Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain

Subject: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:26 PM

Good people, tonight I am truly in shock. Word has reached me that a huge flame of life, Captain Dennis Trone, died today when his plane crashed.

Dennis Trone designed and built the steamboat Julia Belle Swain. As a mentor to John Hartford, he guided John through the process of securing his river pilot's license. There was no better pilot on the river than Denny. On a personal note, he hired me to sing and tell tall tales on both of his boats -- the Str. Julia Belle Swain and the Twilight -- for ten years on the Mississippi River and the Illinois River. For me, it was like a dream job---and it allowed us to get Chris through college without anyone owing anything.

Friends, I'm just speechless. What a pleasure it was to know this man, and to watch him orchestrate the mesmerizing machinations of his life on the river! What a marvelous symphony he created for so very many of us. It was glorious to be able to watch him in all his outrageousness! I will most assuredly miss this man.

Our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Libby, son Robert, and daughters Amanda and Lisa. I've no other details...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:42 PM

Oh, Art. How sad.

I found a recording of the Julia Belle Swain's whistle. It sounds mournful enough to sound a last farewell to him: mp3 of the whistle. And, a little bit about the JBS and Dennis: Here.

I sure am sorry for your loss, Art. It must come as an awful shock.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 May 08 - 11:46 PM

There are photos of Dennis Trone at my folk photos site in the RIVER YEARS photo album----

http://rudegnu.com/art_thieme.html

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 06 May 08 - 12:06 AM

http://rudegnu.com/art_thieme.html

Sorry to hear about Dennis. It always hurts when one of the good ones gets away. He must be one of the good ones for you to write about him with such obvious affection.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 08 - 12:08 AM

You spoke about this boat on some of your recordings, I recognize the name. I'm sorry for this, Art. Post a link to an obituary if you find one.

Maggie

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 May 08 - 02:09 AM

I am so sorry Art. Such an unexpected tragedy makes the loss doubly hard. I pulled up a previous post of yours on the JBS thread and am reposting it here along with the words to John's fine song.

Condolences to all who knew him and our thanks for his support of both Art and John Hartford as well as his contributions to the lore, traditions, and preservation, of Steamboatin' on the rivers of the American heartland.

Spaw

*************************************************************************************************


The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #30961   Message #400588
Posted By: Art Thieme
17-Feb-01 - 11:43 PM
Thread Name: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain

When I first started singing and tale tellin' on the JBS it was because John H. was on board as pilot that week and the TV show Good Morning America was doing a segment on John and his connection to steamboats and rivers. The ABC TV crew had left their car at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. John knew I lived in Peru, Illinois and he called me from the pilot house to get me to drive the TV crew's car to the town of Henry, Illinois so they'd have a way back to Chicago. (I got $50.00 for doing that.) While waiting for the boat to land at Henry I gave my business card to the "luggage babe" as she was called on that boat. (She took passengers luggage in a van to the lodge where they stayed overnight.) I told her I was a folksinger grounded in history of rivers and the U.S.A. in general. She gave my card to DENNY TRONE, her boss and owner of the steamboat. He called me a week later to do a few trips. That led to work for all the next year (5 months worth).--------And then they moved from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River to base out of LeClaire, Iowa. Also built THE TWILIGHT-----another fine boat---this time a diesel/electric. As I've said, I did those gigs for the next 8 years. Steady work for a folksinger. Pretty rare. Best job I ever had.
For years before moving to the Mississippi, the JBS ran from Peoria, Illinois to the Starved Rock Lodge near Utica, Illinois. Our town----Peru---is right on the Illinois River too. Their excursion trips were 2-day trips. Took a day to get from Peoria to St.Rock---stay at the lodge that night---and back the 2nd day. "DENNY" in this song is Dennis Trone---the man who designed and built the Julia Belle Swain. "Moon" in the song refers to Moon Trone---- a fine fellow and the late brother of Dennis. Moon was a States Attorney (I believe) of Sangamon County, Illinois for many years. There are legendary tales about both of these great fellows on the Sangamon River and near New Salem, Illinois where Abe Lincoln hung out. The Julia Belle had to be sold a few years back (competition from gambling boats---a sad episode) but THE TWILIGHT is still taking passengers between LeClaire, Iowa (where I-80 crosses the Mississippi River) and the Chestnut Mountain Lodge near Galena, Illinois. For a truly relaxing 2-day getaway without gambling call River Cruises --- 1-800-331-1467 or e-mail -- [e-mail] Ask for their brochure.

