Jet black collectible souvenir bell featuring the Mississippi Belle II paddlewheel steamboat.
She was built in 1935 and named "The Omar". She was created as a working boat, a 2-deck tug for the Ohio River Company. Mainly made of steel, she is 207 feet long, 36 feet wide, and 37 1/2feet high. In the water, she displaced 581 gross tons.
Her oak paddlewheel, rebuilt in 1980, is approximately 32 feet in diameter. It was powered by two Marietta compound stem wheel engines that required 25 to 75 tons of coal a day. These engines produced 1,000 horsepower.
For 25 years, The Omar pushed barges up and down the Ohio River. Then in 1962, the Ohio River Company presented her to the State of West Virginia for use in its centennial celebration.
She was converted from a tug to a showboat without losing her charming riverboat features. The main deck, lounge and second deck captain's quarters were preserved.
With the spring of 1991 came riverboat gambling to the Clinton area. The first deck of the Showboat is completely rebuilt inside. All small motors, generators, pumps & etc. were removed. In April, 1991, the Mississippi Belle II became the first riverboat to officially open its doors for business in the state of Iowa.
Today, the Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino is a cruise ship in Clinton, Iowa.
www.belle2casino.com
This collectible souvenir bell measures 5.25" high, 2.75" in diameter and weighs 4.1 ounces. No chips, cracks or damaged noted. A few age-related rub marks.
A1113 - Vintage MISSISSIPPI BELLE II Paddle Wheel Boat Souvenir Bell
$10.00
