120 Years of Maritime History

This year we will be celebrating Ernestina-Morrissey’s 12oth anniversary.  The Schooner Ernestina Commission is planning several events to commemorate this significant year.

Schooner Arethusa, 1907

120 years ago, on Feb. 1, 1894, a scene similar to this one would have occurred as Effie M. Morrissey was launched from the John F. James & Washington Tarr shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts. It is interesting that this photo shows the launch of another of Captain Clayton Morrissey’s vessels.

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Schooner Columbia

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After launch, ships (Columbia shown here) built in Essex were often towed to Gloucester to be fitted out… rigged, ballasted and equipped according to their use. “The contract price was $6,700 for hull and spars, ready for rigging. The Effie M. Morrissey was the last fishing schooner built for the Wonson Fish Company. She took four months to build and was launched February 1, then towed by the tug Startle to Gloucester, the Morrissey was fitted out for the season to go salt cod fishing”  Schooner Ernestina Commission Archives

For the kick-off event on March 3 Traudi Coli and Tim Walker will deliver a lecture “SCHOONER ERNESTINA/EFFIE M. MORRISSEY AT 120:  A LOOK BACK AT HER HISTORY AND THE HISTORY OF CAPE VERDEAN IMMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES”  followed by a birthday celebration during AHA! on Thursday, March 13.   Check the links in “Upcoming Events” in the right-hand column for details about the celebration at the March AHA and the Ernestina-Morrissey Archives lecture!