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| Catalogue # | Title | Type | Subject | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023.644.3134 | A Cabin in the Woods - Wini Smart |
|
| A booklet written by Wini Smart about Sammy Sanford and Rachel Field's friendship through the years, which led to her writing the acclaimed God's Pocket. Published in 2011. | 
Description: A booklet written by Wini Smart about Sammy Sanford and Rachel Field's friendship through the years, which led to her writing the acclaimed God's Pocket. Published in 2011. |
| 2023.643.3133 | Cranberry Road: GCI 1919-1950 - Wini Smart |
|
| A brief history of Great Cranberry between 1919 and 1950. Covering the businesses and activities of islanders. Including many of Betty Hartleys recollections. | 
Description: A brief history of Great Cranberry between 1919 and 1950. Covering the businesses and activities of islanders. Including many of Betty Hartleys recollections. |
| 2023.654.3144 | Art Show Quilt 2021 |
|
| This quilt was made by Beverly Sanborn for the Cranberry Island Art Show for Great Cranberry Historical Society in 2021. Karin Whitney donated it to the Museum. | 
Description: This quilt was made by Beverly Sanborn for the Cranberry Island Art Show for Great Cranberry Historical Society in 2021. Karin Whitney donated it to the Museum. |
| 2023.653.3143 | Carrie Richardson Folding Bed |
|
| This bed was a feature of the schooner ‘Carrie M. Richardson’ and was used by the ship's namesake, celestial navigator and later owner Carrie Stanley Richardson. Island legend has it that Carrie didn’t like to sleep in the bunks as the rest of the sailors did and so when the schooner was stopped at a dock, she went hunting and found this unusual folding bed. After she passed away, it was left in the boathouse at the Lew Stanley boatyard. Bob LaHotan-who co owned the boatyard with John Heliker-would sleep in the very same bed! |
Description: This bed was a feature of the schooner ‘Carrie M. Richardson’ and was used by the ship's namesake, celestial navigator and later owner Carrie Stanley Richardson. Island legend has it that Carrie didn’t like to sleep in the bunks as the rest of the sailors did and so when the schooner was stopped at a dock, she went hunting and found this unusual folding bed. After she passed away, it was left in the boathouse at the Lew Stanley boatyard. Bob LaHotan-who co owned the boatyard with John Heliker-would sleep in the very same bed! [show more] |
| 2023.652.3142 | Cranberry Rooster Division Sign |
|
| The Cranberry Club Rooster Division was a local spoof men's club to mirror the elite women’s Cranberry Club. The club house was behind Doc Haydock’s house and also included Arvard Savage, Charlie Rice, and Victor White. They would put on performances of music and ‘interpretive island dances’. | 
Description: The Cranberry Club Rooster Division was a local spoof men's club to mirror the elite women’s Cranberry Club. The club house was behind Doc Haydock’s house and also included Arvard Savage, Charlie Rice, and Victor White. They would put on performances of music and ‘interpretive island dances’. |
| 2023.651.3141 | Lifeboat Rations |
|
| Rations would have been stored in the lifeboat’s emergency kit. This one contains 8oz of dried biscuits. If a boat sunk in the middle of the Atlantic it could be many days before any lifeboats were found, so access to some food could be vital for survival. |
Description: Rations would have been stored in the lifeboat’s emergency kit. This one contains 8oz of dried biscuits. If a boat sunk in the middle of the Atlantic it could be many days before any lifeboats were found, so access to some food could be vital for survival. |
| 2023.650.3140 | Fire Extinguisher |
|
| Fire extinguisher for a boat. Likely from early 1900s. On the cylinder it says; "throw contents with force into the base of the flame". |
Description: Fire extinguisher for a boat. Likely from early 1900s. On the cylinder it says; "throw contents with force into the base of the flame". |
