RBG History
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Take a tour through the 2nd deck to see pictures and more history of the RBG~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RIVER BOAT GRILL - VESSEL HISTORY
Built in 1936 as the Warren Hoaglund, a " Line Boat", (large boat sometimes pushing as many as 64 barges) operated mostly from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. The smaller push boats you see around here are called " Harbor Boats" are used to gather up barges to make a fleet for the Line Boats or short trips from St. Paul to Minneapolis or Shakopee with up to 6 barges. Both sizes operate on what is called "Brown Water".
About 1960 the Warren Hoaglund was involved in an accident with barges hitting a bridge. The hull was damaged going against the barges and took on water. Considering the age and damage, the vessel was sold to a River Rat in Baton Rouge. He removed the 12 foot high, 28 foot long engines and sold them for likely more than what he paid for the whole vessel. The River Rat over time operated two businesses from the boat. One was called "Robin Hood Repair" and the other, "Round the Bend Rubbish Company". The names are self explanatory.
Large boats are hard to find. Word spreads from one pilot to the next. In 1997 the boat was purchased by the present owner. It was a unique find in that most boats in retirement are sold to South American companies. Of course the fact that the motors have been removed were a large part in selling it. The vessel was "hipped" (tied alongside) to a friends boat from Baton Rouge to St. Paul without incident, meaning the hull was solid. It was decided that the hull would be replaced with a new one to last 100 more years.
The vessel today meets all city construction codes (including earthquake proof) and is connected to city water and sewer.
Warren Hoagland after the accident in 1960
In transition to becoming River Boat Grill
River Boat Grill pulled out of the water to fix the hull
Lots of work to be done
River Boat Grill dry docked off the Mississippi
Repairing the hull
The 1st deck before renovations and kitchen equipment
Repairing the hull
The 2nd deck before renovation began, this area is now an indoor dining room for them cold rainy days on the Mississippi..
The Warren Hoagland in it's glory days.
Built in 1936 as the Warren Hoaglund, a " Line Boat", (large boat sometimes pushing as many as 64 barges) operated mostly from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. The smaller push boats you see around here are called " Harbor Boats" are used to gather up barges to make a fleet for the Line Boats or short trips from St. Paul to Minneapolis or Shakopee with up to 6 barges. Both sizes operate on what is called "Brown Water".
About 1960 the Warren Hoaglund was involved in an accident with barges hitting a bridge. The hull was damaged going against the barges and took on water. Considering the age and damage, the vessel was sold to a River Rat in Baton Rouge. He removed the 12 foot high, 28 foot long engines and sold them for likely more than what he paid for the whole vessel. The River Rat over time operated two businesses from the boat. One was called "Robin Hood Repair" and the other, "Round the Bend Rubbish Company". The names are self explanatory.
Large boats are hard to find. Word spreads from one pilot to the next. In 1997 the boat was purchased by the present owner. It was a unique find in that most boats in retirement are sold to South American companies. Of course the fact that the motors have been removed were a large part in selling it. The vessel was "hipped" (tied alongside) to a friends boat from Baton Rouge to St. Paul without incident, meaning the hull was solid. It was decided that the hull would be replaced with a new one to last 100 more years.The vessel today meets all city construction codes (including earthquake proof) and is connected to city water and sewer.
Warren Hoagland after the accident in 1960
In transition to becoming River Boat Grill
River Boat Grill pulled out of the water to fix the hull
Lots of work to be done
River Boat Grill dry docked off the Mississippi
Repairing the hull
The 1st deck before renovations and kitchen equipment
Repairing the hull
The 2nd deck before renovation began, this area is now an indoor dining room for them cold rainy days on the Mississippi..
The Warren Hoagland in it's glory days.