Magnolia

There was competition in another matter besides that of steam boating. There was an affair of the heart, the intensity of which reached white heat.

The young Captains of the "Sidney P. Smith and the Magnolia paid court to one of Gadsden's most beautiful and accomplished young women. Oftimes when the Magnolia neared Gadsden with a heavy cargo necessitating a stay of several hours for unloading, the Captain would desire a date with the lady of his heart. How did he communicate with her? There was no short-wave radio, and the word probably unknown in those days. But the Magnolia had one of the sweetest-toned whistles ever to sound over the Coosa, and by a novel way in blowing the whistle for the landing, his lady love would understand the message which only the two of them understood.

Immediately upon receiving the whistle message, she would summons the groom and have the horses saddled, and shortly after the Magnolia dock they would be at the wharf. The young Captain and his lady would canter away over the countryside to talk over "steam boating." Undoubtedly their conversation included something more interesting and important than boats.

Again the young Captain of the Magnolia won, - not a lawsuit - but the heart of a lady fair. They were married and their honeymoon was spent on the Magnolia.... The steam boats Captain was James M. Elliott Jr. And the young lady was Miss Nena Kyle.

thanks to Dennis Nordmen