A Closer Look: SS Columbia
From the Photo series: A Closer Look: Explore Western New York’s architectural treasures series
The SS Columbia, the oldest remaining excursion steamship in the United States, is docked at Silo City in the Buffalo River while work is done to stabilize the vessel and prepare it for its future as a cultural venue.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The SS Columbia, a sister ship to the famed SS Canadiana, is docked in the Buffalo River near Silo City.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The SS Columbia is an excursion steamship that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated as a historic landmark in 1992. It floats in the Buffalo River while it is being restored to its full 1902 beauty.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The Columbia has already undergone 3 phases of its restoration and is now raising funds for its fourth phase.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The grand staircase still has carved wooden features.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The grand staircase leads from the Main deck to the Promenade Deck. The boat accommodated 3,200 passengers when it was in operation.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Nuts and bolts show their age on one of the old boilers.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A view of the engine room in the hold of the SS Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The Columbia was built in 1902 by naval architect Frank E. Kirby and interior designer Louis O. Keil.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A condenser control wheel in the engine room of the SS Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
One of the two boiler tanks in the engine room of the SS Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The Columbia was built in 1902 and the SS Ste. Claire was built in 1910. Both were built in Toledo, Ohio. They are the only ships of their kind that still exist.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The crew's quarters, which is situated near the crew's dinning area.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The Columbia ferried Detroiters from downtown Detroit to Canadau2019s Bois Blanc Island in an 18-mile, 90-minute trip.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The crew's dining area.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A dance floor and ballroom are found on the promenade deck and show this decorative arched display. It's similar to the one on the SS Canadiana that once sailed from Buffalo to Crystal Beach.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A dance floor and ballroom are found on the promenade deck and show this decorative arched display. It's similar to the one on the SS Canadiana that once sailed from Buffalo to Crystal Beach.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A winch on the bow of the SS Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The stairway from the crew's quarters to the main deck. The SS Columbia ceased service shortly after the Boblo Island Amusement park closed in the early 1990s.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A chair sits in front of the bandstand on the promenade deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The Columbia includes a traditional built-in horseshoe bar/buffet station on the main deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A view of the two stairways leading to the promenade deck from the main deck in the stern of the Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The grand staircase on the promenade deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Etched windows plan to be restored as the project continues.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The landing on the promenade deck leading to the grand ballroom and dance floor.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The stairway leading to the top trunk deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The landing on the promenade deck leading to the grand ballroom and dance floor.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Mahogany wood panels on the walls of the grand staircase.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A open deck walkway on the truck deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The control room at the top of the Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Peeling paint on the doors to the ballroom on the promenade deck.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Liz McEnaney, executive director of the SS Columbia Project, with the boat on the Buffalo River Thursday, July 27, 2017.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
Liz McEnaney, executive director of the SS Columbia Project, with the boat on the Buffalo River Thursday, July 27, 2017.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
The weathered exterior of the SS Columbia.
A Closer Look: SS Columbia
A birdseye view of the SS Columbia, a sister ship to the famed SS Canadiana, is docked in the Buffalo River near Silo City.
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