SHIPBUILDING IN ESSEX
LAUNCH OF THE SCHOONER ARDELLE
Built by Harold A. Burnham, launched July 9, 2011
Anticipation and celebration as the whole town gathers at high tide on the Essex River for the traditional side launch of the Schooner Ardelle. The vessel was built by Master Shipwright, Harold A. Burnham - a 2012 recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts: National Heritage Fellow Award. Harold is the 28th Burnham since 1819 to operate a shipyard in Essex.
Public day sails aboard the Schooner Ardelle depart from the Gloucester Maritime Center from May - October. Private and group charters are also available. More info at www.schoonerardelle.com.
SHIPBUILDING IN ESSEX
(circa 1940) United States Information Service
This propaganda film is not entirely accurate, but it chronicles life in the village of Essex in Massachusetts – a town famous for its hand built wooden fishing boats. Scenes give a complete account of the building of one of the boats, a 70-foot trawler, the St. Rosalie. Traditional singing and dancing accompany the various stages of the work.
BURNHAM SHIPYARD
Men at the Burnham shipyard finishing the topsides.