Mississippi River Boat Captain Mary Becker Greene (1867 - April 22, 1949)

An extremely rare photo of Captain Mary Greene, a female Master Captain on the Mississippi and owner of the important riverboat company called the Greene Line

There is some evidence to support the claim that the song is about Captain Mary Greene. The song was written in 1969, during a time when Captain Greene was a well-known figure on the Mississippi River. She was the first woman to be licensed as a Master Captain on the river, and she was the owner of a successful riverboat company. The song's lyrics could be seen as a celebration of Captain Greene's achievements, and as a tribute to her strength and determination.

Dated: August 10, 1939
Subject: Mississippi River Boats
Medium: Silver gelatin
Dimensions: 7 x 5"
Notes & Literature: Greene Line Steamers originated as a family-owned and operated business established by Captain Gordon C. Greene and his wife, Captain Mary Greene.After working his way from deckhand to captain, Gordon Greene purchased his first steamboat with his own savings in 1890. The last years of the 19th century and first years of the 20th were prosperous for steamship lines, and the Greenes purchased several ?packet? steamers which carried both passengers and freight.Their riverboats traveled on the Ohio River from the port at Cincinnati to Charleston, Pittsburgh, and other ports along the way, transporting agricultural products to the west and general goods to the east.In the 1920?s the railroads came to dominate freight transport, and many packet steamer companies folded. Greene Line Steamers, however, survived by building modern steamships which could carry more freight, by capitalizing on shorter trade routes, as well as by initiating passenger pleasure cruises.

Condition Report 1" diagonal tear top right. Worn. Extremely rare.

Subject References: Mississippi River Boats Tina Turner ,Credence Clearwater Revival Rock and Roll Music 205F