An old post card showing the steamers, Joe Fowler and John S. Hopkins.
The Crittenden Press announcement of June 6, 1907.
Operating the steamers, Joe Fowler and John S. Hopkins, the summer excursion season will open on the Ohio river, between Evansville and Paducah on June 1st and continue to September 1st.
You should take advantage of the extra low rates now in effect and enjoy the most pleasant trip offered on inland waters. Boats duly furnished and have all appointments. Orchestra on board.
The fare, with berth and meals, from Fords Ferry to Paducah and return in $2.50 for the round trip; and from Fords Ferry to Evansville is $3.00 for the round trip.
Make up your parties and if any further information is desired, apply or write to W. B. Wilborn, Agent, Fords Ferry, KY.
Wonder if there were any of the River Gamblers on these trips.
One species of the old-fashioned Kentucky gamber was the card-playing gentleman who rode the early packets on the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Tennessee and the Cumberland Rivers.
These riverboat gamesters had their own professional slang. Known as "Blacklegs," they were on the lookout for victims, called "gulls" or coneys" at every landing.
In river gaming, the approach of the victim was seldom direct: There were "cappers" or coney catchers" which led the innocent to the fleecing.
One of the most colorful of this crew of greenhorn fleecers was Elijah Skaggs, "the preaching faro player," born in Western Kentucky. A gambler from the age of 20, the Rev. Skaggs took up many a fat collection with the cards.
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