Barking Mississippi River Boat -- This steam boat was designed by Barking brough engineer Curson Harper from Original drawings of Mississippi river craft, and already it has turned out to be a floating gold mine. It was built by boating superintendent George Robson, an ex-Navy man from war surplus assault craft. Total cost was £310 - and if yesterday's rush was anything to go by, they'll have the cost back in about three weeks. Said Mr. Robson: "Quoues were never loss than 100 yards long. We'll have to build a bigger boat." Charge is 6d. for adults, 3d. for children. April 20, 1949. (Photo by Daily Mirror).