Milford chronicle., 1930-01-31
MORIES OF MILFORD
ShipbuiIding Interest OF The
st And The Train OF Memories
Brings.

SlipDulluAuS AAuCAOoJ vi Lub
st And The Train OF Memories
Brings.
p many years Milford, the twin
of Kent and Sussex counties,
famed for it's shipbuilding in
rv many craft being built upon
,anks of it's dividing stream, the
illion; and a large number of
heing engaged in the business.
biIe there is yet considerable
itv in the yards of William G.
,tt and that of the Wilson NJ.
ard Company, it has been long
since the industry was at its
nth. There were several rea-
for this decline; but the out
ding one is that the white oak
which our peninsula was famous
which timber furnished the
9 and much of the frame work
two, three and four-masters,
rapidly diminishing. This reali-
IN came about the time the ad-
ofAyon ships became a factor to
eckoiAqd with; so, that, now it is
theS demand for fiat bottoms
small river boats and yachts the
emf Yards must depend to keep
going.
hen we recall the scenes of ac-
in the shipyards back in the
and SOS there follows thoughts
10 names of many builders and
tsmen. most of whom have pass
m to their harbor of rest.
the early eighties William I.
nson had some vessels built at
t.High HILL" on the north bank
he Mispillian.
was along the south bank of the
that these yards were located:
lam Simpler's, Joseph Harper's,
" ton Sammons, Scribner's Car
8 Blacks Lank's, Abbott's and
hItv's (alI of whom were progress
and reputed builders of modern
els): and, with the excellent
hanics they employed (names
represented in the yard-person-
of Milford), it naturally follows
there we're launched each year
or more splendid crafts. Those
the DAYS when men were skill
n the several branches of the
3 Especially did the calking of
MS and the driving of hardwood
call for much efficiency. Most
his sort of work is now but a
of the past because of later
ptations and the discoveries Of
methods of construction.
ne names of some of these YES
were and are indellibly impress
upon the writer's mind, probab-
because. of the scenes of their
hching and the part he took IN
e exciting events. shake her,
!" was the cry; then there was
-eat scurrying of feet and a run
to and fro from the bow to the
n of the slanting deck, this effort
g accompanied by the ping
r. of the heavy mauls down be-
knocking out the timbers that
alone supported and held the
on the ways-the driving OF
Ay wedges having already raised
! from the cradle.
his was a holiday affair, the
bols closing for the occasion
launching having been timed
high tide), and the doors Of most
hhe stores were locked that the
Sks and owners might join the
ke throngs upon the rivers
ks. The keels were laid (direc-
ally) so, when ready to launch,
boat might have a far-reach in
ch to ride to safe buoyancy. So
Eas indeed a pretty sight to see
schooner moving majestically
ard her first resting place in her
lined element, loaded with Wild
gcampering human freight-fags
hg, band playing, and the multi
y which lined the shores wildly
ling hats and handkerchiefs.
% wonder these visions yet re-
h, and no wonder there is in the
|rts of all those yet living who
a part in these scenes good rea-
to hold their memories dear
b unto this day. What activity
bring to mind! What enthusl-
b! What joy of youth! Still,
ee remains the memory of a trag-
which occurred on one of these
asions. This was the untlmely
th of an honored resident of Mil
James Russell-who lost his
when a pile of logs upon which
stood was overturned by the rush
water from the opposite side OF
stream when the schooner mace
maiden plunge. :,
Ihe writer, last summer, stoppeu
to see the venerable but yet ac-
Captain Edward V. HENDERSON
W Milford's much respected JUS
of the Peace). We shall always
lember him as Captain Ed
ugh he is now Judge Hendrixson,
NE was indeed a mariner OF the
school. We found his memory
Ir upon the things we were SO
ch interested in; he knew much
he early sailings out of the MIS-.
ION. He recalled the names OF
" owners of the schooners
ch piled between Milford ana
ladelphia and some that made
ular or irregular coastwise Voy-
s. He recalled the names of sew
captains we had either forgot
or of whom we had never heard. !
0gether we found this interview
b Captain Hendrixson of pleas
and interest; for-as he had
owed the water in and out of the
pillion for half a century before
ring to shore life, and was sue
sful commander, well liked py
men, and with a multitude OF
nds ashore and afloat-it can be
understood he knew WHEREOF
!
aiming some of Milford's fleet OF
ooners. may be appreciated: The
tina n Davis, Four Sisters, H.
Laws, Republic, The Mary C.,