Category Archives: Newsletter

Announcements, Newsletter

News Between Newsletters: Jan 1, 2023

We regret to pass along the news that MLM’s Special Events Coordinator Bill Rissmann has passed following a lengthy battle with health issues. Bill gladly took on the challenge of coordinating shore operations for MLM’s Special Events (the art fairs, James J. Hill Days, etc.). Bill created our color-coded $5 tickets to speed passenger loading and managed MLM’s ticket booth. Bill’s can-do attitude and deep support for Minnehaha will be fondly remembered and sorely missed!

Bill’s service will be held Tuesday, January 3rd (details can be accessed by clicking the link below). The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations to help end liver cancer be directed to the American Cancer Society at raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/BillRissmann.

CHANGE Notice: January MLM Board Meeting

Due to the winter storm forecasted for Tuesday, January 3 rd, MLM’s January Board Meeting will NOT be held in-person at the Wayzata Library. Instead, the meeting will be held virtually:
Google Meet Video call link for MLM Board Meeting:


6:00 – 7:00pm https://meet.google.com/ttr-rhkz-dyy

Should the meeting last longer than 60 minutes, a second link will need to be used:
7:00 – 8:00pm https://meet.google.com/pqc-thyt-hjg

Announcements, Newsletter

MLM Newsletter – Bob Woodburn

BOB WOODBURN

We regret to pass along the news that MLM Hall of Fame member Bob Woodburn passed on April 10th. Bob served as an original board member of the Steamboat Division of the Minnesota Transportation Museum in 1990 and as Secretary until 1996. Bob was actively involved in many aspects of Minnehaha’s restoration – most notably the electrical and mechanical systems. Bob’s work didn’t stop there – he worked on the ribs, planking, and keel/keelson. He was also deeply involved in the engine/boiler/stack and other mechanical projects. Bob oversaw materials acquisition and managed design approval. Simply put, Bob was integral in every aspect of the boat’s restoration. Bob’s service continued through the years following the restoration and his passionate support of Minnehaha never wavered. He was elected into MLM’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

The Board of Directors extends its sincere condolences to the Woodburn family and salutes Bob for all his contributions to the restoration and operation of Minnehaha. His support and encouragement will be greatly missed.

The family plans to announce memorial arrangements at a later date.

Published by THE MUSEUM OF LAKE MINNETONKA
…a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation
P.O. Box 178 | Excelsior, MN 55331
mail@steamboatminnehaha.org
(952) 474-2115 (voice messages only)

Newsletter, Year In Review

2019: Year In Review

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Photograph of the steamboat Minnehaha on Lake Minnetonka.

Dear Minnehaha supporters:

It is hard to believe that another beautiful season of steamboating has already passed into history. 2019 was the restored Minnehaha’s twenty-fourth year on Lake Minnetonka. Despite less-than-ideal weather on many weekends, ridership was good with about 8,000 passengers sailing aboard Minnehaha from late May to early October. This was only possible because of the persistent support received from the community and the dedication of our 70+ volunteers. The following is a recap of just some of the highlights from the past year.

Per usual, the first part of the year focused on Minnehaha’s winter maintenance. Every Saturday, a group of about ten volunteers met at “the barn” to work on various projects. Work this year included repairing the genset cooling system, replacing drains, repairing seats, and regular painting and wood repair. Thanks to the dedication of our winter maintenance crew, Minnehaha was ready to be launched by mid-May.

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