I have a few people and firms I would to thank who without their help we would not have been able to complete this project.

The first Person is the chairman of the Historic River Queen Committee Mr. Marly Rydson.  Every time I would call and say “Marly I’m out of money again” Marly would pick up his magic rolodex and yes he still does use a rolodex and make a few phone calls and my construction account would be full again.

By the way the Historic River Queen, Inc is a 501c3 organization so every dollar donated is tax deductible.

I’d like to thank rest of Marly’s Committee Bob Deputy, Jeff Wells, Diana Lawson, The Late Bill Marohn, Dottie Arnold and John Letherman. These folks serve on the Board as well as contributed to the project.
 

I’d like to thank a few very special donors:

The Welter Foundation

Flexco Products

The Bill Deputy Foundation

Mrs. Peggy Weed

The Corson Family Foundation

This has truly been a Community involved event, every time I would approach a company with a request for an in-kind donation it took them all of two seconds to say yes.  Not one company said no.
 

I’d like to acknowledge these companies; if you are in need of one of their services, please consider them. 

Dometic Corporation

Onan/Cummins

Mark Queener

Central Hardware

Custom Builders and Contractors

Wyland’s Marine

Morris Auto Service

A-1 Signs and Graphics

Alpha Graphics

Central Rent-A-Crane

T & A Rigging

Sport’s Time Family Pub and Grill

Fawn Atkinson State Farm Insurance

Shoff Security Systems
 

I’d like to acknowledge individuals that have given their time to help make this project a success.

Mr. Ed Smoker

Former Mayor Dick Moore

Tom Atkinson

Stacey Corpe

Jeff Corpe

Andy Jones

Bea Jones

Cairre Fuller

Yvonne Christian

To the hundreds of contributors, without your support we would not be here today.

I’d like to thank the Elkhart Police Department for assisting us in getting the large crane down Bowers Court and the traveling public that were delayed on their way to work. Thanks also to Eric and Amber Mahaffey Harris who allowed the media and the spectators to gather on their lawn.

I interviewed several people to be the general contractor for this project, the last fellow I spoke with showed me the passion and love he has had for the River Queen for many years and that is why I selected Dave Dickman. Dave took the project by the horns and completed it on time and on budget.  I knew we would run into things we hadn’t planned on but Dave didn’t even blink.  The first month Dave and I spoke weekly, month two it was daily and the last two weeks it’s been several times a day.   Now when he sees it me calling he just answers and says “what”. I have truly enjoyed working with Dave.

Sincerely,

Historic Elkhart River Queen Committee 

Marly Rydson - Dottie Arnold - Bob Deputy - Diana Lawson - John Letherman - Tom Shoff, Manager