 |
|
|
The classic Chesapeake Bay deadrise workboat is in trouble.
With the decline in seafood harvest and virtual disappearance
of the oyster, many watermen have had to find work ashore. Wooden
boats need to be used and maintained or they die. The three and
five log canoes, from which the deadrise evolved, have virtually
disappeared; most were pulled on shore or into the marshes to
rot. No longer do we hear the music of the Palmer one lunger in
the distance or see the vast tonging fleet at work.
During the first half of the 20th Century, boatbuilders were scattered
all around the Bay and many watermen built their own boats. Each
area and each builder had unique variations on the basic design
and there were characteristic differences in craftsmanship, materials,
and detail. Simple but elegant, the deadrise was built specifically
to work the shallow, choppy waters of the Bay and its rivers.
The CHESAPEAKE BAY DEADRISE SOCIETY was formed to help keep alive
some of the finer examples of our native craft. At present the
Society owns two classic deadrise workboats: The HARD TIMES
- a 38' narrow beam round stern (block construction) vessel with
exceptionally pleasing lines. Built in Deltaville in the 1950's,
She has fallen on "hard times" and needs extensive repairs.
She is now mounted on running gear as a mobile exhibit. The MISS
RAPPAHANNOCK - 44' with generous beam and round stern (stave construction)
- was built in Remlik and worked by the Burch brothers. Repowered
with a diesel engine, she is being restored to serve as flagship
for the Society.
The purpose of the Society is to acquire, salvage, stabilize,
preserve or restore classic deadrise workboats, log canoes and
other craft developed in the Chesapeake Bay region and/or of historical
or cultural value. Artifacts, tools, and gear used in the building
or working of these boats will be collected and made available
to museums and exhibited to inform the general public of the historical,
cultural and economic significance of these vessels and the people
who built and worked them. Some of the restored boats will be
kept by the society for educational, promotional, and recreational
use. Others will be sold to working watermen or recreational boaters.
Fixing up these old wooden boats is expensive. Membership fees
are designed to reflect the commitment necessary to accomplish
the mission. There are three tiers of membership: Founders contribute
$2000 or more, own the assets and have use of vessels except during
scheduled events or reserved use. Individual, corporate and business
Sponsors contribute $500 or more in cash or in kind per year,
participate in Society functions and may arrange with the Fleet
Captain to reserve vessels for specific functions. Crew members
are annual members who contribute $100 or more and are invited
to participate in Society activities. All members are encouraged
to help with restorations.
|
|
