Celebrating 119 years for Ernestina

Jim and Cindy Bean welcomed the Fufu Band to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park Visitors’ Center.

The Fufu Band marched down to the Auditorium to continue the celebration of Ernestina’s “birthday”.  It’s 119 years since the launch of Effie M. Morrissey in Essex, Massachusetts.

Following a showing of the Pathe Newsreels (who could forget Bob Bartlett’s “Little Morrissey“?), former crew members and friends of Schooner Ernestina had the audience in fits of laughter as they shared their stories and songs of some of the more amusing times on board. Tom Goux started us off with “Yoyo Schooners”. Chuck Smiler continued the fun, with a recitation of the “The Log of the Record Run” while dressed in full fisherman’s gear and drinking from a bottle. Was it muddy water or rum? Fred Sterner and Marty Casey regaled us with their tales, including times on this venerable working boat, while in the company of pristine yachts. A blushing bride remembered with fondness her wedding on board.

Jim Bean had everyone singing when he led his new chantey, “Potty on a Line” to commemorate a voyage when Ernestina sported a large wheel chair accessible port-a-potty on the starboard side, and his watch was assigned to catch it on the dock at low tide.

Louise and Paul Anthony helped everyone make beautiful Sailors’ Valentines with dyed pasta prepared by Cindy Bean.

Everyone joined The Beans in singing “Lovely Ernestina” .  Then everyone finished the celebration with birthday cake served by Annie McDowell.

A big thank you to Emily Prigot and the staff at the New Bedford Whaling Historical Park for all their help.

Keep posted for BIG plans to celebrate Ernestina’s 120th in 2014!

  |