Art Thieme
(The rest of those mentioned in the song were Peoria folks and crew members from that era when John Hartford wrote the song -- almost 15 or 20 years ago.)


*****************************************************************************


JULIA BELLE SWAIN
(John Hartford)

This is a song about the Julia Belle Swain

Oh,the Julia Belle Swain is a mighty fine boat
Got a mighty fine captain too
Got a big red wheel that goes around and around
And a bunch of old hippies for a crew
Well I can't stay here well I gotta get away
I'm Chattanooga Tennessee bound
Gonna get my banjo and put it on my back
When the Julia Belle Swain comes down
When the Julia Belle comes down


When the Julia Belle comes to Peoria you know that summer's here
And up on the Illinois River,that's the very best time of the year
Those steam boat days in August like a hazy, lazy dream
I want to be at the foot of Mainstreet
When the Julia Belle raises steam, when the Julia Belle raises steam
Well Dennis and Moon and Bob Burnett and Doc and Murray too
Are one big steamboat family and the Julia Belle steamboat crew
Me I tell you I gotta getta away
I'm Chattanooga Tennessee bound
Gonna get my banjo and put it on my back
When the Julia Belle comes down
When the Julia Belle comes down

Now the Julia Belle Swain is a women's lib boat
First I ever knew
Got girls in the pilothouse and girls on deck
And a lady in the engine room
Now Donna's got her license
Cindy's learning to steer
Little Julie keeps Moon outa trouble by wandering off everywhere
By wandering off everywhere

When the Julia Belle gets in a steamboat race she's a mighty hard boat to beat
She raced the Belle of Louisville, she beat the Delta Queen
She don't need no help to get her turned around
She'll come right around on a dime
And after the race she heads up the river
Cuz the Julia Belle's still got time, cuz the Julia Bell's still got time
Well I sure do love the Tennessee River, the Ohio and the Illinois
And I love the old Mississippi River, It's a good old place for a boy
Just to step on board the steamboat, ride all the way to the sea
Where else but a muddy old river, would a person want to be?
Would a person want to be?

Well I come up the river the other night
Darker than the inside of a cow
Ain't nothin like a crooked old river, straighten my head right out
Now I love my love she's pretty as could be
And I love to take her down
Those pretty ladies really like to ride
When the Julia Belle comes down
When the Julia Belle comes down

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,SJ-R reporter
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:25 AM

I'm trying to get in touch with people who knew Dennis Trone for an article about his life for tomorrow's State Journal-Register newspaper in Springfield, Ill. Please e-mail me at [e-mail] or phone me at 217-788-1530. Thanks so much.

Jayette Bolinski
Staff writer
The State Journal-Register
Springfield, Ill.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 May 08 - 12:23 PM

'Spaw,

The song being discussed in the thread you pulled that entry from was by John Hartford and was titled "KENTUCKY POOL"

Pat, Thanks for that!!! I hope you are well...

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: open mike
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:32 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Belle_Swain
you gotta see this..(and hear it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeJrP-9xf2A
there may be more here:
http://www.johnhartford.com/

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Denise Murphy
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:56 PM

Hi Art,
I, too, am speechless. Denny touched so many lives in so many ways that his imprint will be felt for generations. He is a legend. I miss him more than I could ever express.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,"NOW"
Date: 06 May 08 - 01:58 PM

"NOW" is how he started most of his sentences. Short, quick and loud. Sage advice. Like, "Now. You go after them librarian types. They may SEEM quiet...but they're WILD in bed." I remember him banging on the door to my room on the Baton Rouge 'cause a tornado had been sighted, and he was going to get the boat ready to back into the storm (what seemed to work for the Julia Belle). Five minutes later, he had fired the boiler, had me and Orlando on the lines, soaking wet and shivering, and he was in the pilot house ready to take us out. I remember when the phone rang on the Baton Rouge. He was calling from the Illinois side of the River. His throttle cable had broken and he had landed his water plane, full throttle, into the Mississippi and had paddled to shore. I drove the luggage van over to pick him up. When he saw I was dressed up, he figured I was getting ready for a date, so instead of making the young lady wait, he drove us both back to the Iowa side, dropped me off, wished me luck and drove back to fix the cable. And I remember when I left the boat. He and I sat in the Texas deck alone and talked. Finances were hard, and he was going to sell the Julia Belle in the coming year. "Wish I could say you'd always be welcome, but I don't know what next year's going to bring. If we're still here, you've got a home." That was the last time I talked to Denny. Age and loss. Hard lessons. Too early to tell what supposed to be learned.
Chris Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 May 08 - 02:54 PM

