Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Western-Rig Dragger Florence
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. Western-Rig Dragger Florence Marker
Built: 1926, Franklin G. Post, Mystic, CT
Length: 39'6"
Beam: 12'10"
Draft: 5'2"
Florence and Roann represent the net form of fishing that replaced the hook-and-line methods used by vessels like the schooner L.A. Dunton. Typical of southern New England, Florence is a western-rig dragger, with a small pilothouse forward; a large working deck after; a small varnished cabin with simple berths and a small Shipmate stove alongside the engine; and a fish hold where the catch was stored in barrels.
In summer, Florence was rigged to harpoon swordfish off Block Island (see photo). In winter, it dragged an otter trawl fishnet across the ocean bottom to catch flounder, cod, and haddock. It generally worked off Montauk Point, the back of Long Island, Block Island, and Watch Hill, Rhode Island, with a crew of two or three.
Restored to its original specifications by the Museum's shipwrights and riggers, Florence is a rare example of the many similar fishing boats built nearby on the Mystic River in the 1920s and 1930s. Its original engine, a 65-horsepower, 6-cylinder Lathrop Standard Model T-head, was also built locally.
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum. (Marker Number
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1926.
Location. 41° 21.639′ N, 71° 57.9′ W. Marker is in Stonington, Connecticut, in New London County. It is in Mystic. Marker can be reached from Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) south of Bruggeman Place, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gerda III (a few steps from this marker); Grand Banks Fishing Schooner Roseway (within shouting distance of this marker); Noank Well-Smack Emma C. Berry (within shouting distance of this marker); Noank Well-Smack Emma C. Berry (within shouting distance of this marker); Outhouse or Privy (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Downing, Oyster King (within shouting distance of this marker); Propeller Steamer Sabino (within shouting distance of this marker); It's All Connected (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker, which had a slightly different inscription.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
2. Western-Rig Dragger Florence Marker
Additional keywords. Western-Rig Dragger Florence
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
