The Elkhart River Queen continues to make memories for people who climb aboard. Now five years after it was given a second chance for life on the river.
The Elkhart Truth reports the landmark paddleboat was built in 1948 and since has served as a tour boat for countless excursions on the St. Joseph River.
The riverboat had to stop tours in 2013 after its hull developed rust-throughs and was deemed unsafe.
Two years later, non-for-profit organization called Save the Queen was formed to come to the boats rescue.
They did.
The group raised $200,000 for repairs and the boat has been floating ever since.
Osolo Township Board member Carol McDowell-Loshbough says she’ll donate her $2,400 annual salary from the township to the River Queen to help with maintenance costs.