Denise, Yes, I know you do miss him. It's like that strange painting that rolled down like a window shade on the second deck of the JBS; the one with the shooting star over the river---and the sort of air-brushed girl on the rock. I never thought I'd feel warm thoughts about that oil painting. But right now ALL THE MEMORIES from those years, even the storms and lock delays, are good ones.

Art

And Chris, you are correct! With that one word "NOW,..." Denny took that MOMENT to do two things: 1) get his thoughts together---and, 2) let you know in no uncertain terms that your talking time was OVER--and it was time for you to shift gears--and just LISTEN! --
And I was always glad when I listened hard.

--- Dad

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,eileen
Date: 06 May 08 - 03:28 PM

I am working on a story about Dennis for tomorrow's Dubuque Telegraph Herald and am searching for people who knew him. Please contact me at 563-588-5658 or at [e-mail], thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Sandy (Young) McCann
Date: 06 May 08 - 03:42 PM

Someone back in Peoria e-mailed my dad about Denny's passing and I am sad too. I was a lover of steamboat history from a young age as I grew up in Peoria IL. When I got my chance back in 1976, I joined the crew as a wide eyed young 16 year old on her very FIRST job...believe me, my summmer on The JBS was VERY memorable! My folks took me to Evansville, IN (where the JBS wintered) to join the crew and I lived and worked with Capt. Trone, his family, and several other regular crew members. Probably the highlight of the summer was the wonderful trip from Evansville to Peoria that included meeting and sharing crew duties with John Hartford!

Far too soon I had to go back to school in the fall
Rules for age of employment on the JBS changed the next year (1977) so I could not go back to work for them that year as I was no longer old enough...by the time 1978 rolled around I was in school year round and could not go back.

I have never forgotten the experience that summer...and capt. Trone will always remain my hero:) ...along with his family and the crew I met that summer!

Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 May 08 - 03:47 PM

Dadgum it!

There ain't enough steamboats and pilots and captains around and another one's gone.

Bixby, Clemens, Trone, Pegram, Riley, McKee...all the good ones.

Gotta be some fine stories spinning in a wheelhouse somewhere....

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 08 - 03:54 PM

Art, are you responding to these journalists' requests? I hope so--you're the best one to speak to them.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Big Mick
Date: 06 May 08 - 05:51 PM

Captain Dennis R. Trone
July 18, 1930
May 5, 2008

Captain Dennis Trone was killed Monday in a single engine airplane accident near the Brodhead WI airport.

For his friends in the close knit communities of riverboats and airplanes, the death of Denny means the loss of a great deal of knowledge and experience that can never be replaced.

To me, it means the loss of a dear friend, mentor and hero. Denny was a man of greatness but also of the utmost simplicity and genuineness. His heart always belonged to the underdog and he was generous to a fault, be it with money, his talents or simply his presence. He could be a bit cantankerous, and had no trouble expressing himself especially when championing his business or family, and we loved him for it. I can never repay the debt I owe to him for the kindness and loving support he has shown to Kevin and I over the past 23 years.

There was, no doubt, an unexplained sensation that struck us all last night, before we even heard the news. That is the kind of connection he had with all who's life's he touched. Many blogs have already posted the news of his passing and many people have generously shared their memories.

                        Steamboats.org                   mudcat.org

Denny died, as he would have wanted, in the air, enjoying life with reckless abandon as he always did.

Denny flies on ahead of his loving, faithful and ever supportive wife of many years, Elizabeth (Libby) of Petersburg IL. Four daughters—Janet Trone, Lisa (Dennis) McLaughlin and Sophia Trone of California and Amanda (Paul) Serra of Pennsylvania. One son, Robert (Nancy) of Minnesota.   His grandchildren, Elizabeth and Victoria Serra and Robert and Katie Trone.

