Steaming to the Crib

The steam-driven pleasure boat Chicago Belle, 183 feet long and powered by two large engines manufactured in the city, takes three hundred invited passengers, including many leading citizens, on a free excursion to the Crib, the waterworks intake that is two miles out from the Lake Michigan shore at Chicago Avenue.  Providing entertainment on board is the Great Western Band, and the guests are also treated to a demonstration of a newly-patented life-preserver, which is fortunately not needed.