a publication of the chesapeake bay MaritiMe MuseuM The Chesapeake Log Winter/spring 2014 Mission Statement the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is Winter/Spring 2014 in loving Memory dedicated to preserving and exploring the contents history, environment, and people of the of chrys alvarado Chesapeake Bay. notice: help WanteD Museum Values cbMM summer sailing relevance. we provide meaningful and On January 20, 2014, our long- accessible experiences to everyone who program instructor time volunteer and friend Chrys cares about our Mission—all of our communities and constituencies. Alvarado passed away. Chrys became a CBMM volunteer in authenticity. we seek genuinely to repre- sent the people and cultures whose stories 2005, acting first as a docent and we preserve and tell. a Crab Cakes and ecology cruise stewardship. we value the priceless assets educator before assisting as a entrusted to us and accept their preserva- receptionist, membership assis- tion and enhancement as our paramount tant, volunteer association board responsibility—our collections, our campus and facilities, our financial resources, and member, volunteer support committee member, and special event volunteer. Chrys the volunteers and staff who perform our had her hand in almost every facet of what we do and was always here to help when Mission and make our Museum the rich we put out a call. enterprise it is. Chrys was always a surprise—she regaled us at board meetings with stories sign up for our e-Newsletter and from her youth, including saving lives as a lifeguard. She led an amazing life and stay up-to-date on all of the news we were fortunate to have her here with us to share her energy and enthusiasm. and events at the Museum. email Help the Chesapeake Bay Maritime [email protected] to be added to Later we were awed by her strength as she fought an amazing battle for her life. Museum teach the fun, excitement, our mailing list. and adventure of sailing on the She will be very missed by the staff and volunteers at CBMM. Our sincerest Miles River! We are currently seek- condolences are with her beloved husband Ed, and her lovely family. CONNECT WITH US: 19 22 ing sailing instructors and volunteers to assist the Education Department with teaching children and adults the basic fundamentals and technical beautifulswimmers.tumblr.com skills of sailing on our JY 15 vessels. chesapeakeboats.blogspot.com FEATURES 4 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 16 All instructors must be certified in by Tom D. Seip Rosie Parks Floats Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Boaters Safety and/or life guarding by Dick Cooper navy point, po box 636 through the American Red Cross. PRESIDENT’S LETTER Showboat Days are here again: st. Michaels, MD 21663 5 Applicants for the head sailing by Langley R. Shook The James Adams Floating Theatre 410-745-2916 • cbmm.org by Kate Livie instructor position must additionally 6 CURRENTS be US Sailing Certified Level 1. HOURS: CBMM awarded grants; new oyster drop-off CALENDAR April to May, 9am–5pm 24 Employment dates: June to August, 9am–6pm location; Oyster Stew Competition winner; Speaker Series, Member Nights, June 10th – August 28th. Sept. to Oct., 9am–5pm ALL announces new officers; New Governors education and boatyard programs, To apply for an instructor position Nov. to March, 10am–4pm welcomed to board; New decoy exhibit in WineFest, Elf Classic Yacht Race, Maritime please send résumé to: April; New choices for Membership, and more. Model Expo, and save-the-dates for 2014. On the cover: Human Resources CURATOR’S CORNER ON THE RAIL Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum The skipjack Rosie Parks was relaunched at the annual 12 26 OysterFest celebration on November 2, 2013. Gloucester of the Merchants Updates on the Potomac River Dory Boat, P. O. Box 636 Photo courtesy of William Wilhelm, williamwilhelm.com. & Miners Transportation Company tug Delaware, draketail Martha, and Rosie St. Michaels, MD 21663 by Norman H. Plummer Parks' pushboat. Plus, meet the newest Editors: Marie thomas & tracey Munson addition to the CBMM Boatyard crew. Résumés can also be emailed to Creative Director: Marie thomas CBMM receives several gifts to collection [email protected]. To apply for a Apprentice for a Day Public JourneyMan's special: Copy Editor: Mariana lesher volunteer position, please contact Contributing Writers: Choose any four classes for $150 CBMM members LIFELINES [email protected] or 410-745-4956 Boatbuilding Program Dick cooper, esty collet, kate livie, 15 & $200 non-members. Drop-in rate $45/ $55. Volunteer Profile: Martha Austin for more information. tracey Munson, norman plummer, by Marie Thomas Learn traditional boatbuilding skills under the Current project: 17-1/2 foot lapstrake sailing skiff tom seip, langley shook, Marie thomas. Service learning hours are available direction of a CBMM shipwright. Be a part of the The Chesapeake Log is a publication of Questions? [email protected] or 410-745-4980 for Maryland high school students! whole 17-week process or just sign up for those the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. aspects of boatbuilding you want to learn. Schedule: bit.ly/afad2014