Services have not yet been scheduled, but will most likely be held in Rushville IL, the town where he was born and raised. Check back for updated information.


Carrie & Kevin Stier
[e-mail]

Now take back the soul of Dennis R Trone, whom You have shared with us. He brought us joy...we loved him well.   
Borrowed from Karen Blixen….Out of Africa

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 08 - 06:36 PM

I'm sorry you lost your friend and great Captain,Dennis, Art. I hope he comes back as a channel cat or a wasp that lights on the wheel. I'll salute him on my next river trip. Hope you're well

cheers
harpgirl (aka river boat annie)

You are reminded to sign in using a consistent handle, even if a GUEST. Moderators do not always have time to read every post to see if it is signed, hence you risk having them deleted. The rule, and it is being enforced, is that no anonymous posting is allowed. You must use a consistent handle. Thanks for your cooperation. Forum Moderator.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 May 08 - 06:49 PM

Art, my brother lives within spittin' distance of both Rushville and Petersburg.

Anything I can force him to do? He's retired, so it's okay.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:33 PM

Relax, it's an obit thread and she signed her name. She lost her cookie. It happens.

Art, if they don't come back to this thread to see that we're referring them to you, do you want one of us to call these reporters and give them your number?

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:53 PM

sending a P.M.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Carrie Stier
Date: 06 May 08 - 11:58 PM

A short funeral service will be held Saturday May 10th, at 10:00am at the Worthington Funeral Home, 331 W. Washington St., Rushville IL 62681. Internment will be at the Rushville City Cemetery where Denny will be laid to rest next to his father and mother.

A memorial service will follow at the First Christian Church, 210 S. 8th St., Petersburg IL 62675 beginning at 1:30pm.

The family has requested no flowers be sent and memorials be of the donors choice.

Carrie Stier
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: BK Lick
Date: 07 May 08 - 01:52 AM

After logging in to Art's photo gallery if you click on the "search" link and then enter "trone" in the search box, that will turn up 15 related photos (two of which have just been added).

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Jennifer Vaughn-Eshelman
Date: 07 May 08 - 06:09 AM

I've know Capt. Trone for almost all my life. I was 5 when I met him and he gave me my first job that year, working in the concession stand on the Julia Belle Swain. There were other duties, mainly bringing him coffee with 3 sugars up all those stairs to the pilot house. I never spilled a drop! My mom helped paint all those decks of the JBS and City of Baton Rouge. She would stand in the dinghy on the Illinois and paint the hulls! She was also a jack-of-all-trades, as was everyone. My dad got his pilot's license on the JBS.
The trip we took to Chattanooga one fall is something we will never forget, and it wasn't just because we got out of school for 2 weeks!
My brother, John Vaughn, and I took Capt. Trone to our school for show-and-tell! I was so proud to have him in my classroom.
There are so many memories; breakfast at Bishop's, reveille reveille wakey wakey, his laugh, that big great dane Goney, learning to love the river as much as he did, the smell of diesel early in the morning, and so many more.
I will miss you, Captain Trone.

Jennifer Vaughn-Eshelman

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Guest, Dan and Mary Haines
Date: 07 May 08 - 09:27 AM

Dan and I recieved very sad news last night as we heard the Capt. Dennis Trone passed away while he was flying his plane in WI. Dan and I worked for Capt. Trone just a few short years 1987-1990 but in that time we both have very fond memories of Capt. Trone and mostly the Julia Belle Swain as in Sept,1989 we were married aboard her and Capt. Trone pronounced us husband and wife. Capt Trone, I had first met when I was about 5 or 6 years old when I rode a short trip in Henry, Il. Years later I came to work on the very same boat. I enjoyed my time greatly. I was sad to learn when Dennis sold the JBS as I knew it was his passion. Every day Dan and I can see the JBS as a painting of her hangs above our fireplace, a 5 year anniversary gift from Dan's parents that they bought in Galena, Ill the year we were married. Piloting the JBS or a plane he was in a place all his own. I can even remember a few times when he wasn't on the boat but flew by us in his plane. We send our condolences to all his family and all who knew him.
Dan and Mary Haines

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Julia Trone
Date: 07 May 08 - 09:52 AM

It is very nice to read all of the kind words that have been written here. I will pass them all on to Libby and the rest of the family tonight.

