Riding the river, a good time for all
Today, we step outside the boundaries of Will County to Kankakee County, specifically Rockville, located about where Kankakee River State Park is located. We will be riding on Tom Hanford’s boat, “The King Bros.”
The Hanfords were an early pioneer family. Stephen F. Hanford was born in Oswego, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1827, and when a small boy, moved with his parents to Columbus, OH., where he attended Granville College.
In 1837, the family moved to Chicago, when the city was in its infancy, and land was purchased on the site now occupied by Lincoln Park. Again in 1842 the family removed to Rockville Township, in Kankakee County, where the deceased has since resided.
In those days, the country was new and grain was hauled to Chicago in wagons, while Indians camped on the banks of the Kankakee River and wild game was in abundance.
Stephan became a well-known grain dealer who fought the exorbitant prices charged by the railroad for shipping grain by buying a canal boat named the King Bros. and shipping through the I & M Canal. He immediately made his brother, Tom, the captain.
The Joliet Morning Sun reported that on May 10, 1879: “Steamer King Bros., from Kankakee River passed through the Joliet locks to Chicago, carrying 1,100 bushels of rye; 10,000 of oats.”
When not in use for shipping grain, he rented out his canal boat for excursions on the Kankakee. Set the way-back machine for May 18, 1879. Our description comes from the Wilmington Advocate:
“RIVER EXCURSION AND PICNIC – On the 18th inst., which proved to be a delightful day, a large party numbering perhaps one hundred and fifty, gathered at Hanford’s landing, filled with high anticipations of a glorious boat ride and laden with baskets equally well filled with substantials and delicacies – solid and liquid – that always go so far to make a picnic a success, and satisfy the cravings of the ‘inner man.’
“Capt. Tom Hanford, of the propeller ‘King Bros.,’ had been promising his many friends in that region an excursion for some time, and now the eventful hour had come – so had Shreffler’s Rockville Band – and guests from all quarters. The hurricane deck was provided with seats over which fresh evergreens formed a huge parasol. Pilot Andrew Snite was ‘the man at the wheel,’ while Shorty Noble’s good right hand was at the throttle valve of the ponderous engine which seemed to breathe impatiently for the word ‘go!’ Soon the whistle sounded and the King Bros. swung from her moorings out into the broad Kankakee, laden with all the youth and beauty between this city and Rockville.
“A number from Kankakee had joined the party, and others at Ira Smith’s and Jersey City landing also got on board for a good time ‘down the river.’ In a short hour Wilmington was reached; the Wilmington band and a dozen or so of the other guests here joined the throng, and once through the locks the craft sped rapidly toward the Feeder, while waving handkerchiefs from either shore along the route contributed to the enthusiasm on board.
“When nearing the Feeder dam, an ‘about face movement was made so nicely that few on board noticed it. Three-quarters of an hour later found the entire party disembarked and partaking of an excellent picnic dinner on the Island, in this city, in presence of an admiring multitude from town.’
“Meanwhile the boat had ‘coaled up, and the early shades of evening were approaching. More music signaled the party ‘all aboard’ and ere long the King Bros. And her joyous load had passed the locks and were on the last quarter with ‘home, sweet home’ for a goal. Prominent among the gay party were Mr. Mrs. W.B. Small, Captain and Mrs. Ira Smith, Mr. and Mrs. E.N. Small, Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Butterfield, Mr. Gay, ‘Steve’ Hanford, a whole tribe of Warner’s, Ed Yates, Wm. Fitzgerald, and many other roosters to whom our acquaintance did not extend.
“Good people, come again, and the compliment will be more than reciprocated river excursions are delightful, and let us all have more of them. As to the captain – sly boots — he is to be rewarded for his efficiency in another way, for on Wednesday next he will lead to the altar one of Wilmington’s fairest damsels.
“Thomas, we greet you in advance, and say with Longfellow – Take her to thy protecting arms, with all her youth, with all her charms.”
Sandy Vasko is Director of the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, and President of the Will County Historical Society.
