THE LOON : A MARKET BOAT
As was true for North Haven, a good road system did not exist on Vinalhaven for many years. Thus, it became traditional for summer residents on the north shore of Vinalhaven to think of themselves as a part of North Haven, enticingly close just across the Thoroughfare. A waterline, laid across the Thoroughfare in 1923 brought water from North Haven to “the gold coast," telephones there had a North Haven exchange, and many used the North Haven Post Office for mail. Vinalhaven summer residents also did much of their week’s shopping in downtown North Haven, joined the Yacht Club here, and socialized with friends on North Haven.
A type of boat familiarly known as a “market boat” was frequently used to cross and re-cross the Thoroughfare for shopping, recreation and business. THE LOON is one such boat and “she’s a beauty!” as Jon Emerson said as he helped bring her to her new home at the North Haven Historical Society.
Originally built for Tucker Daland, THE LOON is believed to be the only surviving catboat or “market boat.” Under a coating of dust, it rested for many years in the Lamson boathouse until the property was purchased by Emily Lewis, who gift THE LOON to the North Haven Historical Society.
Originally, the J.O. Brown boatshop built 18 market boats in the years 1902-1903. Charles Brown also built a number of these boats at his boatyard in Pulpit Harbor.
They are utility boats, literally used for going to market. Somewhat larger and wider than the North Haven dinghies, market boats were 17 feet long, with a single gaff-rigged sail fastened to the mast with hoops. Market boats typically carried 750 lbs. of ballast and both the bow and stern were decked over. We believe that Zenas Burgess (born on Vinalhaven in 1865) built THE LOON.
A type of boat familiarly known as a “market boat” was frequently used to cross and re-cross the Thoroughfare for shopping, recreation and business. THE LOON is one such boat and “she’s a beauty!” as Jon Emerson said as he helped bring her to her new home at the North Haven Historical Society.
Originally built for Tucker Daland, THE LOON is believed to be the only surviving catboat or “market boat.” Under a coating of dust, it rested for many years in the Lamson boathouse until the property was purchased by Emily Lewis, who gift THE LOON to the North Haven Historical Society.
Originally, the J.O. Brown boatshop built 18 market boats in the years 1902-1903. Charles Brown also built a number of these boats at his boatyard in Pulpit Harbor.
They are utility boats, literally used for going to market. Somewhat larger and wider than the North Haven dinghies, market boats were 17 feet long, with a single gaff-rigged sail fastened to the mast with hoops. Market boats typically carried 750 lbs. of ballast and both the bow and stern were decked over. We believe that Zenas Burgess (born on Vinalhaven in 1865) built THE LOON.
Crew at J.O. Brown boatshop, 1903
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Moving THE LOON to her new home
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