Thank you so very much, I know everyone in the family appreciates all of your kindness during this time.

Sincerely,

Julia Trone

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Change in Memorial Service time
Date: 07 May 08 - 10:13 AM

The memorial service has been pushed back one hour and will now begin at 2:30pm at the First Christian Church in Petersburg.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 May 08 - 10:14 AM

Denise Murphy and others,

That painting I mentioned in this thread, the one with the shooting star over the river -- and with the lady on the rock: that painting is on the TWILIGHT---not on the Julia Belle Swain---of course. Pardon me, please--- a senior moment!!

When your memory goes, forget it !!!!!!!

The painting on the JBS was of the river with arather surreal steamboat.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Official obituary from Family
Date: 07 May 08 - 10:15 AM

Captain Dennis (Denny) Ray Trone, born 07/18/1930, died 05/05/2008.

Denny was born to Doane and Mabel Trone and raised in Rushville, Illinis; he was the eldest of three sons. Upon graduation from the United States Navel Academy, he married Elizabeth Fiala in 1954. After completing Naval Postgraduate School and a nine-year career, he resigned from the Navy.

Denny and his younger brother and best friend, Robert (Moon), bought a half interest in the Dubuque Boat and Boiler company. Over a ten-year period, many boats were built including the riverboat Talisman and steamboat Julia Belle Swain. Denny and Moon ran the boat business out of Peoria, but would often lead the lives of gypsies, tramping up and down the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois rivers. There were countless adventures, events, and people only the mind could imagine. After the excursion boat Twilight was built, the business was moved to Galena, Illinois. In 2006, Denny finally sold the boat business to long time employees Kevin and Carrie Stier.

Denny finally had the time to devote his full attention to what he loved to do, restore and fly the airplanes he had seen and read about as a child. This joy was tragically cut short when he was suddenly killed in an aircraft accident near Brodhead, Wisconsin.

Denny was a maverick, leader, mentor, and devoted friend to those in the close knit communities of riverboats and airplanes, and with his death there has been a great loss of experience and knowledge that can never be replaced.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents Doane and Mabel (Ray), and his brothers Robert (Moon) and Kent.

Denny has left a loving, faithful and ever supportive wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Fiala) of Petersburg, Illinois; children Janet Trone of Mojave, California, Lisa (Dennis) Ideue of Fullerton, California, Amanda (Paul) Serra of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Robert (Nancy) Trone of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Sophia Trone of Los Angeles, California; and grandchildren Elizabeth and Victoria Serra, and Katharine and Robert Trone.

A short funeral service will be held Saturday May 10, at 10:00 am at the Worthington Funeral Home, 331 W. Washington St., Rushville, IL 62681. The internment will be at the Rushville City Cemetery where Denny will be laid to rest beside his father, mother and brother. Following the funeral, a memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, 210 S. 8th St., Petersburg, IL 62675 beginning at 2:30 pm.

The family requests no flowers be sent, and memorials be of the donors choice.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 07 May 08 - 01:11 PM

There will be new photos added of Dennis and Libby and Moon at my RIVER YEARS section of my photo site.

At this site I generally included only photos possibly of interest to non-river people---folk folks, if you will. BUT I will include some othersof the crew from the years I was there as well.

AGAIN, heartfelt thanks to Mr. Bruce Kallick for providing me with space on his personal site for my folk scene photos and these "River Years" photos as well!

Love to all,

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,gen
Date: 07 May 08 - 02:18 PM

I only met the Captain once. I rode on the Julia Belle Swain with my mom and dad, Bernie and Paul Fuchs, from Peoria to Utica in the mid 1980s. I remember Libby and I think his daughter being on the boat for the trip. What a fun and cold trip. I have thought of him throughout the years and wish his family nothing but the best.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,GUEST , Michael Stanford
Date: 07 May 08 - 02:40 PM

Oh Denny, You have left us all much to soon. You have touched many hearts and souls. You are a great man. I had the great pleasure of knowing you, A brilliant man, only for a short period of time. Just in that short amount of time, those memories will forever be in my heart.
Thank you for flying Carrilynn in "The Lake" to Ottumwa. I met a very beautiful woman there.
Thanks for giving me a ride in the great Waco. It was fantastic.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Michael

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:05 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:08 AM

Here's the link again to Art's web site.