2 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 3 Chairman’s Message Board of Museum Staff President’s Letter Governors by Tom D. Seip, Chair of the Board by Langley R. Shook, President 2013-2014 President Langley R. Shook, President, 4951 It’s been a little over three months since the historic tom D. seip, Chair Breene M. Kerr Center Soon I will step down as President of the relaunch of the skipjack Rosie Parks, and I can still feel richard c. tilghman, Jr., Vice Chair for Chesapeake Studies Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum when a James p. harris, Treasurer the excitement of that warm November afternoon. Pete Lesher, Chief Curator, 4971 successor is named. It’s been an honor and a richard J. bodorff, Secretary More than 4,500 people joined us at OysterFest—the Richard Scofield, Assistant Curator of Watercraft, 4966 privilege to serve for the past four years. Karen Rob Forloney, Director of the Kerr Center, 4959 largest, single day crowd in the Museum’s 48-year schuyler benson and I have enjoyed almost every moment of it. paul berry Kate Livie, Director of Education, 4947 history—to witness Rosie kissing the water for her well- harry W. burton Eric Applegarth, Exhibits Specialist, 4945 Sometimes the best things in life are serendipi- deserved homecoming. From the rechristening ceremony William b. carter Lynne Phillips, Collections Manager, 4972 tous. This has been both. Helen Van Fleet, Education & Reservations Assistant, 4941 with Parks family members, to the solo performance William s. Dudley Several things stand out in my mind—diver- of the hymn, “A Closer Walk with Thee” as the iconic David e. Dunn Boatyard sifying the Museum’s audiences with events like skipjack headed down the railway, the day was filled Dagmar D. p. gipe Michael Gorman, Vessel Maintenance Manager, 4968 Watermen’s Appreciation Day and Frederick e. brooke harwood, Jr. Mark Donohue, Rosie Parks Project Manager, 4967 with moments many will remember for a lifetime. Douglass Day; restoring the skipjack Rosie Parks christopher a. havener, Jr. Jennifer Kuhn, Boatyard Program Manager, 4980 To me, the relaunch marks one of the most significant francis hopkinson, Jr. Joe Connor, Vessel Maintenance Assistant to her former glory; increasing donations to the milestones in the 48-year history of this institution, one fred israel Bill Bronaugh, Shipwright Apprentice Annual Fund and planned giving; enhancing the Museum’s waterfront with a new Brooke Ricketts, Shipwright Apprentice that will remain a part of Museum President Langley richard J. Johnson bulkhead and living shoreline; and seeing our staff and volunteer forces strengthened. Shook’s rich legacy. With Langley’s retirement plans announced this past December, it’s peter M. kreindler Communications & Special Events None of this would have been possible without your support, and I thank you for it. a great time to reflect on his four-plus years of contributions to the Museum serving as its elizabeth s. loker Tracey Munson, Vice President of Communications, 4960 During the quieter winter months we’ve focused on how we can serve our members frank c. Marshall, Jr. Marie Thomas, Communications Manager & Art Director, 4953 fourth President. And as he stays on board until his successor is found, Langley’s contri- and visitors better while increasing visitor related, or “earned” revenue that is an patrice Miller Melissa Spielman, Director of Events & Volunteer Program, 4956 butions continue to strengthen the Museum through this transitional period. geoffrey f. oxnam Ida Heelan, Events Coordinator, 4944 important goal of the Museum’s new strategic plan to sustain the institution for the Coming out of his law practice retirement with a commitment to lead the Museum for bruce a. ragsdale Development & Constituent Services long term. Besides improving amenities for our boaters—adding air conditioning in up to five years, Langley began his tenure guiding the Museum through tough economic Mitchell b. reiss René Stevenson, Vice President of Constituent Services, 4950 the showers, at last!—we’ve restructured membership levels to better align dues with D. bruce rogers times. Today, his leadership is marked by a long list of major accomplishments, includ- Debbie Collison, Membership Manager, 4991 the corresponding benefits. The new membership levels and their dues are set outn o s. stevens sands ing fundraising for the Rosie Parks restoration, living shoreline extension and bulkhead Cheryl Miller, Constituent Services Assistant, 4943 page 10. A modest increase in general admission charges also will allow us to expand lelde schmitz projects, as well as attracting more diversified audiences to the Museum. e’sH doubled Megan Fisher, Visitor Services Manager, 4945 many of our programs, upgrade our facilities, and better serve our members, visitors, Diane J. staley Annual Fund donations and boosted planned giving toward the Museum, all while henry h. stansbury Finance and the community at large. recruiting and hiring what I believe is the Museum’s best-ever staff. Because of Langley’s benjamin c. tilghman, Jr. Jean Brooks, Vice President of Finance, 4958 CBMM is fortunate to have membership dues and paid admissions fund a larger leadership, we are well-positioned to attract and engage the next leader of the Museum. alfred tyler, 2nd Craig Atwood, Director of Finance, 4958 portion of operating expenses than many of its peers, but charitable gifts still provide After Langley’s announcement, a search committee was formed to begin the process of carolyn h. Williams Patti Miller, Store Business Development Manager, 4954 the lion’s share of revenue support. Please consider donating to this year’s Annual Digie McGuirk, Staff Accountant, 4957 finding a new President for the Museum. The committee includes Emeritus and stand- President Devon Duvall, Museum Store Manager, 4962 Fund that closes on April 30, or making a second gift. Planned giving opportuni- ing board members, staff, and the Executive Committee, including myself, serving as langley r. shook Tara Mores, Leslie Price, Museum Store Clerks ties can be found on page 14, including an invitation to join the new Lighthouse ex-officio members. Throughout the process, other volunteers will be solicited for their Emeriti Operations Legacy Society that should especially interest those who love CBMM and its mission, input as well. The process began in December with the search committee interviewing richard t. allen Bill Gilmore, Vice President of Operations, 4949 but who may not feel comfortable making a substantial gift until lifetime financial five executive search firms ranging from solo practitioners to large international firms. howard s. freedlander John Ford, Facilities Manager, 4970 responsibilities are fulfilled. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has donated With a search firm now chosen, we are on our way to meeting the next President of the alan r. griffith Lad Mills, Boat Donations Program Manager, 4942 or arranged a planned gift to the Museum. Your support is what enables us to connect Margaret D. keller Sam Fairbank, Facilities Maintenance Assistant, 4969 Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The interviewing and selection process is expected breene M. kerr Joseph Redman, Facilities Maintenance Assistant, 4969 people from all walks of life to the Chesapeake Bay. Your belief in our Museum is to take approximately six months, during which time Langley will remain on board lead- charles l. lea, Jr. Andrew Walter, Boat Donations Program what allows it to be at the forefront of preserving and exploring the history, environ- Assistant Manager, 4942 ing the Museum. D. ted lewers, MD ment, and people of the Chesapeake Bay. Until that time, we’re continuing to build upon your love of the Chesapeake Bay fred c. Meendsen I cannot close without remembering and cherishing Chrys Alvarado, who we lost through an engaging series of educational and boat restoration programs and a line-up John c. north ii To contact, dial 410-745, and the number listed. after her long and courageous battle with cancer. For a decade Chrys was an absolutely of special events to enjoy. From an oar-making workshop to public sailing days, to our sumner parker To email, use the first initial, full last name @cbmm.org. sensational CBMM volunteer and good friend, who had her helpful hands in almost robert a. perkins kids club and a new decoy exhibit, the Museum offers something to engage every interest Joseph e. peters every facet of what makes CBMM so special. In my time, Chrys was the always and age level. See our calendar on page 24 for more information. And if you missed the James k. peterson cheerful volunteer receptionist at the front desk, a few steps from my office door, on relaunch of the skipjack Rosie Parks, be sure to go online and watch a short video of the norman h. plummer Friday afternoons. Chrys never lost her lovely Roanoke, Virginia accent, and she never historic moment at bit.ly/rosieparks. John J. roberts lost her twinkle and always upbeat personality. Our hearts go henry h. spire out to Ed, another champion CBMM volunteer, and the rest James e. thomas of Chrys’s loving family. Joan Darby West Donald g. Whitcomb 4 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 5 currents cbMM awarded stories of the chesapeake grant; theo's steaks, sides all announces new works with SMHS senior to create interpretive panels & spirits wins oyster officers at January meeting stew competition The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was one of nine opportunity to highlight recipients of the “Stories of the Chesapeake Small Grants” how they were used, why for 2014, awarded by the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage they are special and their Theo’s Steak, Sides & Spirits Area organization. The Museum received funds to create and role in our communi- owner Chris Agharabi install interpretive panels in the small boat shed detailing the ties,” says Director of the recently accepted a plaque various Chesapeake Bay fisheries such as pound netting, gill Center for Chesapeake from the Museum for netting, and the significance of the small crafts featured in Studies Robert Forloney. winning the oyster stew the exhibit. Beginning in September and continuing through Stories of the competition at the 2013 mid-January, St. Michaels High School senior Charles Chesapeake Heritage OysterFest celebration. Six Danenmann interned at the Museum, assisting CBMM Area, focusing on restaurants competed, with Exhibits Specialist Eric Applegarth with the graphic design Caroline, Kent, Queen more than 500 participants of the new signage. Anne’s, and Talbot taking part in blind taste “I’ve really enjoyed interning at CBMM,” says Danenmann. counties, is a program of tests and voting by ballot for “I liked working with staff to create the new panels and Eastern Shore Heritage their favorite stew. all Vice president bob lonergan with John Miller, a presenter of “Master of the Modern short story: alice Munro,” from January 14 to I’ve learned lots of new things that have helped me in my Area, one of several st. Michaels high school senior Theo’s Steaks was served as stew ‘F’ in the tastings. february 4. photo courtesy of katie Wyatt. Interactive Multimedia Design class at SMHS.” He hopes to designated and certi- charles Danenmann. OysterFest participants also picked Roy’s Kwick Korner, continue studying graphic design in college. fied Maryland Heritage from Glen Burnie (stew ‘D’) as second, with third place “We are pleased to have received this award as it will Areas, where public and private partners make commitments going to Bistro of St. Michaels, (stew ‘C’). Mark your The Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) held its allow CBMM to update and expand its interpretive labels to preserve historical, cultural, and natural resources for calendars for next year’s annual OysterFest on Saturday, annual meeting and winter social on January 9 at CBMM. for a large number of small craft, all with tremendous sustainable economic development through heritage tourism. October 25, 2014. Members elected new officers and learned who will serve as significance for the people of the Bay. Each one of these For more information, visit storiesofthechesapeake.org. board members and committee chairs for the organization. boats has a unique story to tell and this grant gives us the ALL is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization committed Mrycf awards grant to to promoting the exploration of ideas, exchanging knowl- edge, and sharing experiences. cbMM sailing program The ALL officers for 2014-2015 are Wilson Wyatt, Jr., President; Robert Lonergan, Vice-President; John Ford, Oyster Recovery Partnership oyster drop-off location now at cbMM Secretary; and Brice Gambler, Treasurer. Nominating Committee members include Ed Delaney, Barbara Reisert, and Ron Lesher, Immediate Past President. CBMM once again partnered with the Oyster Recovery The elected at-large board members will serve staggered Partnership (ORP) to collect 500 gallons of oyster shells at terms. Tom Hollingshead, Anne McCormick, and Ed OysterFest. In addition, the Museum now has four 32-gallon Delaney will serve in 2014. Kate Mann, Jim Adams, and barrels installed alongside the access road off the CBMM Barbara Reisert will serve for 2014-2015. Wyatt named parking lot year-round. The barrels are available any time to the committee chairs, who are appointed by the president members of the public to drop off used shells to be collected and also serve on the board and the executive committee by ORP, who will then transport them to Horn Point for during their terms: Sam Barnett, Curriculum; Esty Collet processing. Each shell recycled is then seeded with an average and Ann DeMart (co-chair), Marketing; Beverley Martin, Membership; Brice Gambler, Finance; and Helen Van of 10 baby oysters and planted back into the Bay in an effort The Miles River Yacht Club Foundation (MRYCF) in Fleet, Registrar. to restore oyster reefs. St. Michaels, MD has awarded the Museum a grant to Attendees at the event also enjoyed hearing Vice The Oyster Recovery Partnership is a nonprofit organi- help underwrite new equipment for the Summer Sailing President Bob Lonergan describe the ALL Winter zation whose mission is to plan, promote, and implement Program. The grant will replace torn sails and provide a new Session courses and events. For more information about science-based and sustainable shellfish restoration, aqua- dolly to move the sailboats. Currently, the Sailing Program these programs, to obtain a catalog for the full semester, culture and wild fishery activities to protect the environment, has only one new sail, which was generously funded by or to register for courses, please call 410-745-4941 or visit support the economy, and preserve cultural heritage. For more MRYCF in 2012. The new equipment is imperative to the cbmm.org/all. information, visit oysterrecovery.org. success of the program. To find out more about our Summer Sailing Program, visit cbmm.org/learn.htm.

