Mystic in Stonington in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
L.A. Dunton
Living and Working on Board
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
1. L.A. Dunton Marker
Working in Extreme Conditions
The captain and crew of the Dunton faced danger every day at sea. Fishing in the North Atlantic was physically exhausting work, done in tight quarters and rough conditions. Voyages lasted between one and six weeks, often during the coldest months. A single misstep or a big wave could sweep a man overboard or overturn a dory. One storm on August 24, 1873 claimed the lives of 128 men and sank nine Gloucester ships.
When they weren't out fishing in the open dories, the crew spent hours cleaning and packing fish, baiting hooks, and maintaining hooks, line, and other tools.
A Doryman's Exhausting and Monotanous Day Morning
4:00 Wake up, drink coffee.
4:15-5:30 Bait 750-1,1000 hooks each.
5:30-6:30 Row out in dory to set more than a mile of trawl line.
6:30-7:30 Return to ship, breakfast served in two shifts. Bait hooks when not eating.
8:30-10:00 Row out in dory, haul the trawl.
10:00-11:30 Return to schooner, clean the morning's catch and pack it in the hold.
11:30-12:30 Dinner, served in two shifts. Bait hooks when not eating.
Afternoon
12:30-1:30 Row out in dory to set more than a mile of trawl line.
1:30-3:00 Returnto schooner, have a mug-up (snack), work on fishing gear.
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3:00-4:30 Row out in dory to haul the trawl.
4:30-6:00 Clean the afternoon's catch and pack it in the hold.
Evening
6:00-7:00 Supper, served in two shifts. Bait hooks or clean gear when not eating.
7:00-11:00 Sometimes, after another round of fishing, hauling, cleaning and packing fish.
11:00 Sleep for about five hours.
12:00-2:00 Every few evenings, dorymates take a two-hour watch on deck.
Erected by Mystic Seaport Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is August 24, 1873.
Location. 41° 21.588′ N, 71° 57.895′ 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. A different marker also named L.A. Dunton (here, next to this marker); Restoring the L.A. Dunton (here, next to this marker); Fish Flake (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, June 24, 2023
2. L.A. Dunton Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 50 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 29, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
