD Mississippi River Ryan, Howard Cooper, Larry Parker Proj. » Louisville--Teresa Neff ·
October 1991 Tower Times 15 Retired lockmaster returns as tour guide Smithsonian study group tours Mississippi
by Ron Deiss Dam No. 15 Visitor's Center and by 3 p.m. On Aug. 17, the Delta the following day, the Queen proceeded famous showboat pack downriver through et was in Keokuk. The Lock 19 at Keokuk, Delta Queen locked Iowa. This was a though amid the enjoy momentous occasion ment and ovation of a for the hundreds of large crowd. The tour tourists present. This party threw handfuls of famous steamboat held tokens and candy to the members of a study delight of the many tour of the Upper Mis children. The tokens sissippi River hosted by were stamped "Happy the Smithsonian Institu Steamboating--Delta tion. One of the tour Queen." guides was Harold Docking below the his Wright, retired lock toric George M. Verity master at Lock 19. Riverboat Museum, the The Delta Queen was tour was met with fur built in Stockton, Calif., ther merriment, since in 1926 and presently ''" .....- -.. --, this was the weekend of hails from Cincinnati, the annual Roll'n-On Ohio. The-River music and The tour began in river festivities. These Minneapolis-St. Paul, festivities included the Minn., and included exciting "Dragon" race nine stops at the his boats. Tours were given toric towns and cities of ~------J of Lock 19 and the Wabasha and Winona, Photo by Ron Deiss Union Electric Minn., Prairie du Harold Wright, (right) who retired this year as lnckmaster at Lock 19 had Powerplant and Dam. Chein, Wis., Dubuque, another opportunity to give tours ofthe rock . This entire complex was Iowa/Galena, Ill., listed on the National Davenport, Iowa, Moline and Nauvoo, Ill., Keokuk, Iowa, Register of Historic Places in October 1978. This complex is and Hannibal, Mo. St. Louis, M;o., was the ninth stop and also named an Iowa Scenic Area by the State Office of final destination. Tourism and draws an estimated 10,000 tourists annually. The Upper Mississippi River study tour is one of 140 different The participants of the study tour were asked what they en tours hosted by the Smithsonian worldwide. Tour Operator joyed most. The reply was unanimous--everything. Lock Peter Voll said this was the 19th charter tour for the Delta master Harold Wright's knowledge of the history and Queen since 1979. Past charters have included the middle and workings of the lock, dam, and powerhouse was the central upper Mississippi River and the Ohio, Cumberland, and Ten nessee rivers. These are the major inland waterways in the point of interest at this stop, and one that will be long remem United States and the most important to steamboat and naviga bered. The Smithsonian Institution's Upper Mississippi tion history. River Study tour is very popular and will continue to include The Delta Queen study tour included planned entertain the many historically important Corps recreation and naviga ment, daily programs, river history by Historian Peggy Rad tion sites and facilities. Corps employees, both past and ford, and Harold Wright's experienced views on navigation present, will always play important roles in maintaining these and commerce. The Delta Queen stopped at Davenport over significant features and participating in future steamboating night and its passengers were guided through the Locks and celebrations.
16 Tower Times October 1991