Overview of the S&D Reflector and Its Publishing Organization The Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen:
Founded in 1939, the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen have long been a historical society with a mission to preserve and promote River History. published the first issue of the S&D Reflector. For over 50 years the historical quarterly magazine has been the flagship vessel of the organizatio
n. Its insightful and historical articles, excellent contributors, and inland river current events make the S&D Reflector the professional and quality magazine that it is today. Among the many projects and affiliations of the Sons & Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen are the following:
- The Inland Rivers Library was established in 1956 in cooperation with the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County by the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. Housed in the Library's Rare Books and Special Collections Department, the Inland Rivers Library is a major resource for books, manuscripts photographs, maps, and ephemera dealing with the Western Rivers. The Library continues to enhance this collection through purchases as well as donations by S&D subscribers and others.
- The J. Mack Gamble Fund is established to promote the historical and educational purposes of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen in keeping with J. Mack Gamble’s life-long interests as historian, author and educator. Mack Gamble was the first president of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. His father was an owner of packet boats operating in the Upper Ohio River trades in the late 19th and the first decade of the 20th century. For many years, he was also the chairman of the Board of Governors of S&D and was a leader in promotion of its aims and projects. Mack Gamble had worked for a brief period as a packet boat clerk before attending college but his life’s work was as an educator. He held a master’s degree in education and history from Ohio University in Athens and, after teaching at several one-room country schools in Monroe County, Ohio, was long the principal of the Clarington (Ohio) Elementary School. Mack Gamble gave a sizeable bequest to the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen. This bequest was used to establish the J. Mack Gamble Fund in 1976. The Fund is administered for the Board of Governors by three trustees.
- Most educational programs at the Ohio River Museum are geared for 3rd through 8th grades with special programming available for all ages. Programs focus on the relationship between people and the river. View steamboat models and artifacts from hundreds of inland boats. Learn about freshwater mussels and the impact that invasive species such as the zebra mussel have had on native species. Many more learning opportunities are available. Ask for details when scheduling! Ask about Hometown History on Wheels! Bus transportation cost reimbursement available to Washington County schools through donations from area groups and individuals on a limited basis. When scheduling, ask for details.