6 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 7 currents cbMM welcomes new board members fordham brewing donates proceeds new Decoy exhibit: from Rosie Parks oyster stout Carvers at the Crossroads The Museum’s Board of Governors recently elected three new governors. Video of Fordham Tour: Members Preview: April 11, 2014 (see page 24) Joining for a three-year term are Beth bit.ly/fordhamtour Loker of Royal Oak, MD, Bruce Rogers of Easton, MD and Carolyn Williams of Washington D.C. and Easton, MD. Beth Loker retired after 30 years with The Washington Post in 2003, serving the last 10 years as its vice president of systems and engineering. She has served on several boards of directors, primarily in the health care and media fields, including CareFirst Inc., and currently with Quality Health Strategies and the Copyright Clearance Center. pictured from left: bruce rogers, beth loker, and carolyn Williams were recently elected as new fordham & Dominion brewing president & ceo Jim lutz presents Decoys and tools from upper chesapeake bay carvers, including the In addition to corporate boards, members with three-year terms to the board of governors of the chesapeake bay Maritime cbMM Vice president of communications tracey Munson with a check toolbox of chesapeake city carver leonard pryor, will be featured in Museum in st. Michaels, MD. for $500, proceeds from the sale of the Rosie Parks oyster stout. the exhibit Carvers at the Crossroads. Loker’s volunteer work includes supporting scholarship students at Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company, of Dover, The Chesapeake Bay’s Susquehanna Flats were a mecca for University of Maryland’s Center Delaware, donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale waterfowl hunting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. for Environmental Sciences Horn Trust Company. Rogers attended cbMM alumni event of the Rosie Parks Oyster Stout to the Museum, for the At the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Point Laboratory, and serv- Salisbury University before earning second year in a row. Chesapeake Bay, the rich bottom grasses and shallow open ing as honorary director with the his BS in business from Northwood Beginning in the fall of 2012, CBMM Board “Every year, we look forward to brewing Rosie Parks water provided the perfect habitat for millions of migratory Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Institute in Midland, MI. of Governors alumni have reconnected with the Museum they have served so faithfully Oyster Stout. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is ducks and geese that drew sportsmen and market hunters as well as emerita member and past A graduate of Cambridge University since its founding. In October 2012, then doing important work, and we are excited that our beer alike to the region’s small waterfront towns. chair of The George Washington in England and Yale Law School, Chair of the Board CG Appleby and his wife can help draw attention to it,” says President and CEO Jim In these communities of Maryland’s Cecil and Harford University’s National Council for Carolyn Williams practiced law for 35 Nancy hosted a party to kick off this new Lutz. TheRosie Parks oyster stout is seasonally available in counties, decoy carvers of all skill levels and walks of Arts and Sciences. Loker earned her years with the Washington, D.C. law alumni effort, with two information sessions Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Delaware for a life worked to keep up with the demand for expansive BA degree in philosophy from the firm Williams & Connolly. She special- following in the spring and fall of 2013. limited time. decoy rigs to harvest the blizzards of wildfowl. Although George Washington University and ized in complex civil litigation represent- Emeritus Board Member Howard most carvers developed a unique, identifiable style, decoy completed graduate studies in opera- ing companies such as General Electric Freedlander is leading the alumni effort, construction or decoration styles had a way of flowing tions research and economics. and Pfizer Inc., in defense of product happily accepting CG's request to establish cbMM introduces speaker's bureau between counties, towns, and even states because of Bruce Rogers has served as liability suits and The Washington Post an alumni group. Let the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum bring the connections between different craftsmen—familial ties, president of Sherwood of Salisbury and The National Enquirer in defense of “This effort to enable former governors stories of the Chesapeake's culture, history, and environ- friendship, and sometimes just fancy. for more than 25 years, after serv- defamation actions. to renew their ties to the Chesapeake Bay ment to your organization or group with our new speaker's In the upcoming exhibit, Carvers at the Crossroads: ing as its vice president for seven. Williams serves on the boards of Maritime Museum has been really gratify- ing,” Freedlander said. “The on-campus bureau. Through hour-long presentations by CBMM's cura- Sharing Ideas, Techniques and Styles Across the Chesapeake’s His community involvement includes several professional and charitable session led by CBMM staff offered attend- tors, shipwrights, and educators, your audience can discover Susquehanna Flats, the stories and connections between serving on the advisory council organizations, including the United ees an opportunity to learn about and the history of the Bay's steamboat days, the adventure of log these early 20th century carvers will be told through for Salisbury University’s Franklin States Court of Appeals for the D.C. comment on the strategic plan, while learn- canoe racing, the pleasures of early Chesapeake yacht cruis- artifacts, photographs, and above all, the decoys they P. Perdue School of Business and Circuit’s mediation program, the ing about the Museum's current educational ing, and the stories of watermen making a living on Tangier, created. Like Leonard Pryor, a Chesapeake City carver as board member of the Salisbury Yale Law School Alumni Board, the activities. Both sessions were fascinating Smith and Hooper's Islands. whose elegant birds communicated influences both deeply Foundation Board. He previ- Vestry of Christ Church-Easton and and well-received. I hope that more and The cost is $200 per presentation within a 30-mile local and surprisingly distant, Carvers at the Crossroads will ously served as a member of the the Board of Trustees of the Academy more of our board alumni will attend our radius of CBMM. Presentations outside of the 30-mile connect visitors with a period in Chesapeake history when Community Foundation of the Art Museum in Easton. staff-led activities.” radius incur an additional mileage fee. Two weeks notice the carving techniques and skills of the Susquehanna Eastern Shore, board member of the The next CBMM Board Alumni event is encouraged when booking a speaker. A list of topics is Flats were as abundant and nomadic as the canvasbacks, Calvin B. Taylor Bank, and advisory is scheduled for April 24. Contact René available at cbmm.org/cbmmspeakers. Contact Director of pintails, and blackheads they artfully rendered. Exhibit board member of the Wilmington Stevenson for details at 410-745-4950 or email [email protected]. Education Kate Livie at 410-745-4947 or [email protected] opens April 12, 2014 and continues through November. for more information or to schedule a presentation. 8 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 9 currents new choices for membership ALL MEMBERS cbMM Member perks Membership has its benefits, including discounts on lodging, dining, shopping, and In our ongoing effort to better serve CBMM members, we solicited feedback over the last year to see how we could better RECEIVE: area attractions at 45 local businesses. present your cbMM membership card suit your needs. In addition to increasing amenities for our boaters—including air conditioning in the showers—we have before purchase; discounts apply only to cardholder. restructured membership levels to create more choices. This new membership structure goes into effect when your current • reduced admission membership expires. Until your membership expires, you will continue to enjoy your current level of membership and all its to Museum programs cbMM sponsors Chesapeake Bay Outfitters • 410-745-3107 benefits. When your membership expires, you'll be able to choose a new level of embershipm that best suits your needs and 10% store discount budget. If you have questions, please call our Membership Office at 410-745-4991. and special events Five Gables Inn & Spa • fivegables.com 15% off lodging; mention CBMM discount for reservation Pixel, Print & Post • pixelprintpost.com • member hospitality area 10% off $25+ retail document services, packing & shipping OLD LeVeLs Of MeMBership new ChOiCes at special events Ava's Pizzeria & Wine Bar • avaspizzeria.com Patriot Cruises • patriotcruises.com 10% off regular menu Sun-Thurs $49 Member Season Pass • exclusive monthly Individual Individual $60 Sherwood's Landing & Pursers Pub Member night programs, Visit bit.ly/memberperks to download a complete list • free general admission and reduced festival admission for one The Inn at Perry Cabin • perrycabin.com with more than 45 participating local businesses! adult for one year concerts, presentations 10% off food & beverage Sun-Thurs, no holidays • 10% Museum Store discount • discounts on Museum Family Household $75 classes, workshops, • free general admission and reduced festival admission for two and boat rides adults & children under 18 for one year Do you want no to bring in • 10% Museum Store discount • discounts at partici- • free day docking extra guests? pating local merchants, yes restaurants, hotels, inns, Friends & Family $100 and bed & breakfasts • all benefits of Household plus Contributor • free general admission for two additional guests for one year • CBMM member decal no • Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM) reciprocal and membership cards Do you want admission to over 80 museums nationwide overnight docking • annual subscription to Mariner $125 privileges? yes The Chesapeake Log • all benefits of Family & Friends plus • overnight docking privileges