| 2023.645.3135 | Cranberry Club Chamber Set |
|
| ||
| 2023.647.3137 | Model Warship - Built by Arvard Savage |
|
| Model warship built by Arvard Savage. Donated by Karin Whitney. | 
Description: Model warship built by Arvard Savage. Donated by Karin Whitney. |
| 2023.648.3138 | Hawksbill Sea Turtle - Eretmochelys imbricata |
|
| On loan from Phil Whitney. This turtle shell, according to Whitney family legend, is suspected to be from an 1825 whaling expedition to the South Pacific. It was kept in the family home until 1928, when the Spurling house burned down, and was rescued from the flames by islanders trying to salvage their possessions. The shell is that of a Hawksbill sea turtle, larger than most found today, and you may notice an indentation on the left side. Turtles are adept at recovering from injuries but they can’t grow back bone, so this is likely an injury sustained from when this turtle was far smaller. | 
Description: On loan from Phil Whitney. This turtle shell, according to Whitney family legend, is suspected to be from an 1825 whaling expedition to the South Pacific. It was kept in the family home until 1928, when the Spurling house burned down, and was rescued from the flames by islanders trying to salvage their possessions. The shell is that of a Hawksbill sea turtle, larger than most found today, and you may notice an indentation on the left side. Turtles are adept at recovering from injuries but they can’t grow back bone, so this is likely an injury sustained from when this turtle was far smaller. [show more] |
| 2023.642.3132 | Richard 'Chuddy' Alley Interview Transcript |
|
| Interview Transcript from an interview with Richard 'Chuddy' Alley. The interview was recorded in the 2000's (exact year unknown) by Jessi Duma and Jenny Matthews, who both lived on the island for a number of years. Chuddy came to GCI as a young boy, and recounts many memories of Great Cranberry in the early to mid 20th century. He talks about agriculture and fishing extensively with Jessi. He moved over to Islesford and his son Ricky Alley speaks about fishing with a fish trap, and Pursing. Jessi was a Cranberry Island Fellow and became the general manager for GCIHS for a few years. Interview with transcribed by Hannah Gower-Fox. She was the Archivist and Museum Curator for GCIHS in 2023. | 
Description: Interview Transcript from an interview with Richard 'Chuddy' Alley. The interview was recorded in the 2000's (exact year unknown) by Jessi Duma and Jenny Matthews, who both lived on the island for a number of years. Chuddy came to GCI as a young boy, and recounts many memories of Great Cranberry in the early to mid 20th century. He talks about agriculture and fishing extensively with Jessi. He moved over to Islesford and his son Ricky Alley speaks about fishing with a fish trap, and Pursing. Jessi was a Cranberry Island Fellow and became the general manager for GCIHS for a few years. Interview with transcribed by Hannah Gower-Fox. She was the Archivist and Museum Curator for GCIHS in 2023. [show more] |
| 2022.617.3109 | Shell Midden Remains and Photographs |
|
| A collection of shells and photographs taken from the Shell Midden on Fish Point. Some of the shells have holes in them, which may have been created by the indigenous people who hunted for them. Dating through the shell middens and other archeological remains, we know people have used this coastline and its plentiful marine resources for thousands of years. The Cranberries themselves were used by the indigenous peoples here, evidenced by the remains of a shell midden on Fish point (at the hook of the island) which isn’t accessible to the public. Shell middens are often referred to as trash heaps and they contain oyster, clam, and shellfish remains, along with ‘faunal remains’ which refers to the mammal, fish, bird, reptile bones and teeth that are found. A minor portion of the middens are often stone tools or their fragments, and pieces of ceramic pottery. Shellfish middens are phenomenal records of the lives lived in proximity to the coast, and they are often found in sheltered coves and bays, near small mudflats, and tidal/inland streams. They tell us which seasons people were occupying areas, their preference for sheltered areas with easy access to the ocean (for their canoes) and plentiful marine resources, such as shellfish flats, and spring runs of migratory fish. They are extraordinary records which are disappearing rapidly due to rising oceans. | 
