We intended to go to New London today but while we were on the way we called my brother, who lived in this area when he was in the Navy, to ask him if there was some things we should do or see in the area. He said there was not much to do in New London but he really recommended we go to Mystic Seaport Museum. That is where we decided not to go yesterday but now have changed our minds. So we are on our way back to Mystic and to the Mystic Seaport Museum. It is home to 4 National Historic Landmark vessels. They also have a preservation shipyard where skilled shipyard workers use traditional tools and techniques to preserve the collection of historic wooden vessels. The ship they were rebuilding, the Roann, is the last of this kind of vessel to be fishing in New England. It is a side-trawler, built in 1947 and typical of a family-owned boat. There also is also a 19th century re-created seafaring village with authentic buildings and furnishings. Included are buildings describing harvesting of oysters, lobster, clams and salmon. A demonstration of rope making, hoop and cooperage and other crafts related to maritime living. Then of course there are period homes and commercial businesses. The best part was being able to go on board these ships and learn about life on the sea.
The L. A. Dunton, 1921, is a fishing schooner. The fisherman went out in dories (small boats) two to a boat to catch fish in nets. They were fishing for cod and flounder mainly. They would fish for half a day, split and gut the fish and then go back to the ship. Once on the ship the fish were salted down and stacked, several tons in each hold. Once ashore the fish were pressed to drain excess water, then laid out to dry into stiff slabs that were packed, shipped and sold to American and European customers.
