Memories of Dr. Will

A crew member shared this recollection:

“Dr. Will sounded stern and looked stern, a very dignified, stately white-haired gentleman with blue eyes.

“Whenever we served spinach, the doctor would say, 'Now, spinach is good for you, but you can get just as much iron sucking a rusty nail.'” Crew member

Dr. Will liked a good beef pot roast with vegetables, potatoes and brown gravy. We had chicken every Sunday.

Cook ABOARD THE ORONOCO

Whenever we served spinach, the doctor would say, 'Now, spinach is good for you, but you can get just as much iron sucking a rusty nail.' That statement pleased the grandchildren.

Dr. Will insisted on his exercise after meals. He would take his wife by the arm, and they would walk back and forth over the deck. What a magnificent pair! The very handsome elderly man and his sweet lovable wife, Will and Hattie.

When the ducks and geese headed south for the winter, the North Star pointed her bow downstream, too. Dr. Will liked history. It was always enjoyable to be near him on a long trip for he pointed out all the historical points. He was a fine storyteller. We never passed Hannibal, Mo., without stopping to see Mark Twain's old home. The crew was provided with a car to tour the battlefield at Vicksburg, Miss. Our impressions were of as much interest to Dr. Will as were the discussions of the guests.”

>> Hattie Mayo