Supporter Supporter $200 A big thanks to the • all benefits of Mariner plus NEALL FAMILY Don't forget to use your • free docking on second night of visit CHARITABLE FOUNDATION • free head pump out Museum Store discount! We are pleased to announce Benefactor Benefactor $500 the Navy Point showers and Museum members get store discounts, • all benefits of Supporter plus bathrooms will be air conditioned and your purchases support the children • 20% Museum Store discount to benefit our boating members as and adults served by our educational, • free CBMM Burgee well as our visitors, thanks to the exhibit, and boat restoration programming. Neall Family Charitable Foundation. The high efficiency units are Sustaining Sustaining $1,000 books • jewelry • artwork • model kits Energy Star approved and have clothing • ceramics • toys • ornaments • all benefits of Benefactor plus an 18 SEER (Seasonal Energy housewares • keepsakes • and more! • one free night of docking during peak season Efficiency Ratio) rating by the U.S. Department of Energy, making Life Life $2,500 (one time fee) CBMM a first class energy efficient Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Store • all benefits of Sustaining plus facility, minimizing operating costs. 410-745-4962 / online store coming soon! • free signed, limited edition maritime print

10 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 11 curator’s corner Gloucester of the Merchants & Miners cbMM receives several gifts for collection transportation company (top left) CBMM President Langley Shook stands with Ed Hatch (pictured right) who recently donated his 36'' x 48'' by Norman H. Plummer oil painting of the log canoe Edmee S to the Museum. “I was fortunate enough he Museum is fortunate to have to experience sailing on this elegant Tin its collection an oil painting by lady and seeing her under sail is a thing Otto Muhlenfeld of the Merchants of beauty. It is my privilege to donate & Miners Transportation Company this painting to such a prestigious and steamer Gloucester. Muhlenfeld, who informative institution, and it is my died at age 35 in 1907, was known as desire that the painting be placed where the “Port Painter of Baltimore.” He it can be enjoyed,” said Hatch. was born in Baltimore and lived near (top right) Chief Curator Pete Lesher the harbor all his life and his paintings holds up “Hammers and Tongs—Jennifer of harbor activity include vessels of all Lynn,” by renowned Chesapeake artist descriptions including tugs, pilot boats, Marc Castelli, who donated this framed, and steamers. original watercolor to the Museum, in The Baltimore-based Merchants honor of former CBMM Board member & Miners Transportation Company Duane Beckhorn. was incorporated on April 24, 1852. During its existence, the company (bottom left) Larry DeBaugh and his operated passenger and cargo son Fred (pictured left) donated seven fond memories of the Museum and the Do you have an artifact, painting, or steamships that served ports in an oil painting of the steamer Gloucester, by the “port painter of baltimore,” otto Muhlenfeld. model boats, three in exquisite glass Chesapeake Bay. Chesapeake Bay-related ephemera Maryland, Massachusetts, Virginia, display cases. The models range from that you wish to donate to CBMM? Florida, Georgia, Rhode Island, and a delicate mahogany runabout to a (bottom right) Beatrice Schirmer Contact Chief Curator Pete Lesher at Pennsylvania. International service to length, 272.2; beam, 42.0; depth, 16.0; including the captain, were picked from detailed, rigged model of Admiral donated her Bryan Quirk oil painting 410-745-4971 or [email protected]. Havana, Cuba was initiated in 1920, and her original tonnage was 2,541.61 the ocean by the Gloucester and carried Farragut's flagship, USS Hartford. As a of the skipjack Rosie Parks in memory and to Nassau, Bahamas, in 1939, but gross and 1,976.99 net. Her original into Boston. Coincidentally, the Jordan child, Larry spent his summers cruising of her late husband, Howard Gibbons Take a look inside the Museum's collection! unlike the company’s domestic routes, Certificate of Enrollment, issued hailed from Gloucester, Massachusetts. the Chesapeake with his family, and has Schirmer, who loved the water. bit.ly/collectiontour neither of these services endured. Its in Baltimore on November 2, 1893, Her second disaster happened at vessels served the Civil War, the describes her as a “Steel Steamer—has a 4:44am on March 16, 1912 when she Spanish-American War, and World Stem head and a Round stern.” She was collided with the four-masted schooner time, responding to a crash. On June 10, became a huge fireball, showering fiery Her last master, from November Wars I and II. a coal-burning screw steamer. Herbert D. Maxwell off Thomas Point 1930, the Merchants & Miners’ Fairfax streams aboard Fairfax and adjacent 20, 1934, was H.E. Callis. Her last In World War II, most of the You might say Gloucester was an in the Chesapeake Bay. The 186-foot, rammed and sank the tanker Pinthis, water before burning fiercely. All 30 license was surrendered at Baltimore on company’s ships were requisitioned unlucky ship. Her first serious accident Maine-built Maxwell was carrying with the end result of 48 lives lost. of the crew were immediate victims of February 21, 1938, the reason given was for war duty. Unfortunately, after the occurred at 1:30am on September 16, 1,150 tons of fertilizer from Baltimore, Fairfax left Boston in early evening the sudden holocaust, along with 18 “Vessel scrapped,” and under that was war, the company could not afford 1898 while en route from Baltimore bound for Wilmington, North Carolina. in dense fog, blowing fog signals repeat- passengers. rubber-stamped, “Abandoned.” to re-purchase the ships sold to the to Boston, when she struck the fishing The schooner sank and four of her edly. The inboundPinthis emerged from Immediately after the impact, the Gloucester herself may have been government for the war effort, or build schooner Alice C. Jordan off Martha’s crew went down with her. However, a fog bank and blew one blast on her captain sent an SOS, ordered the fire abandoned, but her story lives on in new ships. Operations ended in 1948 Vineyard. As described in The New Gloucester picked up her captain and whistle. Fairfax had only 100 to 200 alarms to be set off, and contacted Muhlenfeld’s fine painting. Other and the company was liquidated in York Times, “TheGloucester struck the the remaining crew. Gloucester broke feet of warning and distance after sight- the Gloucester which was due to leave Muhlenfeld paintings in the Museum 1952. Over the course of its long history, schooner with fearful force nearly in the her foremast and had considerable torn ing Pinthis. TheFairfax hit Pinthis at an Boston about that time. She came by collection show the Merchants & Merchants & Miners had 64 vessels. centre of the port bow and cut into her rigging and broken rails. She made estimated speed of three knots. and took surviving Pinthis passengers to Miners steamers Itasca, and the excur- The steel-hulled Gloucester was built in fully a third of her breadth.” Nine of the port in Baltimore unassisted, guided A gash in the Pinthis’s hull freed shore. Captain Brooked backed Fairfax sion steamboat Ontario, and Rock Creek, 1893 by the Maryland Steel Company schooner’s crewmen died, three killed by Captain J. McDorman. For the thousands of gallons of high-test gaso- away from the Pinthis and anchored as well as the tugs Dauntless, Savage, at Sparrows Point in Baltimore for in the collision, the others trapped Gloucester’s next big adventure, she line to enter her engine room, where away from the burning pyre. Gloucester’s and Pilot #1. $343,000. Her official dimensions were: below when the schooner sank. Seven, was on the other side of the coin this it met the open furnace fires. Pinthis career ended a few years later.

12 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 13 lifelines Volunteer Profile: Martha Austin

