Thanks Misty Blue for the excellent and vivid description of what the Lady of the Lake looks like in her watery grave. You are now part of her history with this telling. Grant is also part of it, with his underwater photo. I bet you didn’t consider that!
The account from Edward Blackstone regarding the Lady does make the most sense of what actually happened.
Farewell Old Mount Washington, The Story of the Steamboat Era on Lake Winnipesaukee, by Edward H. Blackstone. Published by the Steamship Historical Society of America has been an invaluable tool to cross reference the history of many steamboats.
Herbert Blackstone, Edward’s father, was a steamboat builder, a steamboat operator, captain of the steamers Maid of the Isles and Mt. Washington, owner of the first motorboat livery on Lake Winnipesaukee, builder of speedboats and, for years, Chief Inspector of Steamboats for the State of New Hampshire.
Edward was granted the first combination license as Master, Pilot and Engineer ever given to a 12-year old. He attended Dartmouth for two years before heading out to sea, eventually returning to the lake to retire, where he piloted many boats on the lake, including the Mt. Washington.
Edward’s mother had saved clippings, photographs and other personal records and accounts in the event that someone would write of steamboating on Lake Winnipesaukee. His first account was for an essay for his Laconia High School graduation in 1907. As years passed additional material was accumulated and the story was worked on from time to time.
In 1956 the serious illness of his Uncle Harry E. Brown, brought the realization that a valuable source of authentic information might soon be lost unless immediate action to record it was taken.
The book finally came to fruition in 1969, a very worthwhile, fantastic account of the history of our great lake. Definitely a favorite of mine.