Description: A collection of shells and photographs taken from the Shell Midden on Fish Point. Some of the shells have holes in them, which may have been created by the indigenous people who hunted for them. Dating through the shell middens and other archeological remains, we know people have used this coastline and its plentiful marine resources for thousands of years. The Cranberries themselves were used by the indigenous peoples here, evidenced by the remains of a shell midden on Fish point (at the hook of the island) which isn’t accessible to the public. Shell middens are often referred to as trash heaps and they contain oyster, clam, and shellfish remains, along with ‘faunal remains’ which refers to the mammal, fish, bird, reptile bones and teeth that are found. A minor portion of the middens are often stone tools or their fragments, and pieces of ceramic pottery. Shellfish middens are phenomenal records of the lives lived in proximity to the coast, and they are often found in sheltered coves and bays, near small mudflats, and tidal/inland streams. They tell us which seasons people were occupying areas, their preference for sheltered areas with easy access to the ocean (for their canoes) and plentiful marine resources, such as shellfish flats, and spring runs of migratory fish. They are extraordinary records which are disappearing rapidly due to rising oceans. [show more] |
| 2019.435.2435 | Photographs of islanders |
|
| Group of photos in cardboard frames with annotations. A= To Addie from Mary Anne. B= Arthur Joy Cranberry Isles, notice is sleeve badges USS and 6, and the words on his cap Life Saving Station, as well as a vest pocket watch. C= To Aunt Addie from Lucille Muriel Stanley. D= Aunt Addie Best wishes, Joyce [Arline Bunker]. E= Addie Bates daughter on C Isles [xx] Ella Spurling [1890-95?]." | 
Description: Group of photos in cardboard frames with annotations. A= To Addie from Mary Anne. B= Arthur Joy Cranberry Isles, notice is sleeve badges USS and 6, and the words on his cap Life Saving Station, as well as a vest pocket watch. C= To Aunt Addie from Lucille Muriel Stanley. D= Aunt Addie Best wishes, Joyce [Arline Bunker]. E= Addie Bates daughter on C Isles [xx] Ella Spurling [1890-95?]." |
| 2019.441.2551 | Photographs of young Hillard and Shirley Hamor |
|
| Photographs of Hillard and Shirley Hamor: A= in a wicker chair. B= on a wood dock. | 
Description: Photographs of Hillard and Shirley Hamor: A= in a wicker chair. B= on a wood dock. |
| 2019.441.2553 | Tintype photos unknown young man and woman |
|
| Two large tintype photographs of unidenfified young mand and young woman (perhaps Hamor family) | 
Description: Two large tintype photographs of unidenfified young mand and young woman (perhaps Hamor family) |
| 2019.442.2817 | Model Schooner |
|
| Two-mast schooner model by George Savage. Red, white, orange, black with blue deck, four sails, no name or number on stern or sides. He lived on the island from the 1930s onward. He was a constable. | 
Description: Two-mast schooner model by George Savage. Red, white, orange, black with blue deck, four sails, no name or number on stern or sides. He lived on the island from the 1930s onward. He was a constable. |
| 2016.362.2126 | GCIHS book publications as of 2016 |
|
