Idler Riverboat History |
The IDLER was originally constructed in 1897 by Lafayette Lamb, son of a wealthy Iowa lumberman. Guided by her companion towboat, the WANDERER, she made trips from New Orleans in the winter to cooler northland in the summer, rivaling any fancy sidewheelers on the way. In 1904, the IDLER made her way to St. Louis, where she resided for the year as part of the 1904 World’s Fair. Not soon after, the IDLER was sold to one V.L. Price from Clinton, Iowa, father of actor Vincent Price. Mr. Price used the vessel for personal and business entertainment until 1920, when she suffered a devastating fire. Using the finest materials available, Mr. Price completely refurbished the IDLER, and continued to enjoy her charms for another 58 years until he sold his company to NABISCO.
In 1981, the Nichols family of South Haven, having a vision and foresight to appreciate the structural quality and unique beauty of the IDLER, purchased the vessel of NABISCO. After arriving in South Haven, extensive renovation was done to transform her into a floating, riverboat restaurant. Now, the IDLER is home to the most unique restaurant in the South Haven area.
In 1981, the Nichols family of South Haven, having a vision and foresight to appreciate the structural quality and unique beauty of the IDLER, purchased the vessel of NABISCO. After arriving in South Haven, extensive renovation was done to transform her into a floating, riverboat restaurant. Now, the IDLER is home to the most unique restaurant in the South Haven area.
