Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 The Broadside
The voice of The Mathews Maritime Foundation
Museum Located at 482 Main Street, Mathews, VA Mail to PO Box 1201, Mathews, VA 23109 804-725-4444 on the web at www.mathewsmaritime.com
The Year in Review... Peggy Raffle... Throughout 2012 the Foundation contin- John Bass of Mathews was the winner of ued on its mission to preserve and protect the Frank Beamer autographed VT football raf- Mathews County’s rich maritime and cultural fle. Instituted several months ago the raffle was heritage. Through Foundation sponsored pro- one of several means by which the Foundation is grams like the Kids Kayak Camp, Chesapeake raising money for the Peggy Endowment Fund. Bay Days, our monthly speaker meetings, and our annual Maritime Heritage Day. Also through 4H/MMF sponsored boat building as well as res- toration of the Peggy of New Point.
Peggy Endowment Donation... Cathy Mise, Assistant Vice President at the Mathews branch of Chesapeake Bank, pre- sented a check for $1,000 to Foundation Treas- urer Pete Hall and members of the MMF Board of Directors. This donation will be added to the John Bass with his prize Peggy Endowment Fund which has been estab- lished to provide for the upkeep and mainte- nance of “Peggy”.
The winning ticket
Museum Growing... The Mathews Maritime Museum contin-
L to R: Pete Hall, Cathy Mise (Chesapeake Bank),George ues to grow and in the last 5 years has acquired Pongonis Dennis Crawford, Dave Machen, Marcy Benouameur, over 1,500 new artifacts to add to its collection. Jack Caldwell, Melissa Crawford(Chesapeake Bank) Mathews men have served in a wide range of
Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 maritime activities from our local waters to MMF/RCC Partnership... around the world. The museum's goal is to pre- The partnership we entered into with serve these histories and traditions and pass Rappahannock Community College is going well them on to future generations. for both of us. The main reason for this partner- Our newest displays include a diver's ship is to give RCC’s Workforce Development helmet on loan from Bob Gammisch, a Naval Group a venue for conducting its marine trades WW II 10 gauge flare gun donated by Doug education courses. This past year classes were Long, and a name board from the tug Brendan held in the Spring and Fall to train individuals Turecamo donated by her captain of 20 years to be electricians employed by the Newport News Charles M. Pugh, Sr. Shipyard. For this training the classroom at The museum also sells quality books by GIBS was set up to simulate the area they would local authors. We have three books from Jim be working in aboard a ship under construction. Brown, whose designs have helped to shape the For information regarding class topics and history of today's multihulls, and who is in the schedules contact Jason Perry, Vice President of cruising hall of fame. We also have two books Workforce Development Rappahannock Commu- written by Gilbert Klingel, who was a natural- nity College at 804-758-6751. ist, explorer, inventor, sailor, and boatbuilder. He was a pioneer in underwater research and Heritage Day Celebration... built his own diving equipment including a sub- Once again rain dampened our celebra- mersible for the National Geographic Society. tion. This year it came in the form of blustery And we also have an historical perspective of the winds and torrential rain for most of the day. bay from 1925 to 1975 titled "Chesapeake Sail- This year, our seventh for this event we followed ing Craft" by Robert Burgess. Mr. Burgess was the format introduced last year. That is, instead curator of exhibits at the Mariner's Museum in of utilizing a single venue, visitors were routed Newport News. to seven maritime locations in the County. Start- The Museum is located at 482 Main St., ing at Morningstar’s Gwynn’s Island Boatel visi- Mathews Court House, VA., and open from May tors enjoyed music by “Celtastrophe”, saw through November, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 wooden boats built during Family Boatbuilding AM to 2 PM, if volunteers are available. The events, inspected two workboats at the dock, and Museum can be opened for a tour or special talked with members of the Coast Guard Auxil- event if arranged in advance. Call the Museum iary, the Tidewater Oyster Growers Association at 804-725-4444 or Dennis Crawford at 804-725- and 4-H. 9088 or Marcy Benouameur at 804-725-5668. From the Boatel visitors were directed to Article by Dennis Crawford, Curator our Gwynn’s Island Boat Shop where our historic buy boat, “Peggy of New Point” is undergoing restoration and where Eric Hedberg is building reproductions of traditional Bay work boats. Cal- lis’ Wharf was their next stop. There they could observe an aquaculture operation and the ves- tiges of an old