DICKEY BIRD
A flat-bottom boat, DICKEY BIRD was built in about 1910. It carried a spritsail, but has been converted for rowing and additional floor timbers have been installed, possibly because of its thin bottom.
Some sailors referred to this sort of boat as a “flap-jack” because it did not sail very well. It had difficulty tacking into the wind which caused problems for sailors who were attempting to return to the village area after a sail on the Thoroughfare. There is some speculation that the boat would have sailed much better if the dagger board, which came up through the seat, had been
placed more toward the stern.
Lester Greenlaw, the boat’s builder, is remembered fondly as a man who would give wood and nails to children and teach them “how to make things.” He had a workshop at his home where he and his brother Maynard built boats and large ship models. Lester built RANGER, a lobster boat, for his nephew, Donald Greenlaw and was employed as a skilled carpenter and house builder who
also worked as a caretaker for summer residents.
Some sailors referred to this sort of boat as a “flap-jack” because it did not sail very well. It had difficulty tacking into the wind which caused problems for sailors who were attempting to return to the village area after a sail on the Thoroughfare. There is some speculation that the boat would have sailed much better if the dagger board, which came up through the seat, had been
placed more toward the stern.
Lester Greenlaw, the boat’s builder, is remembered fondly as a man who would give wood and nails to children and teach them “how to make things.” He had a workshop at his home where he and his brother Maynard built boats and large ship models. Lester built RANGER, a lobster boat, for his nephew, Donald Greenlaw and was employed as a skilled carpenter and house builder who
also worked as a caretaker for summer residents.
Lester with wife Bernie and their dog
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Lester with a boat he built, likely the JAMES L.
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Lester with a model he built
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