The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1912-07-18
The Shenandoah
A Fine Model of the World-Famous Bath
Ship.

A Fine Model of the World-F Famous Bath
Ship.
After several months of steady work
with only iack-knife, pen-knife and
an awl for tools. Gilbert Power of Yes
per street, Portland, has finished COM
plete model of the famous ship Shenan-
doah, with every rope block and spar in
place, in fact completely rugged with the
exception of sails.
Last September at the request of
Hiram Sewall of ship building fame,
and Capt. James F. Murphy of Bath,
who was the Commander of the ship
during its palmy days, MIR. Power began
the construction of the model.
He was furnished with the dimensions
OF the craft, and working with descrip-
ton and from memory he has turned
out true model of the craft to scale.
The completed model is five feet one
inch from stem to stern, and is certainly
work of art of which the maker can
well feel proud.
The craft was three decked ship and
all decks are included in the model, with
matches and dock houses, in fact even the
Wlndlass has not been omitted.
Mr.. Power witnessed the launching
OF the craft at Bath, November %, 1890,
it being Sewall built vessel. From
the time of its launching the vessel with
Its commander, Capt. Murphy, began to
win fame as speeders. which was held up
to comparatively recent years. The
ship being conceded the fastest thing
af1oat for many years won that dlstinc-
ton IN number of races that attracted
international interest as at times fleets
OF several vessels participated in the
tests of speed.
A notable instance was the race from
San Francisco when August LIST, 1891,
the Shenandoah in company with two
other American ships and Two flying the
British flag sailed in a race to Havre.
On this occasion the Shen andoah carried
cargo OF 5000 bushels of wheat. The
trip was made by the queen of the seas
in l09 day. In fact Captain Murphy
had discharged his cargo and sailed from
port in race with another craft before
any of his competitors had arrived at the
port of Havre.
The vessel also had the distinction of
making the run from Havre to New
York in SO days, this including battle
OF nine days with hurricane.
When all sail was set the vessel car
ried spread of 1000 square yards of
! canvas. The main mast lowered 200
feet from deck to truck. The main yard
was 80 feet in length and this could be
extended to 1853 feet while running with
studding sail booms. The fore, main
and mizzen masts carried courses, lower
and top sails, top gallant sails, royal
sails and sky sails. On the spanker
mast in addition to huge spanker were
spanker top sails.
There were also a dozen or more jibs
and stay sails. Despite the great spread
of canvas the craft could be handled
as easily as a knock about sloop. With
the advance of steam navigation began
the decline of the wind TANNERS and
this marked the passing of the Shenan-
doah, which as coal barge visited this
port but a short time ago.
When the vessel went out of commits
sion as a saiig craft Captain Murphy
retired from the sea, but made last
trip when he brought bis old love from
San Francisco TO the Atlantic, when the
craft was dismantled and turned into a
coal barge. Captain Murphy took a
great interest in the construction of the
model up to the time of his death few
months ago.
Mr.. Power previous to the war had
followed the sea from some years and
during the war was in the navy with
Farragut. For % years after being
discharged from the navy ne was en-
ployed as ship rigger at Bath. 1t is
understood that the model is intended
for exhibition at the Panama Exposition
at San Francisco. Portland Press.