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| In
the 1990s it is estimated that less than 20 skipjacks remained. In
1994, the Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, the City of Havre de Grace,
and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum worked together to restore
and put forth a program around the Skipjack MARTHA LEWIS, who was
donated by Dr. Randy George of Birmingham, Alabama. |
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These organizations, volunteers,
teachers, ship building professionals
(especially master shipwright Allen Rawl) worked hard to put the MARTHA
LEWIS back into the oyster fleet and help keep the heritage alive.
Within her mission she was also to serve as an environmental "classroom." |
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The MARTHA LEWIS was built in 1955 by Bronza
Parks. Two sister ships (The Lady Katie and Rosie Parks)
were in the yard alongside the MARTHA LEWIS. Mr. Parks built
MARTHA
for
Captain
James Lewis,
who named
the boat after his mother. Most skipjacks were named after
mothers and daughters, since other relationships could always
end.
Later the MARTHA LEWIS was acquired by Gene
Tyler on Tilghman Island. He worked her for 21 years, finally
selling her to his brother-in-law, William Rowe. Two years
later, Mr. Rowe would not be able to afford the upkeep and
Dr. Randy George stepped in to purchase the boat in the hopes
that an organization could preserve the boat and keep it
traditionally working. |
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Martha Lewis owners in chronological order:
| James Lewis (deceased) |
Wingate, MD |
1955-1962 |
| George Davis Faulkner |
Tilghman Island |
1962-1967 |
| Daniel Dize |
Tilghman Island |
1967-1986 |
| Gene Tyler (deceased) |
Tilghman Island |
1973-1991 |
| William J. Roe, Jr. |
Tilghman Island |
1991-1993 |
| Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc. |
Havre de Grace, MD |
1993-present |
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| See Martha's
Abstract of Title (in Adobe Acrobat).
The boat had a rich life and always
did well in the oystering and racing of skipjacks. And
today she still sails the Chesapeake reminding all of us
of her rich heritage and of our need for stewardship toward |
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Skipjack MARTHA LEWIS
Owned & operated by the
Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc.
a 501C3, non-profit.
121 North Union Ave, Suite C
Havre de Grace, Maryland 21078
Phone: 410.939.4078 Fax: 410.939.4121
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| Website designed and
maintained by Amy Kehring © 2007. |
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