By Mark Marotta
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The development and management company of Ann’s Choice, Erickson, has decided to support the construction of a working steamboat replica invented by John Fitch, an 18th century resident of Warminster Township, where Ann’s Choice is located.

The six-foot model is expected to be completed by June 2009, just in time for the township’s tricentennial, says Erik Fleischer, president of the John Fitch Steamboat Museum and the Craven Hall Historical Society.

“It’s a great way to be active volunteers in the community,” says Joe LoCascio, executive director of Ann’s Choice. “They started their fund drive last year to build a replica of the steamboat. Through Erickson’s corporate philanthropy program, we were able to donate some money.”

Contributions from Ann’s Choice have totaled $7,000. Fleischer says the projected cost for the boat and its steam engine is $12,000. He adds that converting an outbuilding at Craven Hall into a museum to house the model will cost $50,000 to $150,000.

Fleischer says the replica of Fitch’s steamboat will have a wooden frame and will be covered with fiberglass.

“We have been given permission by the Warminster Parks and Recreation Department to sail our model on the pond right there behind Ann’s Choice,” he adds. “We’d like to get it out as often as we can.”