[LDD] The River Belle

[Brickstarrunner]

During the late 1800's early 1900's, a wealthy plantation owner, William Smith Right, had a summer home that sat along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. He wasn't a wealthy person, but he wasn't modest either. He owned a modest sized plantation, a great looking summer home, and most of all, he had the love of his life, his wonderful wife; who kept her original last name, Lillian Sophie Belle, but just preferred to go by the name of Lilly Belle. She had a grand fascination with steam works and how they worked. So much so that she owned an early steam car, frequently took the steam train, even if it was just to traverse short distances, and most of all, would sit on the back porch for hours, staring at the many steam boats that would pass on by, blowing their horns for her as they passed. As time went on, William secretly compiled money and a crew to build and pilot a small privately owned steam boat. Once it was completed, it was presented as an anniversary gift to Lilly. She was enthralled to say the least. Whenever she got the chance, she would just ride the boat up and down the river with no rhyme or reason. She kept it clean, spotless, and well oiled, even when it was sitting at the dock. Not only was it near and dear to her, but the name just made Lilly latch onto it very quickly.

William chose the name with such care, such passion.

After much thinking, he came up with the perfect name.

One that would hold true to this day.

The Steam Boat was christened with the name...

The River Belle.