Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Western-Rig Dragger Florence
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
1. Western-Rig Dragger Florence Marker
Built: 1926, Franklin G. Post, Mystic, CT
Length: 39 6 1/8
Beam: 12 10 1/2
Depth: 5 1 1/2
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 aft; 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, she dragged an otter trawl fishnet across the ocean bottom to catch flounder, cod, and haddock. She 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 her original specifications by the Museums 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. Her original engine, a 65-horsepower, 6-cylinder Lathrop Standard Model T-Head, was also built locally.
Erected by Mystic Seaport. (Marker Number 1982.118.)
Topics. This historical
this page online
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 41° 21.64′ N, 71° 57.901′ W. Marker was in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It was in Mystic. It could be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue (Connecticut Route 27) and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic CT 06355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was on the Connecticut Shoreline, in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore, and in the Thames River Valley. It was also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New London County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Western-Rig Dragger Florence (here, next to 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.
Another
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
2. Western-Rig Dragger Florence and Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker, whose inscription is slightly different.
Also see . . . Mystic Seaport, The Museum of America and the Sea. (Submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
3. Western-Rig Dragger Florence
Photographed by Michael Herrick, August 26, 2013
4. Western-Rig Dragger Florence
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 936 times since then and 60 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 8, 2013, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
