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Metadata
Catalog Number |
1976.1.A146.05 |
Title |
Folder 05 (1976.1.A146.05), contains items 1992.1.0001-0002b: Augustine's 1959 Journal/Log of her Cruise on the Consuelo |
Date |
1959 |
Description |
Box 1976.1.A146 Augustine Ephemera Folder 05 (1976.1.A146.05) contains items 1992.1.0001-0002b including Augustine's 1959 Journal/Log of her Cruise on the Consuelo and related documents This folder contains a typed log or journal written by Augustine about her 1959 cruise with Sidney and Becky Herreshoff and Clint Williams from Bristol, RI to Charleston, SC on the 58 foot Consuelo, a motorsailer designed by Herreshoff. Titled "BRISTOL FASHION ON THE INLAND WATERWAY," the eight page log describes the trip. A photocopy of the log is also included, which was sent with a letter from Augustine to Janice and Dudley. The 8 1/2" x 11" typed journal and letter are in good condition.This folder is one of five folders of archival documents and ephemera related to Augustine. This account of Augustine's cruise was donated to Blithewold in August 1982 by Shawen Williams, a member of Save Blithewold. Her grand uncle, Clinton Williams, was one of the people on this cruise. Note: the items in this folder are from a collections other than the main 1976.1 - Van Wickle Lyon collection. These items seemed best suited to sit in this ephemera box, no matter the collection they came from. So, while the box and the included folders have object ID numbers starting with 1976.1, the items in Folder 05 has individual items have ID numbers that begin with 1992.1 (indicating items received from Shawen Williams). Item # Description 1992.1.0001.01Letter from Augustine to Janice and Dudley sent with the log of her 1959 cruise on the Consuelo. 1992.1.0001.02a Augustine's eight page log or journal account of the 1959 cruise on Consuelo. 1992.1.0001.02b Copy of above. A brief summary of writings from Augustine's journal follows. A storm came up, so leaving October 23 was not an option. Halsey Herreshoff, Sidney and Becky's son, arrived from MIT to help with last minute preparations. When the storm abated, the group "repaired to Fish Hawk Farm, and had cocktails with the Williams and Mrs. Carr…Then, Mrs. Lyon ordered the Sunday roast cooked for our Saturday night dinner, and all the friends repaired back to 'Blithewold'. After dinner Clinton Williams played the piano, and we had a fine song-fest." This is referenced on page 157 in the Blithewold Guest Book, 1925-1976 (1976.1.A60; Aisle 2 Bay A Shelf 2) They got underway Sunday, October 25 and made it to Newport, RI. Since it was too rough to continue, Becky and Augustine changed and went to Trinity Church. "In the evening Augustine, the cook, turned out 1 1/2 inch steaks, and all the fixings for dinner aboard." Heavy swells the next day, so they traveled as far as Saybrook, CT. "The four intrepid souls aboard were: Skipper Sid, Mate Becky, Deckhand Clint, Cook Augustine." Hard rain continued the next day. They passed through Hellgate, under the bridge over the East River, with a view of the Battery and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. "Tied up at 4:30 P.M. at the Beach Haven Yacht Club, and shopped for groceries and ice." This was near the entrance to the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway. The original plan was to spend the next night in Cape May, NJ, but Sid decided to cross Delaware Bay, since conditions were ideal. "Augustine took the wheel, (and stayed at it for five hours) so Sid could read the chart (by red flashlight), and Becky could keep a look out. Clinton could not help us because of color blindness." They arrived in Chesapeake City, MD at 10:45 P.M. The following morning, it was on to Annapolis, MD; the temperature was 38 F outside and 40 F in the cabin. Augustine and Clint went to the US Naval Academy Museum and then shopped for groceries, Traveled to Gibson Island near Baltimore on October 31 and later returned to Annapolis. "That evening everyone went ashore for dinner, all dressed up. Fun." Headed down the Chesapeake Bay with a good wind. A protected cove in Deltaville, MD was the next stop. The next day brought heavy winds, which gave a tremendous side sea. The boat took quite a beating, even breaking dishes. The engine stopped due to air in the fuel line. While Sid and Clint went below, Becky and Augustine tried to figure what to do, doubting they were strong enough to drop the anchor. They resumed course, when the engine started. "B. and A. being revived with a shot of brandy, we even persuaded Clint who is on a diet to have one."Gid and Henrietta Herreshoff flew in from Detroit to join the Consuelo for the continuation of the cruise to Florida. "After a sumptuous dinner of black bean soup, chicken and rice and tomatoes; stewed fruits, cookies and candy, we retired exhausted." Headed out November 3 after "our usual big breakfast of fruit juice, cereal, eggs and sausage, coffee and toast." The boat entered the 19 mile Dismal Swamp Canal, which had been surveyed by George Washington and through two locks, which gave a rise and fall of 9 feet. Docked in Elizabeth City, NC. Hobucken Bridge, NC was the next stop. "Augustine caught up on the mending of Sid's Harris tweed coat, and his corduroy trousers, Becky's pants, Clint's gloves, and her own buttons." On November 5, a stop in Moorehead City, NC to refuel and buy groceries. Augustine cooked using all four gas burners in the galley. "Full course menu of lobster bisque, Danish ham with brown sugar and mustard, green beans, and bread and butter, topped off with S.S. Pierce purple plums and cookies." Tied up in Wrightsville, NC. Stopped at Bucksport, SC Marina. "Gid and Henrietta took a shower ashore, followed by Becky. Augustine preserved her record of no baths since the start." Dinner ashore as guests of Gid Herreshoff at the Farm Bell Restaurant. On to Charleston, SC, November 7. "It is too sad to contemplate that this is Augustine's last day. She must return to labor in Whitemarsh, but looks forward to Thanksgiving in Bristol with sister, daughter, son-in-law, and three and a half grandchildren." The train north left that night, but Augustine had time to cook one last dinner on board. Augustine ended her journal with the following sentiment. "I cannot adequately express my gratitude to my hosts and shipmates, but this 'Human Interest' log tries to do it for me. Please believe that this has been an unforgettable voyage." Included with the log is a copy of a typed letter written by Augustine to Janice and Dudley dated November 19, 1959. She enclosed a copy of the log with the letter. "P.S. See you over the Thanksgiving weekend. Hastily, Augustine" is written at the bottom. |
Caption |
1976.1.a146.05-1992.1.0001.01 Extract From Letter, Augustine's 1959 Trip |
Associated with |
Augustine Van Wickle Shaw Toland Herreshoff, Halsey |
Search Terms |
Ephemera Journal Sailing Boat Trip Boating |
Number of images |
2 |
Object Name |
Journal |