SRS

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Grant Hansen
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:01 AM

Art,

I'm not sure if you remember us but Dennis and Libby were pretty much responsible for Amy and I meeting and getting married (16 yrs this May). We both worked on the Twilight and fell in love working on the river and listening to you sing.

This is certainly sad news but you said it best,

"What a marvelous symphony he created for so very many of us."

His dreams and his passion inspired me. The days on the river working for Denny certainly left me with so many fond memories that I am speechless.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Libby, Robert, Amanda and Lisa.

Grant Hansen

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: georgeward
Date: 08 May 08 - 02:08 AM

Art,

I know you didn't shoot it for the purpose, but that River Years album is as fine a tribute to a river man or woman as I've ever seen.

- George

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,orvillej
Date: 08 May 08 - 02:35 AM

I worked on the Julia Belle back in the early-mid 70s and I'll tell you one amazing thing about Dennis (there were many). He had a photographic memory. When we were travelling from town to town in the summer and doing weekend festivals where we'd run excursion trips, Dennis would head for the library as soon as we'd arrive in the new town. He'd read up on a bunch of local history, instantly memorize it, and by the time we ran our first trip he would have a detailed historical narration to recite over the loudspeakers as he piloted, enthralling the passengers with stories he had just learned!

He was a true Rennaisance man and a beautiful spirit. I will always cherish the memories of my time there and knowing him.

My condolences to Libby and family...Orville Johnson

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 May 08 - 02:51 AM

"I know you didn't shoot it for the purpose, but that River Years album is as fine a tribute to a river man or woman as I've ever seen.".................George Ward

Its not unusual for me to agree with about everything George has ever posted and once again he hits the nail on the head. Simply beautiful Art................Well done.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:43 PM

Grant and Amy,

I lost your e-mail a long time ago---or I'd've been in touch. Mine is [e-mail] I'm so glad to have had a small role in your romance. It was a joy to watch---in the face of tough odds from K. S. Congratulations on stick-to-it-tive-ness... Some of us are geese-----and stay the course!

I just found a photo of you two on the Twilight back "then"...
It will join the collection soon!

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Chris vallillo
Date: 08 May 08 - 01:42 PM

I got the word yesterday and have been out on the road ever since, but want to add my memories of Denny to the pot. I was fortunzate enough to be recomended by Art Theime to take over as one of the boat performers after he retireed. I did my first show for Denny in 1997 and continue to perform on the Twilight today. Much as Art has already stated, it was a rare treat to have steady work as a folk singer. John Hartford, one of my musical heros, was piloting that day and the boat was full. After I finished my set, I went down to the front of the boat to chack with Denny to see what he thought of the music. As we talked, I noticed that the boat was heading straight for one of the red river marker bouys. Being a greenhorn to the river and not wanting to look stupid, I kept talking until finally I couldn't stand it any longer and said to Denny "are we supposed to be that close tha that?" Denny turned around and saw we were about to hit the marker and took off like a shot for the pilot house. The boat ran over the marker with a tremendous noise bringing the kitchen crew running up from below the deck. I was amazed that after he got things under control, Denny didn't yell at the temporary pilot up top (not Hartford) but was helped him work out what had happenned (he'd hit a mud bank and the rudder wouldn't respond).

Over the next 10 years, I saw Denny do countless other acts of teaching and sharing. He always stood by his people and I've seen him put up bail monney for past employees that hadn't worked for him for years. He was the consumate river pilot, once saving the Twilight from being crushed between two barges after John Hartford made a bad choice while docking in Le Claire. He was also a world class recountour full of stories of the river and Scab Holler where many of his people were from. I had the opportunity early in my carrer to have collected music in that area, interviewing some of his relatives and I can tell you, he came from sturdy stock. The word hardscrabble comes to mind, but it was that very nature that made him such an excellent riverman. Very few of the lock and dam folks ever argued with him when we came up to lock through!

I know Denny will be long remebered and deeply missed on the River and those of us that worked with him will always be in his debt. For my part, I'll always think of Denny when I perform 2 songs he got me to learn: Stephan Foster's "Glendy Burke" (the melody Hartford used for "The Julia Belle Swain" and "Monangahela Sal" a wonderful old song about a rowdy old river pilot that personifiewd Denny perfectly!

