Exploring exactly why it is that any vessel on water somehow brings out or enhances the intimate interpersonal relationships between young couples would likely require some censorship. Suffice it to say that as today, back in the day, watercraft often set the stage for romantic interludes. Now, there are no claims that the ole riverboats sliding their way up and town East Texas rivers were in any way akin to luxurious cruise ships of today. No, but for their day, and considering their primary duty as freighters, they were just fine.
This was the Victorian era, where the veneer of propriety reigned. Hence the need for hideaways aboard riverboats where young couples might play the eternal cat and mouse game they’ve played since Adam and Eve. And, too, there is and was something about Texas on a sultry night aboard a gentle moving boat over buttery-smooth water reflecting moonlight—the smell of blossoms and the rhythm of night sounds, which conspire to spark romantic intentions or compliment the consummation of matrimony. It’s a question to ponder: How many Beaumonters were conceived on such a night aboard the Laura or the Neches Belle?
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| The barge Mona ferries passengers to the Neches Belle. |
Passenger traffic on the riverboats supplemented revenues when cotton seasons ended. A moving boat offered a breeze, along with decent food, adult beverages, and dancing. And while built for, or adapted for specific use as freight vessels, some of the boats had some level of appointments. The Neches Belle had her reputation as a comfortable dame of the Neches, including electric lighting. The Florilda, too, served as a parlor for festivities, as described by Henry R. Green in 1859.
“ . . . attended a party last evening, given on board the ‘Florilda,’ whose use was cleverly tendered to the citizens of [Sabine] Pass by her gentlemanly commander and where there was a great deal of beautiful women, funny dancing, a few ugly men, much pleasure, exchanges of friendly feelings, and the most stupendously- accursed wine ever administered to saint or sinner.”
Also according to Mr. Green, other vessels with his approval included the Falvey and Doctor Massie. They made scheduled weekly runs up and down the Neches.