by Marie Thomas

artha Austin began volunteering at the Museum in In addition to Mthe spring of 2013, donating her time at the reception volunteering at desk, where she answers calls from the public and assists the Museum and various other departments such as membership and market- working part- ing. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Austin moved time at Pixel, to the Eastern Shore in 1978, after graduating from the Print and Post, University of Maryland at College Park. Martha also Martha met and married her husband, Captain Jack helps with the Austin, in 1979. The Austins have lived in St. Michaels Children’s Home ever since, raising their three daughters, Arianna, Pacy, and Foundation of Claire, now grown. Captain Jack grew up on the mouth of the Episcopal Leeds Creek and according to Martha, “knows the bottom Diocese of of that river better than any crab.” Easton, Maryland, which provides needs-based funding for Martha decided to volunteer at CBMM after the open- local students and adults wishing to pursue technical, job or CBMM Welcomes Founding Members of the ing of Push and Pull: Life on Chesapeake Bay Tugboats exhibit, career training. which features her husband, Captain Jack, a tugboat captain. “Helping and encouraging students and adults to real- LIGHTHOUSE LEGACY SOCIETY “I really appreciated the recognition CBMM gave to mari- ize there are other options besides the traditional four-year ners and the tugboat industry in general, because there is an college route and helping them pay for vocational training LEAVING A LEGACY…These generous friends have pledged a legacy gift of $25,000 awful lot that goes on in the region that depends on them,” is very important,” says Martha. “There are so many career or more to ensure future generations of visitors will be able to experience and says Martha. opportunities out there, from nursing, electronics, welding, appreciate the rich heritage, culture, traditions, and challenges facing the Chesapeake “I realized, as a resident of St. Michaels, how important maritime, hospitality, and so many others, and we want to Bay and the people who have shaped their lives around it. CBMM is—it’s the backbone of this town, and I really care help people find what works best for them.” about it. I appreciate the heritage, especially the maritime “I’d really encourage anyone new to the area to get history that is preserved here. And it’s just great how the involved at CBMM. This really is the jumping off point to NANCY & CG APPLEBY FRANk MARshALL ALExA & ToM sEIP Museum shares this experience with such a broad audi- getting to know the area and its people,” says Martha. ELLEN & RIChARd BodoRFF NANCY & FREd MEENdsEN kAREN & LANGLEY shook ence—people who don’t live here can come and appreciate GLoRIA & JAMEs GIBsoN PAMELA & dENNIs PITT LINdA & hENRY sPIRE it,” adds Martha. GREG GuThMAN ELLEN & NoRMAN PLuMMER JudY & hENRY sTANsBuRY ChRIsToPhER hAVENER BRuCE RAGsdALE RENÉ & ToM sTEVENsoN JANE & FRANCIs hoPkINsoN RosA & sTEVE sANds BEVERLY & RIChARd TILGhMAN Upcoming Volunteer Docent Training, Van Lennep Auditorium These sessions are for docents who have completed the annual General Tour Training. The two-part sessions offer background and content information, The LIGhThousE LEGACY soCIETY was launched in June 2013 with a donor’s challenge to generously match as well as practical and applied instruction in CBMM's exhibits and campus. Both sessions are mandatory for each program training to be successfully completed. Contact Director of Education Kate Livie at [email protected] or 410-745-4947 for more information or to register. bequests of $25,000 or more. This challenge was met and extended by another anonymous donor, resulting in over $8.2 million in legacy gifts committed in just the past six months. Bay Bounty Tour Training: March 11 & 13, 10am-12:30pm Through a series of informative and hands-on orientation sessions, We invite you to join these founding members by naming Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in your will or trust, St. Michaels Walking Tour Training: March 12 & 14, 10am-12:30pm the Museum provides volunteers with a wealth of knowledge about or as a beneficiary of your IRA or life insurance policy or other planned gift, so the Museum’s mission of preserving Chesapeake culture, history, and its environment. All volunteers Bay Discovery Tour Training: March 18 & 20, 10am-12:30pm and exploring the history, environment and people of the Chesapeake Bay will continue to impact generations to participate in basic training sessions and have the opportunity to come. or join our friends in the Museum’s PERPETuAL MARINERs soCIETY, who have previously named CBMM Oystering Legacy Tour Training: March 25 & 27, 10am-12:30pm expand their knowledge with specialized training sessions, focusing on specific topics and programs. Contact Melissa Spielman at in their estate plans. The future of the Museum is in the hands of generous people like you. Crab Cakes Program Training: April 1, 10am-12:30pm 410-745-4956 for more information or email [email protected]. For more information, contact René stevenson at 410-745-4950 or [email protected]. 14 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 15 Rosie Parks FLOATS

by Dick Cooper

ysterFest started out more like a September day than a Saturday in ONovember—warm and windless, the air fresh and clear. The campus of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum was scrubbed and painted and the Lady of Honor, the skipjack Rosie Parks, sat high on the marine rail- way overlooking the gathering crowd, a bouquet of red roses gracing her bowsprit. For most of the day, folks were queued up at the oyster-shucking tables, slurping down the Bay’s bounty, judging an oyster-stew contest, or taking in the wares of the gathered vendors. It was like so many other fall festivals—but then it changed. About 3:30 in the afternoon there was a quiet but noticeable move- ment toward the Boat Shop, the beating heart of the Museum. The crowd started to form along safety ropes lining the marine railway. Those who were savvy and quick enough had already taken up coveted places high above on the Hooper Strait Lighthouse’s decks and cupola. After three years of painstaking work by shipwrights, apprentices, volunteers and even school children, the fully restored Rosie Parks, one of the most celebrated skipjacks in the Bay’s oystering history, was being launched to resume her life as the Museum’s floating ambassador. “We counted over 4,500 people in attendance,” Museum President Langley Shook said. “Which set an all-time record for a single day crowd in the almost 48 years since the Museum was founded. And we set it by a pretty good margin.” a view of the relaunch from the hooper strait lighthouse. photo by tom stevenson. The crowd hushed as Museum dignitaries spoke about how the rebirth Watch a video of the launch at bit.ly/rosierelaunch . of the Rosie Parks had become a focal point for staff, volunteers, and visi- tors. They talked of how the project became a centerpiece to show off the “Everything I have heard from every Seeing Rosie on the railway that day, In many ways she was a symbol days of sail power. Made of cheap local time-honored skills the Museum has a mission to preserve. Former Board board member has been entirely all gussied up with her colorful name of hard times at the Museum in the pine fastened to ribs of local oak, they Chairman Joe Peters got a round of applause when current Chairman Tom positive,” Shook said. “Those who were boards, varnished brightwork, and crisp middle of the Great Recession and a were not built to last. Most skipjacks Seip presented him with a beautiful, scale-model half hull of the Rosie. keen on the reconstruction saw it as a waterline, it was hard to recall a time constant reminder of the ill effects of that were worked hard and put away Peters is credited with being one of the strongest proponents for the way to generate some excitement and when this queen of the oyster fleet years of deferred maintenance. Rosie wet did not survive much past 25 years. rebuild in the face of stiff opposition by some who thought the old boat be a unifying force to draw attention had been a derelict hulk, rotting in her was suffering from the common disease Their captains often felt it easier to too far gone to bring back. They argued it would be a waste of good money and energy to the Museum. Now that slip and in constant danger of sinking. of her species, wood rot. Skipjacks have another built than to keep up the with so many other projects needing funding; a point of view that most, if it is completed I can say that unques- When she was hauled to prevent that were designed and built to be stable tedious and expensive repairs. not all, have since reversed. tionably it succeeded.” fate she instantly began falling apart. workstations for dredging oysters in the Continued on page 18

16 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 17 feature

So how did Rosie make it to the Parks Harding, Bronza’s daughter and ready to launch a boat, he would ripe old age of 59? To begin with, she her son Pres Harding, and Sharon Weber crank the handle on a fire engine siren had good bones and a style and grace and Tom Parks, Orville’s grandchildren, mounted on the wall of his boat shop uncommon in an oysterman’s world of climbed up on a platform at the bow of in Wingate and the residents of the rough edges and quick fixes. And she the skipjack. The petite Mrs. Harding hamlet would come out their homes, in had a name and pedigree that made was handed a large bottle of cham- from the fields and workboats to help. her historically important to preserve, pagne wrapped in burlap. She took a Several members of his crew were mu- in order to protect the history of the two-handed swing at the bow with the sicians and would pull out their guitars, Chesapeake Bay. bottle but it failed to break. That did fiddles, and mandolins and play gospel She was built in 1955 by Bronza not discourage the matriarch of the tunes as the boats were rolled down on Parks, a self-taught master craftsman extended Parks family. large-wheeled wagons to the water’s whose southern Dorchester County edge. When the tide was high enough boatyard in Wingate, MD, built to launch, they would sing Bronza’s hundreds of boats for more than three favorite song of all, “Just a Closer Walk decades in the mid-20th century. with Thee.” Bronza built the skipjack for his older The crowd let out another cheer (top row, from left) cbMM chair of the board brother, Captain Orville Parks, who when Rosie’s rudder touched the water Tom Seip (right) presents former Chair Joe Peters was known on the Bay as one of the and later roared when she floated free with a scale-model half hull of the Rosie. the best oystermen to ever sail a lick. in the harbor. crowd begins to gather. pres harding speaks before the relaunch. photos by cbMM. Bronza’s life was cut short on May “I was thrilled during the entire 13, 1958 when he was shot and killed ceremony,” Mrs. Harding said. “I can’t (middle row, from left) pres harding, Mary parks harding, sharon Weber and tom parks by a mentally ill client over the cost of think of a greater tribute to Dad and rechristen the Rosie. photos by Dick cooper. a custom boat being built. The murder Uncle Orville.” (bottom row, from left) the crowd cheered as case dragged through courts on both Throughout the afternoon, Theodore the Rosie kissed the water. photos by cbMM. the Eastern and Western Shores for a Cephas, a lean man with the weathered decade, garnering front-page headlines hands and face of a waterman and gray at every legal twist. Captain Orville flecks in his beard and hair, watched Theodore Cephas, first mate aboard went on to win numerous skipjack quietly from the VIP tent next to the the Rosie for more than 20 years, races at the helm of the Rosie Parks and railway slip. Old friends and members was the first person to step aboard the newly relaunched skipjack. was named “Admiral of the Chesapeake” of the Parks family who have known photo by Dick cooper. by then Governor J. Millard Tawes. In Cephas since they were children hugged Watch the recap of the entire restoration project 1970, an ABC television show entitled him and made small talk. Cephas was by DelmarvaLife at bit.ly/RosieDelmarvaLife. “The Chesapeake Oystermen” featured Orville Parks’ first mate on the Rosie and him and the Rosie Parks. A news clip (top) bronza parks. (bottom) orville parks. had worked her decks for 20 years side promoting the show said Captain Parks by side with the Captain; a man he said was “the embodiment of the skill, The crowd waited patiently while “could catch oysters on a state road.” determination and courage demanded she took four more cracks at the bow When the Rosie was tied off of this special breed of seamen.” and then burst in cheers when the securely along the dock, the assembled On the advice of his doctor, Captain bottle exploded white foam over the Parks family members stepped back Orville got out of oystering at the age skipjack like a wave. Sharon Weber making a path for Cephas. With a of 78 and sold the Rosie to the Museum stepped up to represent her branch of quick and practiced motion, he was in 1975. He died the next year just the family tree and fared a little better, on board the spotless white decks weeks after his 80th birthday. breaking her bottle on the second try. and headed straight for the helm. He The rechristening during the 2013 As they stepped back, the Rosie Parks reached a hand out and caressed the OysterFest took on a more spiritual began to slide slowly down the railway cabin top and then a thin smile crossed tone as the Reverend Mark Nestlehutt, as Arlinda Barnes—a vocalist from his lips as he touched a wooden spoke rector of Christ Church in St. Michaels, Trappe, Maryland with a soulful, rich of the wheel, his eyes sparkling as if for blessed the Rosie and led the crowd in voice—began singing, “Just a Closer only a moment he could see back over prayer. There was silence while Mary Walk with Thee.” When Bronza was the decades. 18 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 19 how Boat Days are here again: SThe James Adams Floating Theatre

