Speed boat driver operated boat livery service at foot of Hannibal's Bird Street

Artwork from Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association program, Steve Chou's collection.

Power boaters from all over the United States converged on Hannibal July 5-7, 1915 for the eighth annual Mississippi Valley Regatta. An estimated 10,000 people witnessed at least a portion of the three-day event.

One boater from Hannibal, Peter Lange, participated, driving the boat Hummer III.

Peter, who was 42 at the time of the races, operated a boat livery business at the foot of Bird Street. In 1905, he made his home at his place of businesses.

He married Emma Scranton Lange. In 1925 they lived at 223 S. 10th. In 1920, he lived at 430 S. Seventh. At the time of his death on March 4, 1937, they lived on Broadway.

He is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Read a story about the event which was published in the Macon Republican on July 9, 1915. Click here