A Farewell to the Dixie
By Dan and Bo Thystrup

You will soon be hearing rumors about the Dixie Boat and wondering if
what you are hearing is true. My brother, Bo Thystrup, and I are writing
this letter to inform those of you who love the Dixie and gave your time
and money to help keep her sailing on Lake Webster, of the facts.

As you know, the Thystrup family owned outright and operated the Dixie
Boat on Lake Webster for 14 years. I use the past tense “owned”
because my brother and I chose to give our beloved Dixie away, rather
than to sell her to a bidder in southern Indiana and split the profits.
We have also stepped down as president and vice-president, respectfully,
of Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., as of April 9, 2008. With much sadness and
regret, Dan and Bo Thystrup are officially no longer affiliated with the
Dixie.

Last spring, my brother and I literally gave the Dixie Boat, title and
all, to the board of Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., who promised, in turn, to
help Bo and myself with the mounting cost of repairs. We had a common
goal: to make necessary repairs to the old boat so that she could
continue to operate on Lake Webster like she always had, for the
enjoyment of future generations.

However, once ownership of the Dixie Boat was officially transferred to
Dixie Sternwheeler, Inc., my brother and I were no longer treated with
the respect we felt we deserved. We were the owners of the Dixie and the
very people who gave the boat away in order to save her! Suddenly we
were only the “operators” and treated like the hired hands. We were
also told by a member of the board that they would hire someone else to
drive the boat if my brother and I didn’t agree to sign a lease that
would put our families at risk. I began receiving e-mails at home from
this person that were both threatening and insulting and that suggested
I remove myself as president of the DSI board. Rather than to work
“for” this person, my brother and I have chosen to resign. The
Thystrup families no longer own nor will ever be seen driving the Dixie
Boat around beautiful Lake Webster ever again.

We will truly miss all of you who came to ride her every summer and
enjoyed her as we did. My brother and I are very sorry that things did
not turn out as expected for us but hope that life goes on for the
Dixie.