Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-07-21
OFF LOST INDU.STRI-THE OLD FARM
INGD4LE JSHIPYARD dc.

In former number of the Journal we have
seen how shp-building was once one Of the chief
industries Of the Upper Kennebec, and have been
obliged to acknowledge its decline and fall. Be-
fore it becomes entirely forgotten we would look
back once more to the old yard at Farmingdalc
and tell the names of some of the vessels built
there, and in adjoining ship yards. We are in
debted to an old gentleman in Hallowell whose
memory is very clear, and who witnessed the
building Of the vessels mentioned, and as he grew
up worked on the most of them, for many paIticu-
lars given.
In his boyhood, Major Grant at Bowmans Point,
was then rising shipbuilder and merchant, send
ing his vessels out far and wide. Previous to 1850
he recollects the building of the brig Nancy
Capt. Ballard, and schooner "Sam" Capt. Springer,
considered crack vessels. But in 1915 the great
event Of the season was the building of the great
ship Diana, about 300 tons, perfect wonder, then,
but very good sized lighter to some of the ships
built now. She was commanded by Capt. Arthur
Berry of Gardiner fame, and went to England her
first voyage. Samuel Grant son of the builder,
went in her. He afterward succeeded his father,
located in Hsllowell and in connection with his
brother Peter carried ship building to high state
of perfection. In 1917 came the building of the
fine clipper decatur" and in 1920 the Elizabeth"
To show how we'll they built their vessels then
this schooner was running in good condition thirty
years sfterward
In 1892 was built the brig Washington" in "a
the Superior" in 20 the first brig 'Billow,'
built by Master Ballard. In 1927 the double
decked brig MERIDIAN" big as a ship as she
doomed up at the wharf when loading In '2S the
great ship constellation" named for our famous
frigate and commanded by Capt. Abner Jackson,
who lived to ripe old age and recently died at
the residence of his son James Jackson, Esq, in
Farmingdale. The fine appearance, the simple
and unostentstous manner, the liberal and genial
habits of this true son of the ocean are known to
us ell.
In 1929 was built the schooner "Bonny Boat
Capt. Berry formerly Of the Diana had became
wealthy enough to own piece, and at her launch
ing sang the song, "Oh swiftly glides the Benny
Boat" to q delighted crowd. In 1888 Master
Pierce, afterwards so celebrated for his fine ships
built the ship mohawk" and in 1884 followed her
with the second brig "Billow." This beautiful
vessel was familiar to Kennebecers till quite re-
Gently. At the same time the "Mohawk" was build
ing, the Bradstreets in Gardiner were building
the ship "Msnco," I've remember this fine ship
WE'LL, and the Coopers Of Pittston built the ship
Constitution also named for the frigste of rev
dictionary fame. In 1886, Master Pierce bull. for
the Grants the brig "Choctaw," and in 1910 the
bark RAINBOW )" we remember the launching,
when the crowd on board "rolled her as they al
ways did in those days and she capszed. A very
Aeshy clergyman from Hallowell had ventured to
launch on board and the people would have it
that too much pety did it. In 1912 they built the
ship Meteor" and in 1916 the brig "E G. Pierce.
She was used by government in the Mexican war,
but soon after lost with all on board. Capt
George Carr Of IIallowell commanded, and had
his young wife on board at the time. In l8i7 was
on board at the time. In l847 was built the finest
ship that ever had left the yard. 1t was the
marion" and commanded by Capt. Sampson OF
Gardiner. In lS4S, was built the brig "vesta"
and schooner "Attakspas. This schooner was the
first "cenre. board" vessel built in these waters.
She WAS manned entirely by young men from this
neighborhood and went to Louisiana. The writer
sailed in her. Old salts shook their heads at this
queer craft and many ominous word was spoken
shout her. In three years time she was lost in
sight of "Block leland" with all hands. Captain
George Mason of Hallowell, splendid fellow, was
master. lS49 witnessed the building of the
largest ship seen in these parts. 1t was the "John
Merrick" Of Hallowell, built where the Marshall
ice houses now stand. Capt. Stevens of llallowell
commanded her.
Looking back back to lSiS we find built in Au-
gusta the large double decked bark, IN. Fl. De-
Wolf" the Jamcs n. Thompson, and the ocean
Bird" This is the best year for Augusta Hal
lowell was on hand with the bark "0regon" and
brig Uranus" In 1910 also came the building
of the bark "Reindeer" at the point" For
three years there was duh time, then the "Trini
ty," was built for the Galveston trade.
The discovery of gold in California followed b