a brief history
In 1896 George Swan Fowler, a prominent businessman and founder of the famous Lion Brand (D & J Fowler) in Adelaide, commissioned AH Landseer of Milang to build a steamer, but, unfortunately he passed away soon after the building began. The trustees of his estate decided to complete the hull and offer it for sale as a barge, and it was their wish that the barge be known as the Marion.
Wm. Bowring and Company, Storekeepers at Wentworth, purchased the barge late January/February 1900, at the cost of five hundred pounds for fittings. He purchased the barge so he could convert it to a floating store to maintain his trading on the Darling River, as his previous paddle steamer the Emily Jane had been burnt to the water line on the 24th of December 1899.
While arrangements were being made for the new superstructure Wm. Bowring hired the Ruby and Captain Hart towed the Marion barge to continue the trade to Wilcannia.
A twenty horsepower nominal semi portable Marshall steam plant of the latest improved pattern was especially imported and worked by a rope gearing. This was changed in the early twenties when a gear wheel was cast by Shearers of Mannum.
The Marion has undergone many changes. She evolved from a cargo with passengers to eventually a straight passenger boat. In her final guise, the Marion had accommodation spread over three decks, lounges located on the top and middle decks with the dining room on the main deck. She currently appears as she was around 1938, with the addition of the 1947 forecastle over the crews quarters. The first real cruise on the Murray was with the Marion in December 1934. She left Morgan with thirty–five passengers on board, went upstream as far as Renmark, then returned downstream to Goolwa and back to Morgan. The Marion was used as a passenger vessel until 1952 and after several owners she ended as a static museum in the Randell dock at Mannum. In 1989 it was decided that she should be restored to her former glory so under the watchful eyes of The Mannum Dock Museum and tens thousands of volunteer hours she was restored to her new and rightful glory. Without the continued support of Rockford wines and Robert’s love of the traditional ways and the Murray River we would not be able to share this experience.
chefs wishing to express an interest in doing a trip and pitting their skills against esse should email their CV to Brett Lanthois or Pam O’Donnell
click here to download James Fien’s menu and matched Rockford wines — 24 to 26 July, 2009
click here to download Ann Oliver’s menu and matched Rockford wines — 28 to 28 June, 2009
Want to go on a trip Contact Rockford Wines Pam O'Donnell by email for more information.
The challenge of the weekend esse the 60 year old wood stove. The joys of the weekend working with sommelier and consummate front of house manager Brett Lanthois and of course the fabulous Rockford wines.
The recent history
of the PS Marion, the Rockford Steam Dinners have brought to the ship national and international acclaim including a
coveted Australian Gourmet Traveller Jaguar Award.
The restoration and maintenance of the PS Marion continues to rely
heavily on steamship enthusiasts who generously continue to volunteer their time. In recent history their efforts have been financially supported by the many Australians and international guests who have enjoyed the Rockford Steam Powered Dinners and appreciated the unique food and wine experience that they have become. It is the support of these
travellers with a passion for Australia’s history, food and wine who have helped fund the restoration and retain the last remaining steam ship of it’s type in the world today, the PS Marion.