| Booklets published by GCIHS. (Collection ongoing) GCIHS BOOK PUBLICATIONS LIST as of March 2016 with printed copies of book covers. Not all books are present in collection yet. Digital copies on GCIHS NAS in Archives GCIHS publications. A Cabin in the Woods - A Story of Sammy Sanford and Rachel Field, by Wini Smart (2011). A Taste of Cranberry, by Susan Donald Michalski 2002. Now recorded at 2023.635.3125 An Artist's Sketchbook, 1998, Great Cranberry Island, Maine, by Susan Donald Michalski 2001. An Interview with Ralph Stanley, Wooden Boat Builder and National Heritage Foundation "National Treasure", by Jeff Weisbruch, 1994. Published by GCIHS 1999. Artists of the Cranberry Isles, Past & Present, by Wini Smart (2005). Now recorded at 2023.636.3126 Baker Island - The Early Years, by Wini Smart (2012). Boatdog Bess - My Story, by Kay Gibson (Year?) Cookbook 2004. Cranberry Road Great Cranberry Island 1919-1950 by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin 2002-2003 Cranberry Quilts by Charlotte Harlan 2006 Enterprising Islanders - Great Cranberry Island 1760-2008, by Wini Smart (2008). Now recorded at 2023.638.3128 Hitty Preble of the Cranberry Isles, Maine by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin (2004). Now recorded at 2023.637.3127 House Histories Of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart 2010 If It Were Yesterday…A Historic Coloring Book Of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart (2001) Preserving our Past to steer our Future - Cranberry House Prospectus (2004). Now recorded at 2023.639.3129 Riding with Tud - An interview with Lyndon "Tud" Bunker, March 18, 1993, by ? 2001 Salvaging Cargo from the Wreck of the Emily F. Northam, by Farnham W. Smith, with permission of Down East Magazine (March 1974). Now recorded at 2023.640.3130 Surf, Stone, & Spruce by Ted Harlan (2003) The Construction of Road I-95 by Doris "Dot" McSorley (1996). Now recorded at 2023.641.3131 Three Heroines of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart (2013) Winter: The Other Season A Look at Old Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin (2004) Booklets from other lists I came across, not found yet on computer 3/17/16: Favorite Island Recipes (published in conjunction with Ladies Aid) The Asa D. Stanley House 31/07/2023 Booklets that didn't have a new record created and recorded in the above text were not found during the 2023 review. | 
Description: Booklets published by GCIHS. (Collection ongoing) GCIHS BOOK PUBLICATIONS LIST as of March 2016 with printed copies of book covers. Not all books are present in collection yet. Digital copies on GCIHS NAS in Archives GCIHS publications. A Cabin in the Woods - A Story of Sammy Sanford and Rachel Field, by Wini Smart (2011). A Taste of Cranberry, by Susan Donald Michalski 2002. Now recorded at 2023.635.3125 An Artist's Sketchbook, 1998, Great Cranberry Island, Maine, by Susan Donald Michalski 2001. An Interview with Ralph Stanley, Wooden Boat Builder and National Heritage Foundation "National Treasure", by Jeff Weisbruch, 1994. Published by GCIHS 1999. Artists of the Cranberry Isles, Past & Present, by Wini Smart (2005). Now recorded at 2023.636.3126 Baker Island - The Early Years, by Wini Smart (2012). Boatdog Bess - My Story, by Kay Gibson (Year?) Cookbook 2004. Cranberry Road Great Cranberry Island 1919-1950 by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin 2002-2003 Cranberry Quilts by Charlotte Harlan 2006 Enterprising Islanders - Great Cranberry Island 1760-2008, by Wini Smart (2008). Now recorded at 2023.638.3128 Hitty Preble of the Cranberry Isles, Maine by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin (2004). Now recorded at 2023.637.3127 House Histories Of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart 2010 If It Were Yesterday…A Historic Coloring Book Of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart (2001) Preserving our Past to steer our Future - Cranberry House Prospectus (2004). Now recorded at 2023.639.3129 Riding with Tud - An interview with Lyndon "Tud" Bunker, March 18, 1993, by ? 2001 Salvaging Cargo from the Wreck of the Emily F. Northam, by Farnham W. Smith, with permission of Down East Magazine (March 1974). Now recorded at 2023.640.3130 Surf, Stone, & Spruce by Ted Harlan (2003) The Construction of Road I-95 by Doris "Dot" McSorley (1996). Now recorded at 2023.641.3131 Three Heroines of Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart (2013) Winter: The Other Season A Look at Old Great Cranberry Island by Wini Smart & Bruce Komusin (2004) Booklets from other lists I came across, not found yet on computer 3/17/16: Favorite Island Recipes (published in conjunction with Ladies Aid) The Asa D. Stanley House 31/07/2023 Booklets that didn't have a new record created and recorded in the above text were not found during the 2023 review. [show more] |