See you downstream old friend!

CV

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: open mike
Date: 08 May 08 - 02:29 PM

Does anyone have a photo of that window screen pull down painting on the Twilight..it sounds beautiful. Dennis's life seems to have been filled with beauty and beautiful people. For those of you who knew him, consider yourselves fortunate!

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Twilight Painting
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:01 PM

There's a picture of that painting here:
http://heathens-haven.com/navelg/between/river/index.htm

c. thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:15 PM

Chris, I read every single word of your discourse about John, the river, JBS, your Dad, Capt. Trone and the other characters. You are a talent unto yourself, good sir, and you do great credit to your Parents with your talents. Wonderful tellin' there, and I hope you use the beauty that is in you to maybe craft a song or two of the river. I think it would be wonderful to hear.

Thanks for the wonderful tellin'.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 08 May 08 - 05:36 PM

Once again, overwhelmed, I find speechlessness a necessary response. Chris, thanks for being our son! We love you. I do wish Denny could hear all that is being said here because it has all been filtered through him and his life. The sincere emotional outpourings and memorials precipitated by his doings, only since 1930. It's hard to believe. All the memories we have of adventures that he made possible for us all to partake in. I learned a ton just from watching him--and that includes some of what not to do.

Some day I might try to reconstruct the long tale he told me one time on the river--in the pilothouse. He said then that it is rather well known in certain circles in Sangamon County, Illinois where the madness of Mary Lincoln sprang from. --- Supposedly, as Denny said, it was from her having caught Syphilis from Her husband, Abraham Lincoln. And his melancholy sprang from that well too.

I sent more photos of stuff happening on the river for insertion on my photo site. They might go up there fairly soon---if Bruce Kallick can forgive me for keeping on sending more when I'd said I was finished. So we'll see...

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,c. thieme - Humanity and Flowers
Date: 09 May 08 - 02:02 AM

Wasn't expecting that. Thanks Mick and Dad. Just thought you'd like to see the painting. Like John asked in song, I think we did give the flowers when they were alive. I think they knew how important they were to us before passing. I think they know it still. I read somewhere that Edgar Lee Masters, buried up on the hill in Petersburg, IL, had a fondness for dirty jokes. Doesn't matter about the myths. A true story is an oxymoron. I like my idols human. Makes divinity more tangible and the sum of their accomplishments something I might attain a fraction of. There's part of me that will always "walk the deck where my Captain lies." We are all touched and held firm in the tapestry by those threads that run before us, holding and supporting those threads that run ahead. If I ever do justice to the legacy by stringing the right couple of words together now and then, it's only because I had greater storytellers teaching me how.
Chris

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: BK Lick
Date: 09 May 08 - 02:55 AM

The recent additions that Art sent have been added to the River Years Photos album.
To find what's been recently added, you can click on the "Last uploads" link.

Forgive you, Art? I do hope you know how much we treasure your splendid pictures and reminiscences.

—BK

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Captain Bo Inman
Date: 09 May 08 - 08:20 AM

Hello:
This was something unexpected.
How many people were given their start at his elbow? Having a start otherwheres, I found myself speechless there, watching, learning and absorbing what was happening--that was an honor I will never forget.

The only thing greater than the sense of loss I feel is the joy of his existence. It is fitting.
                            -Bo-   [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: BK Lick
Date: 09 May 08 - 06:31 PM

Two more just added -- now if Art would just scare up another 48 we'd have an even thousand photos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: katlaughing
Date: 09 May 08 - 07:13 PM

Chris, may I add my thanks and speechlessness to your writings? You do your folks proud, I am sure. It is obvious, from what I have read of your, your dad's, and your uncle's writing, the Thieme men can write! (I loved seeing the painting Art told us about, too.)

Art, you could never overdue the sharing. We have so much to be grateful for that you have shared. BK, thanks for providing the Home for Art's Treasures.

My condolences to all who knew Captain Trone. It is obvious he was an incredible person.

with respect,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Captain Dennis Trone--Julia Belle Swain
From: open mike
Date: 10 May 08 - 12:01 AM

thank you Chris for sharing the pictures and the words...
makes me feel like i knew the man and rode the river on his boat.
What does STR mean, in front of the Julia Belle's name?