You might also try the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.  Their Inland Rivers Library is housed as a special collection of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (Ohio).  Lynn Evans

>>> Lucy Wayne <[log in to unmask]> 02/02/2009 12:00 PM >>>
Have you tried the Society for Industrial Archaeology?  They can be very 
helpful for things mechanical.

Lucy Wayne

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "wayne Abrahamson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2009 11:00 AM
Subject: Steering systems on eastern coastal paddlewheel steamboats


>I am currently writing my thesis on an eastern coastal paddlewheel 
>steamboat sunk in an Alabama river. I have been very fortunate in gathering 
>a good amount of material concerning the construction and engineering of 
>this type of vessel; however, I could use some input on the unique steering 
>system that was installed on these steamboats. Any ideas or references 
>would be appreciated.
>