by Kate Livie

he posters came first. Screaming Twith gaudy colors and emblazoned (top) the floating theatre with its two tugs, capitalizing on it in 1913 with the a seasonal flux in members, a few with ladies emerging from a haze Trouper and Elk. in 1933, the vessel changed construction of a 128-foot barge in regulars cottoned to the Playhouse’s of stars and clouds, legs extended ownership and had a name change to “the Washington, North Carolina, named nomadic lifestyle and became featured in a Jazz-Age salute, the imminent original floating theater,” a strategy of the Playhouse. Within its 30-by-80 foot stars of the theater’s reviews. Beulah new owner, nina howard, to capitalize on the auditorium appointed in a cream, blue Adams, the sister of James, performed appearance was heralded: “Coming! success of edna ferber's novel, Showboat. Coming! Coming! Show Boat Days and gold color scheme, there was trademark roles as the paragon of the Are Here Again!” Pasted on the walls (opposite page) these posters, or “heralds,” room for 500 on the floor and 350 in blushing ingénue. Known as the “Mary were used promotionally in small towns the balcony, providing the capacity to Pickford of the Chesapeake,” with her of Maryland and Virginia’s remote river along the James adams floating theatre's towns, these visual whoops of excite- circuit. pasted on walls a few weeks prior to perform for entire towns. Adams spared trademark sausage curls, dimpled smile ment shared the news of the James the showboat's arrival, heralds such as this no expense—his “Floating Theatre” and petite stature (as well as the help Adams Floating Theatre’s hotly one from 1927 created a buzz of excitement boasted a stage, room for a 10-piece of some artfully-applied stage makeup), anticipated arrival. amongst potential theater-goers. concert band and a 6-piece orchestra, a she continued performing convincingly In the deeply rural and isolated galley, a dining room, running water, as a young girl on the Floating Theatre’s Chesapeake of the early 20th century, and room for 25 live-aboard cast and stage until she retired at age 46. tidewater communities like Crumpton, crew. The exterior was painted an Charles Hunter, Beulah’s husband, Tappahannock and St. Michaels were and culture in remote locales. These immaculate white, with dark trim, was another longtime Floating Theatre places where life revolved around small stages, ranging from utilitarian porches, and balconies. troupe member, playing character roles seasonal cycles on the water and the platforms to elaborately appointed Its design, however, was pragmatic as from straight men to love interests. land—tomatoes, peaches, and crabmeat entertainment palaces, hosted various well as pretty—drawing only 14 inches During the vessel’s second season in in summer, with oysters, waterfowl, troupes of travelling performers during of water when it was empty of audiences 1915, he joined the cast, eventually and muskrat in winter. For Bay folk the heyday of the “American Repetoire meant the Playhouse could easily reach moving up to direct plays and provide tethered to the river, it was an ordinary Theater Movement.” the little towns crowded like barnacles artistic oversight. Hunter, although life, stable but utterly devoid of glam- During a peak of popularity last- alongside the Chesapeake’s shallow a versatile and competent actor, was our. From Reedville to Chestertown, ing the first four decades of the 20th tributaries. Towed on either end by dogged by extremely poor eyesight. Chesapeake communities were starved century, travelling repertoire compa- two tugs, Trouper and Elk, and embla- To look younger for roles, he’d remove for an infusion of glittery escapism. nies, comprised of a corps of versatile zoned with “James Adams Floating his thick glasses before going onstage, The James Adams Floating Theatre's actors and musicians, provided the Theatre” in lettering two feet tall, the clinging to the curtain to enter and exit, dockside bulk was a Faberge egg of villain in Sunset Trail. From 1914 to carnival business. In the late 19th main source of entertainment for small theater’s buoyant bulk made its leisurely blindly groping his way back to the delights promising a panacea for 1941, the Floating Theatre enchanted century, as a retinue of showboats town America. Melodramas, musicals, way to river communities throughout wings once his act was over. humdrum hamlet life: a week of small towns and cities throughout plied their trade throughout the rivers and romantic comedies were the most the watershed between April and Pop Neel was another longtime nightly romance, adventure, comedy, the Chesapeake’s tributaries. Long of the Midwest, Adams discovered popular offerings, followed by farces November annually. Floating Theatre cast member. A grizzled and music in the 800-capacity audito- after its circuit was abandoned for while working in the Southeast that and minstrel shows. Modern audiences Once the Floating Theatre appeared veteran of the carnival circuit, Neel had rium. As long as they had water access newfangled “talkies” and “colored the opportunity of a carnival circuit on would find the fare lowbrow and hammy, dockside, its small-town hosts could played with scores of circus bands until and a few dimes squirreled away, audi- pictures,” the legacy of the magical the East Coast was still wide open. It but in farm towns and fishing villages, anticipate a week of nightly entertain- he came aboard the Playhouse in 1914 ences along Bay tributaries could sigh little showboat lived on in the memo- was a time period when, according to it was an escape from the hard physical- ment, from plays and musicales to at the age of 56. A cornet player, Neel with the lovelorn ingénue in Tempest ries of its audiences. the U.S. census, more than 60% of the ity of a world where machines had just concerts of the latest popular tunes. played competently until his age and and Sunshine, discover ‘whodunnit’ The Floating Theatre was the American population still lived in rural, begun to make everyday life easier. Vaudeville bits and specialties performed health began to take their toll on his in The Boy Detective, and shout with brainchild of a seasoned entertainer agricultural communities. But even the Adams, a savvy showman, knew by company actors and musicians added teeth. By the early 30’s, his dental state encouragement as winsome cowboys and vaudevillian, James Adams, who humblest of towns often boasted its well the demand for small-town variety and comedic relief to the play- was as dilapidated as an old picket fence. defeated the magnificently-mustached had made his fortune in the travelling own theater, an outpost of civilization travelling entertainment, and set about bill. While the company experienced Continued on page 22