seafood business. Fourth on the tour was Island Seafood where one could choose from a variety of seafood for sale and receive a package of Deviled crabs free with the purchase of any seafood. Number five on the tour was Gwynn’s Is- land Museum with exhibits dedicated to preserv- ing the history of Gwynn’s Island and Mathews Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 County. From there visitors headed into which to be proud. The theme of the 2013 calen- Mathews Courthouse to take in the Maritime dar is “Peggy of New Point”. The calendar, first Museum and Tompkins Cottage. At the Museum published in 2006, began primarily as a fund- they could view artifacts and photographs depict- raiser but as Nancy says, “It has become more a ing the shipbuilding history of the County. Circa source of nostalgia, information and anticipation 1815, Tompkins Cottage is the headquarters of of each year’s debut during Market Days. I’ve the Mathews Historical Society and the oldest been fortunate to meet people who share their building in the historic district. photos and the stories they represent, and hope Our sincere thanks to the Foundation that when you uncover photos that are interest- members and volunteers who helped to make ing or unique you’ll provide us with copies.” this day a success. We extend our sincere thanks and grati- tude to Terry Grinnell Hudgins and Sissie Grin- Donor Boat Program... nell, daughters of the late Captain Edward The donor boat program continues to pro- Grinnell who owned PEGGY for forty years. vide funds to the Foundation to support our Their enthusiasm, personal recollections, and many programs. Since its inception in 2004 we photographs used for each month, honor his have taken in 110 boats of various types and memory. Thanks also to Elsa Cook Verbyla for sizes. As of this writing 95 have been sold gener- writing the photo captions. ating $ 120,660. for the Foundation. In this year If you haven’t yet purchased one of these alone, 17 boats were donated and 22 sold bring- calendars they are available for $10.00 each at ing in $23,800. Our sincere thanks to all donors Vicky’s Beauty Shop in Cobbs Creek, M&M as well as purchasers. We are grateful for your Building Supply in Port Haywood, the Mathews support. Visitors & Information Center, and The Cottage All donor boats for sale are listed on our (Roane’s Antiques) in the Courthouse. web site
Speaker Meetings... Our third Thursday of the month from September through May speaker meetings con- tinue to be well attended. On tap for this year are: Feb 21 Ed Moore – Jack Tar on the Water- front; Mar 21 Rich Asaro – A Sailor’s Life in the 17th Century; Apr 18 Anna Holloway – Driven from the Sea: Oyster Pirates and a ‘Little Trav- esty’ on the Chesapeake Bay, 1882-1883; and May 16 Ron Lewis – Construction of Deadrises 4-H/MMF Boat Building project... and Skipjacks on the Bay (tentative title) This has been one of our most ambitious undertakings. The idea for this project was con- 2013 Maritime Calendar... ceived in January of 2010 when we learned that Once again Nancy Lindgren, Editor and the Jamestown 4-H Center was planning to es- Grace Metzger Forrest, graphic design artist tablish a sailing program as part of their camp have produced a calendar, our eighth edition, of offerings and was looking for a fleet of suitable Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 sailboats. As we had some boat kits left over teamwork, problem solving, decision making, from our Family Boat Building event, we decided skill development, generosity and community to partner with Nancy Roche, the Mathews Co- service, quality control, and pride in work. Youth operative Extension Agent, to contact individu- who build these boats will see their work and als, marinas, yacht clubs and the like to solicit will be able to witness how their work is benefit- “adoptions” to fund a fleet of six boats. The boat, ing others when they attend camp. They will a 10’ William Atkin design called the “Nymph” is have an opportunity to leave a legacy. a flat bottom hard chine boat quite suitable for kids learning to sail. Sixth Annual Chesapeake Bay Day... Crabs, oysters, caulking mallets, swords and steamboats. What do they all have in com- mon? Chesapeake Bay Day! Eighty-five sixth grade students celebrated the annual event with a day full of anticipation and maritime heritage. Sponsored by the Mathews Maritime Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Day is a day when students at Thomas Hunter Middle School learn about the Bay and maritime activities from the past to the present. Visiting different stations, the young people were taught how to tie knots and identify crabs. Tidewater Soil and Water 4H boats at the Jamestown 4-H Center prepare for Conservation District representatives demon- launching. strated how yard runoff pollutes the water and