Auke Visser's International Esso Tankers site     |   home
Esso Tugs 1880 - 1939
Standard (2) - (1923-1940)
Unfortunaly no picture available, anyone ?????

Photograph of the towboat "Standard", a sternwheel towboat built in 1923 by the Marietta Manufacturing Company.
The "Standard" was built for Standard Oil of Ohio (SOHIO) for transporting gasoline on the Ohio River.

In 1939 Standard Oil of Ohio built the m/v "SOHIO", and the "STANDARD" was mostly idle.
In 1939 the "Standard" suffered an engine explosion.
She was sold to Harry and Ray Brookbank who repowered her with a diesel engine. In August, 1940 she was renamed
"Donald B" after the young son of Ray Brookbank. She pushed coal barges during World War II. Ray Brookbank operated her
until his death in 1983. His son Donald took her over. She continued pushing gravel barges for Brookbank River Services
until December 1, 2000, making her the longest running towboat after 77 years of service.
Barbara and Steve Huffman puchased her in December, 2000, and renamed her "Barbara H". She´s now maintained and
operated by the Historic Sternwheeler Preservation Society, Inc., Lamb, IN ( www.hspsi.org ).
The "Barbara H" is listed as National Historic Landmark since 1990. Due to Coast Guard restrictions, the "Barbara H"
cannot be "hired" for public river cruises. She can be hired as dockside attraction vessel with guided or self-guided tours.
The "Barbara H", has her own website website. Link : ( http://www.hspsi.org/barbara_h/index.html ).
The towboat "Standard" with barges.
Date : 1923.
The towboat "Standard" with barges.
Date : 1923.
Today "Barbara H", ex "Donald B", ex. "Standard".
( Photo Copyright Capt. Steve Huffman )