20 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 21 feature

failure for the showboat—regardless “Tales of river. Stories of show boat Hunter stayed under new management, of their “forward-thinking” separate life. Characterizations. Romance. times had changed and business contin- seating. For the Bay region’s African- Adventures. River history. Stage super- ued to fall off. Audiences throughout Americans, many restricted to low- stition. I had a chunk of yellow copy the showboat’s circuit were no longer wage menial jobs, the ticket prices paper in my hand. On this I scribbled transported by the sentimental romances were far from affordable. James Adams without looking down, afraid to glance and slap-stick comedy after experiencing acknowledged this disparity for The away for fear of breaking the spell.” the elaborate sets and subtle, emotional Saturday Evening Post in 1925 when he Ferber published Showboat to public acting of the moving pictures. commented to the interviewer, “The acclaim in 1926—it spent 12 weeks on By 1936, Hunter and Adams finally 20-35-50 cent scale is a bit beyond the The New York Times bestseller list, and quit and began a land-based touring range of the negro population. Most of inspired a blockbuster Broadway musi- company. In 1938, the showboat sank them… (wait) on the wharf, listen to cal of the same name in 1927. Although for the third time in the Roanoke the music inside, and wait for the 15-cent the story was fictionalized with a River. Three years later, again under concert after-show.” Mississippi setting and an imaginary new ownership, the Floating Theatre A showboat staffer in the late 20’s cast of characters, the glories of the caught fire in Savannah, Georgia. Her and early 30’s, Maisie Comardo, identi- Floating Theatre’s limelight and the flocked wallpaper, dressing rooms with fied another reason African-Americans cruelties of the Jim Crow Chesapeake knotty pine, cramped, oil-splattered avoided the Floating Theatre—curfews. were addressed with arresting realism galley, and the gold and silver painted Comardo reflected in an interview years on Ferber’s Cotton Blossom. seats of her auditorium flickered in later that many African-Americans did The success ofShowboat— immortal- the blaze of her final curtain call. It not want to linger in the white part of ized on the page, the stage, and in 1936 had been a good run. So many dusty town as the concert ended. on the big screen—helped to ensure Chesapeake towns had drowsed under Frequently, small Chesapeake towns the memory (albeit slightly embel- the Floating Theatre’s spell, roaring restricted their main streets after-hours lished) of the James Adams Floating with laughter, crying in sympathy, for white-only use, with violent reper- Theatre would never disappear entirely. clapping their hands and singing along cussions if those restrictions were The publication of Ferber’s Showboat to “Buffalo Girl” and “Let Me Call ignored. For many locations throughout and the subsequent adaptations that You Sweetheart.” the circuit, that curfew would have followed marked the acme of the Through World War I and the started before the showboat’s final Floating Theatre’s history. As its star Depression, the great monolithic hulk this headline from The Baltimore Sun in november, 1925 features three of the floating theatre's core staff—married actors beulah adams, left, and charles hunter, right, with owner James adams, below. over the course of its run, the James adams floating theatre attracted much press attention, curtain call—effectively eliminating set, the movie industry and radio were of the Floating Theatre approaching with writers traveling from as far as new york city to cover the showboat's colorful players and featured entertainment. any chance of attendance for all people becoming powerful cultural juggernauts, downriver meant diversion from your of color in the community. These racial supplanting repertoire companies as the troubles, a blissful cocktail of comedy, disparities were to become nation- small-town choice for entertainment. razzle dazzle, and glittery fantasy. In order to keep performing, the we carried buckets of water up and I he’d sit down in his Hollywood Hills ally famous when the Playhouse was By the late 1920’s the Floating Although audiences would never again Floating Theatre’s management bought would do two different actors’ rooms at home to write to the scrappy water immortalized in Edna Ferber’s novel, Theatre was facing hard times. In 1927, gather each night by the town wharf, him a bass fiddle, one he played until a time, so all of them had fresh water. carrier from Crumpton, who would Showboat. Ferber had first visited the she sank near Norfolk Harbor, requir- ticket in hand, the theater’s music and his retirement in 1939 at age 79. And that night, I’d get in free, because later grow up to eventually become Floating Theatre in 1924, while the ing expensive repairs, and again in mugging entertainers would live on in Locals were encouraged to support the I was a waterboy.” grandfather to the author of this article. vessel was in Crumpton, Maryland for 1929, near the Great Dismal Swamp. their delighted memories, and in the Showboat’s visits, which resulted in Bayne later became a pen pal with Not all audiences were equal, however, a week, and later travelled to North The Great Depression only continued stories they told to their children and some special perks for those willing one of the actors, Thayer Roberts, whom for the Floating Theatre. This was Carolina in the spring of 1925 for a the downward spiral for the showboat. grandchildren. Certainly, this author’s to pitch in. Young boys were often he’d befriended during a visit in 1935. the heart of the Jim Crow era in the second, longer stay. Entertainment became a luxury for grandfather was no exception. singled out for minor chores, toting and Roberts, a seasoned vaudeville performer, Chesapeake, when separate-but-equal Through her own observations and down-on-their-luck audiences who “It was special to be picked, and I fetching, in exchange for tickets to that went on after his stint with the Floating was anything but, and the showboat interviews with the Floating Theatre’s felt keenly the pinch in their pocket- went to help every day, so I could go at evening’s entertainment. Theatre to transition from theater to was no exception. Anticipating mixed- cast, especially Charles Hunter, Ferber books. By 1933, it was the end of an night,” said Pop-pop, Hartley Bayne, Hartley Bayne, a Crumpton resident film and played bit roles in B movies race audiences, the balcony was origi- compiled extensive notes onboard the era. James Adams sold the Floating reminiscing about his waterboy days in in the 1930’s, remembers the thrill for the rest of his career. Though his nally advertised in 1914 as “reserved Playhouse, documenting the culture Theatre to a St. Michaels woman, Crumpton. “It was the best week of the of “working” for the Floating Theatre life took him far from the sweltering for colored people exclusively,” a novel and community of the little show- Nina B. Howard, who managed the year, and everybody in the whole town as a 10 year-old: “The actors had their tidewater where he’d trod the boards arrangement for the time that galled boat and the isolated tidewater towns boat with the help of her son, Milford was there, at the showboat.” private rooms on the Showboat. They for small-town audiences, it seems many who preferred their entertain- it visited. Ferber later described the Seymoure, and changed the name from had to have fresh water, and water to he never quite managed to forget his ment be strictly segregated along racial rich content of her interviews with “The James Adams Floating Theatre” bathe in. So the boys in Crumpton, and summers aboard the Floating Theatre. lines. However, the attempt to draw Charles Hunter, who was a bit of a to “The Original Floating Theater.” I guess, Centreville and Chestertown, From time to time over the next decade, more diverse audiences proved to be a raconteur once he finally opened up: Although Beulah Adams and Charles

