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WHEREAS, 2013 marks the 55th Anniversary of the Gateway Clipper Fleet since the first “Gateway Clipper” sailed from the Monongahela Wharf with the local YMCA on aboard the first chartered pleasure cruise on the three rivers on May 17, 1958; and,
WHEREAS, in 1955, Mr. John Connelly saw great potential of the three rivers and enlisted his nephew Captain Jack Goessling to help him search for the perfect excursion boat to show off the revitalized city and rivers, and in 1958, with a fifty dollar deposit, the two men purchased the boat and Captain Goessling sailed over 2,200 miles to get the boat from Erie to Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, the “Gateway Clipper” became known as the city's official sightseeing boat and in 1959 the “Gateway Clipper II and the “Good Ship Lollipop” were added; today, the Gateway Clipper Fleet is located at Historic Station Square, having moved there in 1982, and is comprised of six boats with a total capacity of 2,800 passengers; and,
WHEREAS, what started as one boat sailing the three rivers, has turned into a diversified operation offering cruises that appeal to all ages and is one of the marquee attractions in the City of Pittsburgh welcoming over 20 million passengers in the past 55 years and, under the leadership of Mr. Terry Wirginis, Mr. Connelly's grandson, the Gateway Clipper Fleet continues to move forward; and,
WHEREAS, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, the “Three Rivers Queen”, a beautiful 110 feet long and 32 feet wide all-steel classic paddle wheel style passenger boat with three decks, will be christened as the newest member of the Gateway Clipper Fleet; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend the vision of the Gateway Clipper Fleet and its commitment showcasing our beautiful rivers and city; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Wednesday, May 29, 2013, to be “Gatew...
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