the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association ex- In 2011 three of the six boats needed were plained how oysters clean the water. built and delivered to the Jamestown Camp and The Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66 in- were commissioned in a ceremony on June 29 of formed the kids on boating safety and in the that year. In July funding for two more boats proper way to don a PFD, personal flotation de- was received from The J. Edwin Treakle Foun- vice. “Shipbuilding Tools and Traditions” allowed dation and Dr. Timothy Catchings. A third boat, students to caulk a seam using a caulking mallet a “Nymph”, was donated by the Johnson family and iron, cut lumber with a 2 person cross cut of Mathews who had purchased the boat built at saw, and plane a board. County planners our Family Boat Building event in 2008. Con- stressed the RPA and the need to protect the Bay; members of the Sesquicentennial Commit- struction of two new boats and restoration of the tee shared Mathews’ importance in the “Water donated boat began in January of 2012. All three and the War” and the Archaeological Society of boats were delivered to the Camp in June in time VA, Middle Peninsula Chapter exhibited arti- for the first camp session of the summer. facts discovered on Mathews’ shores. Costumed interpreters from the VA Coop- This project highlights so many positives: erative Extension 4-H and MMF presented a vi- youth and adults working together toward a gnette of “Steamboat Days”. Weaving a story of common goal; volunteers creating opportunity for travel by steamboat from Norfolk and Baltimore valuable educational programming for youth; to Mathews in the early 20th century, the stu- small donations adding up to making a big dif- dents learned about the cargo transported be- ference; collaboration among organizations; tween the wharves and the hazards of such benefits to youth beyond the classroom such as travel. Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 Students at the Oyster Tonging station Bay Deadrise has been designated as our state’s got to experience what it is like to tong for oys- Official Boat. “What’s with that?” you ask. Well, ters. Climbing to the top of a platform, the stu- think of it this way: In the entire universe, it is dents tried to catch oyster shells using long han- believed that life, as we know it exists nowhere dled tongs and then transfer them to a basket. other than in our solar system. And so far, we “The “Chesapeake Bay Day” is an oppor- have yet to find such life anywhere else but on tunity for young people to experience the past the third planet from our sun. On this planet, it and develop an appreciation of the maritime has been pronounced that estuaries are of singu- heritage of Mathews County”, said Janet Loyd, lar importance to our planet’s well-being. The coordinator of this annual event. “The preserva- premier estuary on the Earth is known to be the tion of the Chesapeake Bay is also paramount in Chesapeake Bay. For several hundred years, a the instruction, as the students will inherit the unique form of vessel design and construction next generation of the Bay’s environment. We has been relied upon to enable the successful ac- are appreciative to all the organizations which complishment of man’s quests upon this Bay. participated and have a similar interest in pre- The deadrise design has been the hallmark of serving the maritime history of this area.” boats intended for use throughout the Chesa- peake Bay region, and it is becoming extinct be- Peggy of New Point Restoration... fore our eyes. As technologies advance around Can you remember what life was like be- the waterfront, newer methods of boat manufac- fore we had microwave ovens? As we live our ture and propulsion are making the deadrise de- day-to-day lives, newer technologies continually sign obsolete. These boats are quickly going the emerge to replace what we have grown to ad- way of the horse and buggy. mire. Do you ever wonder about living in an ear- Enter the Mathews Maritime Foundation lier time? How different the day-to day lives to preserve the maritime heritage of this very must have been for those who never knew the special region. Formed only a decade ago, this benefits of our modern conveniences. Just think organization seeks to prevent the loss of our rich about travel during the times prior to the intro- local maritime history. As part of its mission, duction of engine powered vehicles. No planes, the MMF has sought to engage the public in a trains or automobiles; and only sailboats for voy- “hands-on” manner with the wonders of our boat- ages over water. Those were different times in building heritage. This activity has been facili- Mathews County. tated by the availability of a small marine rail- Back at what we used to call the “turn of way and repair