| 2023.641.3131 | The Construction of Road I-95 - Doris 'Dot' McSorley |
|
| A description of the process around building the road I-95, written by Dot McSorley. | 
Description: A description of the process around building the road I-95, written by Dot McSorley. |
| 2023.640.3130 | Salvaging Cargo from the Wreck of Emily F. Northam |
|
| The Emily F. Northam was a three masted cargo schooner that was grounded off of the Baker Island reef, the crew and cargo were rescued but the Northam never left the Cranberry Isles. In 1974 the Downeast Magazine published a piece written about the event by Farnham W. Smith, and the Historical Society acquired its use for the island's history. Introduction by Bruce Komusin. | 
Description: The Emily F. Northam was a three masted cargo schooner that was grounded off of the Baker Island reef, the crew and cargo were rescued but the Northam never left the Cranberry Isles. In 1974 the Downeast Magazine published a piece written about the event by Farnham W. Smith, and the Historical Society acquired its use for the island's history. Introduction by Bruce Komusin. |
| 2023.639.3129 | Preserving our Past to Steer our Future |
|
| A booklet made in the early years of GCIHS explaining the need for a permanent home for the Historical Society: Cranberry House. | 
Description: A booklet made in the early years of GCIHS explaining the need for a permanent home for the Historical Society: Cranberry House. |
| 2023.638.3128 | Enterprising Islanders Great Cranberry - Wini Smart |
|
| A descriptive booklet describing a number of enterprises local islanders began and maintained between 1760 and 2008. Fishing, Ship Building, Boat Yards, Newman and Gray Boatyard, the mailboat, Stores, Restaurants and Boarding Establishments, Farms, Hooked Rugs, Antique Autos, Art. | 
Description: A descriptive booklet describing a number of enterprises local islanders began and maintained between 1760 and 2008. Fishing, Ship Building, Boat Yards, Newman and Gray Boatyard, the mailboat, Stores, Restaurants and Boarding Establishments, Farms, Hooked Rugs, Antique Autos, Art. |
| 2023.635.3125 | A Taste of Cranberry - Susan Donald Michalski |
|
| A collection of poetry and wood cuts by Susan Donald Michalski from 2002. | 
Description: A collection of poetry and wood cuts by Susan Donald Michalski from 2002. |
| 2013.265.1998 | Collection of over 110 digital video recordings of interviews, oral histories, and events |
|
| Video recordings. Collection of over 110 digital video recordings of interviews, oral histories, and events recorded by Bruce Komusin, Phil Whitney, and Wini Smart from 2001-2013. [Note: 74 of these videos converted to MPEG-4/H.264 files by Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport, ME May 2016.] Subjects include interviews of donors, residents, and GCI events including: Richardson, Dunbar, Stanley, Bracy, Horvath, Moss, King, Goldberg, Wadsworth, Rice, Wedge, Bloom Phippen, Peterson, Seimer, Marr, Beaulieu, Bunker, Noether, Hartley, Grandgent, Mountain, Allen, Westphal, Cumming, Sayre, Spurling interviews. Events include: Tom Powell ordination, Jane Goldberg Tap Dancing, Baker Island dancing, memorial services, Poetry and Music, GCI scenes, quilt seminar, fiddle playing, boats, Hitty, Rachel Field, Lawler's ice lecture, Crow & Sound, moving Cranberry House, and trailmaking. Most of the original recordings are on mini digital video cassettes (mini DV), with some mini-discs, and four mini-VHS tapes. Several of these recordings have been made into DVDs for sale at the museum store. | 
