1

An Evening withJohn Laurence Busch

March 10, 2014The Capri Italian RestaurantIndianapolis, Indiana

2

3

Alan Hyde (left in left photo) and Mark Winzenread (left in right photo) hosted a very special dinner evening with noted author and historian John Laurence Busch. The author spoke on his book, Steam Coffin, about Captain Moses Rogers and the Steamship Savannah.

4

HSPS Tresurer Nancy Beall (left in left photo) greeted HSPS members and guests as they arrived and signed in for the event.

Incoming HSPS Commander Jim Duncan presided over the evening and welcomed several special guests from the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary --- Flotilla Commander John Hulen, Vice-Commander Mike McConnell, and Operations Officer and new HSPS member Walt Guntharp and his wife. Heslar Naval Armory was represented by their Executive Officer, LCDR James Patton, USN. Former Coast Guard Vice-Commandant, and new HSPS honorary member, VADM Terry M. Cross, USCG (Ret.) and his wife Susan were also present, as was CAPT G. Donald Steel, USNR (Ret.), and LCDR Lois O’Banion, USN (Ret.).

5

6

During the Social Hour, everyone had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Busch as well as other attendees.

7

This was clearly going to be an event to remember.

8

Lt/C Jim Duncan chatted with Heslar Naval Armory Exec LCDR James Patton.

John Laurence Busch spoke with I.U. history Prof. Bob Lehnen, PhD.

9

Friends spoke of the evening and the upcoming boating season.

10

Dinner was very good and enjoyed by all.

11

After dinner, P/C Mark Winzenread (left) introduced John Laurence Busch (right). The author spoke on his book, Steam Coffin, about Captain Moses Rogers and the Steamship Savannah.

In 1819, this steamship successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean thus breaking the psychological barrier, ushering in the creation of an entirely new class of ocean-going vessels, as well as the beginning of the globalized high technology world.

12

At the close of the evening, Jim Duncan and all guests thanked Mr. Busch for a wonderful evening and excellent presentation.

The book, Steam Coffin: Captain Moses Rogers and The Steamship Savannah Break the Barrier, by John Laurence Busch is available from Amazon and Barnes&Noble

The books strengths are Mr. Busch’s research and his engaging writing style. Mr. Busch has meticulously examined all material relevant to the early steamboat and steamship period. You can tell Steam Coffin was a labor of love.