I looked under the bed this morning, and there I was!

While in the vicinity of dust bunnies, dog hair and a variety of boxes, files and other out of sight items, I decided to dig deeper. It was an amazing adventure which led me to older collections that have been accumulated elsewhere., i.e., the office! And, true to form, other mysteries revealed themselves. Stellar organizational skills have eluded me all my life. So, it’s fun to dig deep sometimes just for the fun of it to see what goodies may await.

One such item is shared in today’s photograph.

For many years I had the great good fortune of photographing at several East Boothbay shipbuilding facilities, namely, Goudy & Stevens, Washburn & Doughty (in the old building), Hodgdon Yachts and some interim owners who shall remain nameless, through no fault of their own.

The photograph shared today was made during my tenure at the Goudy & Stevens yard which occupied several buildings over the course of my visits there. I’m not altogether familiar with the rich history of that company, but I know Mr. Bob Rice in East Boothbay and probably some others could be far more helpful if they were to be consulted. I didn’t make a lot of notes regarding the images I produced – another organizational flaw I’m afraid. But, in many instances I can recall the location of a photo if not the exact date. It’s like getting on the right train at the wrong station. Eventually you will end up somewhere!

Many folks in the area will recall the three fellows in my photo. Left to right we have Mr. Tunk Stevens (affectionately known as “Uncle Tunkle”), Jake Stevens and his brother Joel. I happened to be at the yard one day when the boat in the photo called Permanent Waves was being extracted from an old building whose days were numbered. I believe someone may have told me that the building had been, at one time, a coal shed, which may have had something to do with my interest. The family had decided to restore the boat which turned out to be quite an undertaking. I think Jimmy McFarland, who commuted to work at the yard by boat, across the Damariscotta River from South Bristol, became the primary restoring agent. It was a fascinating project to watch as were all the projects at the various yards. A real education for yours truly who more than once was sent back to the drawing board when asking to go downstairs to the bathroom aboard ships! Always good for a time out from the nautical types.

Please refer all questions and/or comments to Mr. Rice. He’s in the phone book and he has forgotten more about area marine history that I will ever know and/or can remember. If he is not available please contact Tim Hodgdon who is also capable of sharing pertinent information. Both men will regret their valued friendship with me upon reading this article.

Have a great week ahead. Looks like a beauty.

Peace.