Description: Video recordings. Collection of over 110 digital video recordings of interviews, oral histories, and events recorded by Bruce Komusin, Phil Whitney, and Wini Smart from 2001-2013. [Note: 74 of these videos converted to MPEG-4/H.264 files by Northeast Historic Film in Bucksport, ME May 2016.] Subjects include interviews of donors, residents, and GCI events including: Richardson, Dunbar, Stanley, Bracy, Horvath, Moss, King, Goldberg, Wadsworth, Rice, Wedge, Bloom Phippen, Peterson, Seimer, Marr, Beaulieu, Bunker, Noether, Hartley, Grandgent, Mountain, Allen, Westphal, Cumming, Sayre, Spurling interviews. Events include: Tom Powell ordination, Jane Goldberg Tap Dancing, Baker Island dancing, memorial services, Poetry and Music, GCI scenes, quilt seminar, fiddle playing, boats, Hitty, Rachel Field, Lawler's ice lecture, Crow & Sound, moving Cranberry House, and trailmaking. Most of the original recordings are on mini digital video cassettes (mini DV), with some mini-discs, and four mini-VHS tapes. Several of these recordings have been made into DVDs for sale at the museum store. [show more] |
| 2017.397.2173 | Books from Phippen house |
|
| Books and two inserts. (A) Three Little Pigs, Illustrated by Carl Emil Wehde, Copyright MCMXXXVII, McLoughlin Bros., Inc, Springfield, Mass. With inscription "Dickie from Junior Bracy" in Marjorie Phippen's handwriting. (B) New American Business Cyclopedia- A Compendium of useful information and a Guide to Successful Business Methods together with advice...." by E. T. Roe, LL.B., Gordon G. Sapp publisher, Chicago 1925, with two small cardboard certificates inside: (C) Junior Achievement Certificate, Bookkeeping issued by Marion R. Waterman, Instructor, on 12/3/45, to Sheila Louise Phippen by the business Education World, New York. And (D) Senior Achievement Certificate, Bookkeeping, issued to Louise Phippen by Marion R. Waterman, Instructor, 1/2/46, The Business Education World, New York. (Crosby Mills, second husband, had a business – maybe Louise Phippen was bookkeeper? Her first husband was a service man.) | 
Description: Books and two inserts. (A) Three Little Pigs, Illustrated by Carl Emil Wehde, Copyright MCMXXXVII, McLoughlin Bros., Inc, Springfield, Mass. With inscription "Dickie from Junior Bracy" in Marjorie Phippen's handwriting. (B) New American Business Cyclopedia- A Compendium of useful information and a Guide to Successful Business Methods together with advice...." by E. T. Roe, LL.B., Gordon G. Sapp publisher, Chicago 1925, with two small cardboard certificates inside: (C) Junior Achievement Certificate, Bookkeeping issued by Marion R. Waterman, Instructor, on 12/3/45, to Sheila Louise Phippen by the business Education World, New York. And (D) Senior Achievement Certificate, Bookkeeping, issued to Louise Phippen by Marion R. Waterman, Instructor, 1/2/46, The Business Education World, New York. (Crosby Mills, second husband, had a business – maybe Louise Phippen was bookkeeper? Her first husband was a service man.) [show more] |
| 1000.166.1191 | Boat compass in wooden Binnacle box |
|
| Used by Wilfred S. Trussell and Harvey Everett Bulger. Tool, boat compass in wooden binnacle box with window (brass, wood, paper, iron and glass). Compass card diameter 3.5", gimbal ring 5", interior box: 6.25" x 6.25"; exterior box: 7" x 11" x 8.5" H. North arrow has fleur d' lis motif. Compass was used by Wilfred S. Trussell (1869-1911) and/or Harvey (Harry) Everett Bulger (b.1883-d.