shop on Gwynn’s Island. Origi- the century” Mathews was known as a promi- nally established by Gil Klingel, the legendary nent center for boat building. Boats were impor- builder of steel boats, this boat yard affords the tant around the Chesapeake before highways people of Mathews an opportunity to experience took over the “shipping” business. Not just small the art of wooden boat building and repair. boats either. Sea going ships were built here in Presently, the MMF is conducting an extensive Mathews. Indeed, many sons of Mathews went overhaul of an 88 year old, Mathews built vessel to sea, as well. On a per capita basis, Mathews that has spent most of her life engaged in the lo- has seen more of its own employed in positions of cal commercial fishery. responsibility aboard ships than any other Few people now alive will remember the county in the United States. day she was launched from Peary, Virginia. It The Cardinal has been designated as the was back in 1925 that a brand new PEGGY en- Official Bird of the Commonwealth of Virginia. tered the pound-net trade for Mr. Walter Bur- Do you know what the Official Flower is? Did roughs, who named her for his daughter. The you know that Virginia also has an Official Boat? business was good back then, and before long the Most people are unaware that the Chesapeake owners of these deadrise fishing boats took to Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 racing against each other. PEGGY was speedy. that PEGGY is receiving from volunteers who She began life with a 35 horsepower en- have seen their labors rewarded with a sense of gine. As the racing aspect of these vessels’ lives ownership. They have earned a kind of equity in evolved, engines with maximum power were a genuine treasure from Mathews County Vir- sought. PEGGY received a fast turning, 200 ginia’s past. In the days ahead, PEGGY will horsepower diesel for the express purpose of travel to Norfolk and Urbanna, Virginia; to Bal- earning her owner “bragging rights”. Races were timore and St. Michaels, Maryland; and beyond conducted in the Bay, just off from the beaches to allow others to know why we are so proud of along lower Mathews. All the stops were pulled the Mathews County maritime heritage. out in those attempts to beat the competition. Entering the New Year, it is gratifying to Decks were removed, as were pilothouses. En- review the progress made during 2012. How- gines were “hopped-up” by the best mechanics of ever, what is more exciting is the nearness of our the day and all excess weight was removed from completion of the remaining work that will en- the boats to lighten their load. After starting a able PEGGY of New Point to embark upon her diesel engine before a race, its battery would be new life. We’re only three months from being removed and left on the dock. Fuel tanks were back in service and underway again. While the removed temporarily and races were run on five- cold weather lasts, our efforts have moved in- gallon cans. In 1946, PEGGY had her bottom doors to the shelter of our Gwynn’s Island Boat replaced by a master boat builder, Mr. Alton Shop. It is there that PEGGY’s new pilothouse Smith. The wood selected for this job was chosen is being constructed. Refinishing work is pro- after tests were conducted to determine the dif- gressing on her mast and rigging hardware. ferences between various woods in terms of wa- These final tasks are being addressed by a ter absorption. When PEGGY was ready for team of loyal volunteers from the Mathews Mari- launching, Alton sent a man to Gloucester to buy time Foundation under the direction of our able all of the shoe polish he could find. They then shipwright, Eric Hedberg. We look forward to shoe polished her entire bottom to give her an sea trials in April and the resultant celebration advantage for racing. of PEGGY’s new role in our community. (Article PEGGY went on to become a crab dredger by George Pongonis) for many years under the ownership of Mr. Ed- ward Grinnell. She hailed from New Point then and was a regular part of the Davis Creek fleet. Some of today’s Mathews watermen have many fond memories of Captain Edward and can tell fascinating stories of life onboard PEGGY of New Point. Time had taken its toll on PEGGY, and like all biodegradable objects, she began to dete- riorate. She was donated to the Mathews Mari- time Foundation by her previous owners, Kim and Gretchen Granberry who recognized the role that she could play for the people of Mathews, as a sea-going representative of our proud heritage. Today, PEGGY of New Point has a new engine, all new decking and is awaiting her new pilothouse. She has received the considerable Peggy model built and donated to the Mathews Maritime attention and skills of a highly professional Museum by Edward Diggs shipwright, Mr. Eric Hedberg. What is equally important however, is the attention and affection
Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 Volunteers, We thank you... stokes, edging, wet exit and t-rescue as well as Volunteers play an important role in our assisted, unassisted, and cowboy rescues. The successes. You lighten our load and make it pos- youth demonstrated their new skills to the par- sible for us to provide many programs and activi- ents the last two afternoons of the camp session. ties for the benefit of the citizens of Mathews Conservation was integrated in the land- County. based classes. Water quality information was Our thanks to: Janet Loyd, Dave Mont- provided by May Sligh from Department of Con- gomery, Dave Machen, and Marcy Benouameur servation and Recreation while Bev Holmberg for their work on the Maritime Heritage Trail. taught the class on mosquitoes. Nancy Roche, Also thanks go to: Dennis Crawford for his VA Cooperative Extension- 4-H, allowed the efforts as curator of our museum collections and campers to design and build their own boats to Millie Montgomery for maintaining our mem- from recycled water bottles, which they raced bership data base and e-mailing of meeting an- against each other by producing their own wind nouncements. power. Carl Theil-Goin, from the Tidewater Soil Thanks also to the Peggy restoration crew. and Water Conservation District, demonstrated that is Eric Hedberg, Dave Mortimer, George how to use a GPS to located a geocache on the Pongonis, Dave Machen, Bob Gammisch, Kerry property. Hall, Dennis Crawford and Pete Hall. On Wednesday members of the Mathews I know there are some volunteers we may Maritime Foundation, led by Dave Montgomery have missed thanking. Please accept our sincere assisted the youth in constructing bat houses apology for the omission and know that we do and Laura Kellum, intern for the National Park appreciate your volunteer effort and thank you Service, taught the principles of “Leave No for it. Trace” as the campers hiked to the waterfront. For those of you reading this who would Thursday’s activities included Marine Life. like to volunteer to work with us on any of the George Pongonis, Jon Lucy and Captain Charles programs we have going we welcome your call. Machen shared stories and examples of local ma- Contact the Museum at 804-725-4444 and leave rine creatures while on board the R/V Langley your name and contact number. Or you can e- and Dave Machen gave an update on the restora- mail us at
Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future Vol.5 No.1 January 2013 kayaking activities with her numerous LIPPS 2012 volunteers. Statement of Activities “Everyone worked together to provide a Revenue safe and enjoyable camp experience for the Contributions $18,831. youngsters. It was a great camp and the weather Grants 1,380. was perfect.” Janet Loyd wishes to express Boat Donor Program 23,800. thanks to the parents for allowing us to share Gwynn’s Island Boat Shop 7,250. this outdoor opportunity with their children. (ar- Gift Shop 3,816. ticle by Janet Loyd) Membership Dues 5,590. Mathews Xmas Parade... Special Events 2,992. Peggy’s Pilot House gets decked out for her Total $63,659. appearance in the Mathews Christmas parade. Expenses Take a look at her. Educational Programs $ 4,569. Boat Donor Program 2,276. Insurance 2,463. Building Rental 10,800. Building -Equip. & Repairs 2,342. Utilities 3,323. Peggy Restoration 44,131. Museum Operations 3,141. Membership Development 168. COGS 1,365. Total $74,848. Change in Net Assets ( $11,189.)
Summarized Statement of Financial Position MMF Director George Pongonis holding trophy for best As of December 31, 2012 float by non-commercial organization in the parade. Terry Grinnell Hudgins holding on as well. Assets: Cash & Equivalents $ 18,684. Peggy Endowment Fund 22,659. Foundation Financial Position... MV Peggy 85,000. Here is a summarized statement of the Founda- Other Assets 9,543. tions Activities for the year 2012. It is presented Total $135,886. here to give you a picture of our financial posi- Liability & Equity tion and well being. Accounts Payable $ 511. The Foundation continues to support its mis- Equity 135.375. sion to preserve and protect Mathews County’s Total $135,886. rich maritime and cultural heritage through re- search, conservation, documentation and educa- The Foundation now has a profile on The Com- tion. munity Foundation Serving Richmond and Cen- Our monthly lecture series, Chesapeake Bay tral Virginia web site. To view profile go to... Days, Mathews Maritime Heritage Day, kids http://giverichmond.guidestar.org/NonprofitProfi Kayak Camp, MMF/4-H Boat Building, and le.aspx?OrgId=1047401 model boat building all are the focus of our mis- sion. If you wish to make a donation to the Founda- tion you may do so when viewing our profile.
Keeping the Past in the Present Preserving it for the Future