22 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 23 calendar

programs/member nights/special events feb/march/april/may/summer Model Guild Two-day Half-hull Carving Class Boatyard Programs saturday & sunday, March 29 & 30 This Old Chesapeake House Speaker Series Blessing of the Fleet 9am to 5pm in the bay history building. $80 for cbMM Members CBMM Friday Open Boat Shop per session cost is $10 for cbMM members and $15 for non- Wednesday, april 9 and $95 for non-members. all tools and materials are supplied. March 7, april 18, May 9, June 9 members. space is limited and pre-registration is required by 5pm, hooper strait lighthouse. Members free. pre-registration required by calling 410-745-4941. contact 5:30-8:30pm. $20 cbMM members & $30 non-members. contacting helen Van fleet at 410-745-4941. rsVp to Debbie collison at 410-745-4991 by april 8. Model guild Director bob Mason for more information at register with Jenn kuhn by calling 410-745-4980 or email Old houses are a part of the character of the Chesapeake land- help launch this year’s boating season with members, volunteers, 410-745-3266 or [email protected]. [email protected]. participants must be 16 or older, unless scape and serve as a reminder of history’s role in our day-to-day and boatyard staff for an official ceremony honoring our own floating this two-day half-hull model-building workshop invites participants accompanied by an adult lives. these sessions explore the history, restoration, and ongo- fleet of Bay boats, as well as local work boats. Ceremony will be led to create a half-hull model of the Pride of Baltimore II. Band sawed ing preservation efforts of old houses, large and small, public and by the reverend Kevin M. Cross. from a block and carved to the rounded shape of the Pride's hull, Members of the public are invited to the boat shop to work on private, from throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. the half-hull model is then mounted on a baseboard to form a fine small projects of their own, or bring ideas for a future project, and Members Preview - Carvers at the Crossroads wall display piece. receive the advice of an experienced shipwright and wood worker. A Home to Heroes/House of Worship: friday, april 11 Buffalo Soldier House, Asbury & Bethel Churches on the Hill 5:30pm in the Waterfowling building. Members free. Boater Safety Courses Oar Making saturday & sunday, april 5 & 6 in the boat shop Wednesday, february 26 refreshments served. pre-register with cheryl Miller april 16 & 17, May 14 & 15, June 18 & 19 two-day session runs from 10am-4pm both days. $60 cbMM 10-11:30am in the Van lennep auditorium at 410-745-4943 by april 7. July 16 & 17, august 13 & 14 6-10pm in the Van lennep auditorium. the cost is $25 per two- members, $80 non-members, plus the cost of materials, approx. Join Morgan state University professor Dale glenwood green as get a sneak peek at the newest decoy exhibit. the Chesapeake's evening session, with space limited and pre-registration required. $50, depending on oar dimensions. pre-registration required to he explores the hill Community project in easton, MD, which susquehanna flats were a mecca for waterfowl hunting in the late register with helen Van fleet at 410-745-4941. Jenn kuhn at 410-745-4980 of [email protected]. for ages 16 and historians and archaeologists believe to be the oldest United 19th and 20th century. in these communities of Maryland's Cecil up unless accompanied by an adult. states community of free persons of color still in existence. and harford counties, decoy carvers of all skill levels and walks of Any Maryland boater born after July 1, 1972, is required to have life worked to keep up with the demand for expansive decoy rigs. a Certificate of Boating safety education, in order to operate a Under the direction of CBMM Boatyard program Manager Jenn vessel. the certificate is obtained by passing a Department of Kuhn, learn to handcraft your own set of oars specific to your Historic Walking Tour of St. Michaels their stories will be told through artifacts, photographs, and the natural resources-approved boating safety course, and once vessel, or just for decoration. when registering, be sure to specify friday, March 7, from 10-11:30am decoys they created. obtained; the Certificate is valid for life. participants completing what type of vessel your oars are for, and we’ll help you deter- participants will meet at the Museum for a maritime walking Naval History of the Chesapeake Bay the Boater safety course and passing the test will receive this mine its dimensions. white pine will be provided unless another tour of historic st. Michaels, led by CBMM Chief Curator and Certificate. the course is also recommended for anyone looking material is requested in advance, or provided by participants. st. Michaels historic District Commissioner pete Lesher. Lesher tuesday, June 10, 2014 to become a safer, more experienced boater. Bring a bagged lunch. Class size is limited. will make the houses of st. Michaels come alive by sharing the 5pm in the Van lennep auditorium. Member free. stories of the town's shipbuilding past where privateers and rsVp to Debbie collison at 410-745-4991 by June 6. Lighthouse Overnight Adventures Public Sailing Days at CBMM select fridays & saturdays in april, May & June fridays, June 20, July 18, august 15, september 19 schooners were constructed, to its bustling heyday as a town Join Associate Director/senior Curator for the U.s. naval Academy built on the Chesapeake's oyster and crab industries. cost: $40 per person, 12-person minimum and 18-person two-hour sessions from 1-5pm Museum James w. Cheevers, for an in-depth illustrated presenta- maximum, which includes the overnight program fee, two day’s saturdays, June 21, July 19, august 16, september 20 tion on the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay relating to the admission to cbMM, an official lighthouse patch, and a copy of two-hour sessions from 10am-4pm Member Nights U.s. navy. From a Lighthouse Window Cookbook. to register, contact helen $10 per person per session plus Museum admission. Drop-in par- Early Yachting on the Chesapeake: Van fleet at 410-745-4941. ticipation is available, but reservations are encouraged as small “A Perfect Paradise for the Cruiser” Your group can spend the night in our 1879 hooper strait craft are limited. for more information call 410-745-4980 or email Lighthouse! travel back in time to experience the rustic life of a [email protected]. thursday, february 20, 2014 Education Programs lighthouse keeper with hands-on, interactive activities, games, and get out on the water in one of the Museum’s wooden sailing or 5:30pm in the Van lennep auditorium. Members free. stories. the program, designed for youth groups, children’s orga- rowing skiffs. Built by the Apprentice for a Day public boatbuilding rsVp to Debbie collison at 410-745-4991. Model Guild Lapstrake Skiff Model Workshop nizations and scouts ages 8-12 (and their chaperones) is available friday, february 28, 6-9pm and saturday & sunday, March 1 & 2 program, the boats used range in size and are built for one to two Using sources from the 1870s through the 19th century, Chief fridays and saturdays in the spring and fall, beginning at 6pm 9am to 5pm in the bay history building. $80 for cbMM Members people, with instruction provided for beginners. Curator pete Lesher explores the gradual discovery of the Chesapeake and ending at 9am the following morning. and $95 for non-members. all tools and materials are supplied. Bay as an ideal cruising ground. the image of the Bay through the pre-registration required by calling 410-745-4941. contact Kids Club eyes of the people who discovered its beauty has changed over time, June 16 - July 25. session dates and themes to be announced. Model guild Director bob Mason for more information at Special Events but some constants remain, from the Chesapeake’s picturesque contact Director of education kate livie at 410-745-4947 410-745-3266 or [email protected]. coves to the summer squalls so characteristic of the area. with questions or email [email protected] A lapstrake skiff model-building workshop invites participants to 5th Annual WineFest,‘‘Wines from Around the World’’ the Museum's weekly Kids Club is a half-day, hands-on Chesapeake- saturday & sunday, april 26 & 27 – town-wide, st. Michaels “Magic Lantern Story:” An Evening with Marc Castelli build, step-by-step, a 10 inch wooden rowing skiff with lapped focused camp for kids ages 4 to 7, where children learn about the Tasting venue located at CBMM (lawns of administration buildings) tuesday, March 11, 2014 side planking and a flat bottom. CBMM's Model guild welcomes Bay firsthand through activities, stories, games, and crafts. 12noon-5pm daily. early bird discounts and advance tickets 5:30pm in the Van lennep auditorium. Members free. anyone 12 years of age and older to take part in these classes, available at winefestatstmichaels.com rsVp to Debbie collison 410-745-4991 by March 7. and encourages new members of all skill levels to participate in Summer Sailing Program experience more than 300 international, national, and Maryland renowned Chesapeake artist Marc Castelli will share a unique the guild, use its facilities, and trade model boatbuilding June 16 - august 15. session dates to be announced. wines at 15 pouring venues within walking distance of one another. slide presentation featuring his annual show of photographs experience with CBMM visitors. A special rate for a parent-child contact Director of education kate livie at 410-745-4947 proceeds from the festival benefit charitable organizations collected while out on the water with watermen in all seasons team can accommodate younger children. with questions or email [email protected] throughout the region. of the year. explore the Miles river and learn maritime skills while learning to sail a boat in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. sessions include Basic, Advanced, and Adult & teen sailing. 24 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 25 on the rail

Elf Classic Yacht Race on the rail saturday, May 17 Potomac River Dory Boat Race finishes at 4pm at the Museum, where spectators can watch the boats come in. free for The restoration of the Potomac members or with Museum admission. River Dory began in early January Join Elf and other classic sailing yachts for a true and continues over the course of yachtsman's race. the eastport Yacht Club in this winter. The Dory is a 1931 Annapolis will serve as the departure point. this oyster tonging boat built at Banks event is organized by the Classic Yacht restoration guild to create the sensibilities of yacht racing of the O’Dee, Maryland. Shipwrights, 1880s when the races began on shore; including the apprentices, and volunteers have Meet our newest addition, resident salty row to the boat on mooring or anchor, making sail worked to replace the shaft log, boatyard cat and Chief Mousing Officer. and reversing the process at the finish—in this case keel section, and bottom planking, View more photos online at bit.ly/EdnaSprit. signing the race log on the grounds of the Museum. which will be done in 6/4 white for more information, contact rick Carrion at cedar. Once the paint is finished and the Ford Straight-6 engine [email protected] or visit cyrg.org/elfclassic.htm. is installed, the Dory Boat will rejoin the Museum’s floating fleet Maritime Model Expo of historic vessels with her relaunch out on the Miles River in St. saturday, May 31 & sunday, June 1 Michaels sometime in late March. sat., 10am-4pm & sun., 10am-3pm “With the Dory’s launch, the CBMM floating fleet will now be free for members or with Museum admission maintaining 11 boats in the water, and all are operational,” says held in conjunction with the Museum's Model guild Vessel Maintenance Manager Michael Gorman. and the north American steamboat Modelers Association, this expo includes radio-controlled Delaware models powered by steam, battery, and wind. static The 1912 tugboatDelaware was hauled in September for her displays of highly detailed and realistic models by annual maintenance and some additional repairs. Shipwrights the washington shop Model society and others will and apprentices replaced two garboard planks of Douglas fir and be featured, as well as activities for children. removed the shaft to assess the condition of the shaft alley and deadwood in addition to recaulking and painting. With assistance from Kastel Brothers of St. Michaels, shipwrights updated the shaft save-the-date coupling and serviced the propeller. Martha Antique & Classic Boat Festival June 13, 14, 15 (father’s Day weekend) The 1934 Bronza Parks-built Hooper Island draketail’s (or dovetail) yearly maintenance consisted of fresh paint and the Big Band Night replacement of zincs and cotton caulking. Shipwrights took July 5, (rain date: July 6) measurements for the new planks to be milled this winter and Mosaic Workshop ran her fuel clean for winter storage. August 9 Rosie's Pushboat Watermen’s Appreciation Day August 10 Shipwrights constructed a new keel, made patterns of the top side planks in order to make new ones, and shaped a new transom. Charity Boat Auction Work will continue through the spring. The boatyard is currently August 30 (Labor Day weekend) seeking a donation of a four cylinder, 150 horsepower diesel Boating Party Fundraising Gala engine for the pushboat. If you have an engine or would like to september 13 donate toward the purchase of one, contact Project Manager Mark Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival Donohue at 410-745-4967 or [email protected]. October 4 & 5 (first row) potomac river Dory boat. OysterFest (second row, first two photos) potomac river Dory boat. October 25 – new DAte! (second row, last photo) Draketail Martha. (third row) tug Delaware. (fourth row) skipjack Rosie Parks's pushboat. 26 winter/spring 2014 THE CHESAPEAKE LOG THE CHESAPEAKE LOG winter/spring 2014 27