<1911), who were husbands of Sadie Anna Harding (b.1879- d. after 1911) who once lived in the Cox now Dalton house (2016) on GCI. Sadie Harding married Trussell 1898 and Bulger 1919. No visible manufacturer or maker marks. Ralph Stanley examined this compass 2016 and believes it's a liquid (alcohol) compass after locating the corroded nut covering the fill-hole in the rim of the compass bowl. He also noted the quadrant markings on the sides of the compass. Per Stanley, Trussell had a sloop and this type of compass was used in boats of that size. It may indeed have been the compass that guided Trussell home during one particular storm (see Stanley's forthcoming book 2017). Stanley thinks it's a liquid compass about 100 years old and could have been purchased at any local marine goods store, but the box was specially made perhaps by Leslie Rice. Michael Macfarlan believes this could be a Ritchie compass and the hole in the wooden case with the shield above it would have been for a battery-powered light (not a candle). One or two large batteries would have been housed in the box's rear compartment. (Box hardware is too corroded to remove and investigate.) Stanley believes a wire to the light would have been wired to the engine. By email 2016, Ben Fuller at Penobscott Marine Museum suggests this compass would be suitable for small schooner or sloop large enough to be sailed at night, suggesting the Smithsonian's NMAH website: amhistory.si.edu/navigation/type.cfm?typeid=3 for further investigation. NMAH Website states: "Simple marine compasses have a magnetized needle attached to the bottom of a paper card, and are inherently unstable. Since the 1850s, scientists and instrument makers have struggled to solve this problem. One solution, pioneered by E. S. Ritchie in the United States, was to float the magnetic needle in a bowl of liquid...." (For genealogy see 2016.337.2103 Index p. 3 and p. 15, records p. 400 and 400A) (See also 2015.350.2115 for possible photo of Wilfred Trussel.) | 
Description: Used by Wilfred S. Trussell and Harvey Everett Bulger. Tool, boat compass in wooden binnacle box with window (brass, wood, paper, iron and glass). Compass card diameter 3.5", gimbal ring 5", interior box: 6.25" x 6.25"; exterior box: 7" x 11" x 8.5" H. North arrow has fleur d' lis motif. Compass was used by Wilfred S. Trussell (1869-1911) and/or Harvey (Harry) Everett Bulger (b.1883-d.<1911), who were husbands of Sadie Anna Harding (b.1879- d. after 1911) who once lived in the Cox now Dalton house (2016) on GCI. Sadie Harding married Trussell 1898 and Bulger 1919. No visible manufacturer or maker marks. Ralph Stanley examined this compass 2016 and believes it's a liquid (alcohol) compass after locating the corroded nut covering the fill-hole in the rim of the compass bowl. He also noted the quadrant markings on the sides of the compass. Per Stanley, Trussell had a sloop and this type of compass was used in boats of that size. It may indeed have been the compass that guided Trussell home during one particular storm (see Stanley's forthcoming book 2017). Stanley thinks it's a liquid compass about 100 years old and could have been purchased at any local marine goods store, but the box was specially made perhaps by Leslie Rice. Michael Macfarlan believes this could be a Ritchie compass and the hole in the wooden case with the shield above it would have been for a battery-powered light (not a candle). One or two large batteries would have been housed in the box's rear compartment. (Box hardware is too corroded to remove and investigate.) Stanley believes a wire to the light would have been wired to the engine. By email 2016, Ben Fuller at Penobscott Marine Museum suggests this compass would be suitable for small schooner or sloop large enough to be sailed at night, suggesting the Smithsonian's NMAH website: amhistory.si.edu/navigation/type.cfm?typeid=3 for further investigation. NMAH Website states: "Simple marine compasses have a magnetized needle attached to the bottom of a paper card, and are inherently unstable. Since the 1850s, scientists and instrument makers have struggled to solve this problem. One solution, pioneered by E. S. Ritchie in the United States, was to float the magnetic needle in a bowl of liquid...." (For genealogy see 2016.337.2103 Index p. 3 and p. 15, records p. 400 and 400A) (See also 2015.350.2115 for possible photo of Wilfred Trussel.) [show more] |
