A Living Maritime Legacy
The Journey of Lettie G. Howard
The schooner Lettie G. Howard, a National Historic Landmark, has served as a reflection of the evolving U.S. maritime industry, adapting to the waxes and wanes of various trades and locales. From her origins in the cod and haddock fisheries to her later years in the red snapper fishery, her history encapsulates the resilience and adaptability of traditional sailing vessels.
Lettie G. Howard: A Living Maritime Legacy
Built in 1893 in Essex, Massachusetts, by the Arthur D. Story shipyard for Captain Fred Howard and named in honor of his daughter Letticia Gould Howard, Lettie G. Howard was a product of one of the most celebrated shipbuilding hubs of the 19th century. Essex was renowned for its mastery in constructing fishing vessels, with the Story family’s yard standing out as a leader in innovation and craftsmanship. Lettie G. Howard epitomizes this legacy, showcasing a perfect blend of durability and elegance. Designed specifically for the rugged waters of the North Atlantic, she was crafted to endure punishing weather conditions while maximizing speed and efficiency, enabling her to haul lucrative catches of cod and haddock from the Georges Banks back to the bustling fish markets of New England.
Origins and Evolution
A Century of Maritime Tradition
For decades, Lettie G. Howard served as a workhorse of the fishing industry, reflecting the traditional fishing practices of her time. Schooners like Lettie predominantly fished using “jigging” rigs and handlines, techniques that required skill and precision. Most of this work was done directly from the deck, but smaller fishing dories were sometimes deployed to extend the crew’s reach into fertile fishing grounds. These methods highlight the labor-intensive nature of the fishing industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where human effort and teamwork were paramount.
Her sharp lines and gaff-rigged sails reflect the craftsmanship of her era, designed to endure the roughest seas while delivering exceptional performance. By the early 20th century, she had transitioned to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico after being sold to E. E. Saunders & Co. Under Saunders’ ownership, the schooner adapted to the commercial red snapper fishing industry, reflecting broader trends in the consolidation of maritime enterprises.
However, as fisheries depleted and foreign competition crowded out the commercial fishing industry, the age of sail waned and motorized vessels came to dominate the fishing fleets. Lettie G. Howard faced an uncertain future. In 1923, she was rebuilt with a gas engine and renamed Mystic C, marking an attempt to keep her competitive. Later, in a bid to adapt to changing times, she was converted into a historic tourist attraction and renamed Caviare. Unfortunately, this new business model failed, reflecting the broader struggles of traditional vessels to find a place in a rapidly modernizing world. By the mid-20th century, her legacy seemed confined to the memories of those who had sailed aboard her.
Lettie's Journey Through Time
1893
Construction
Lettie G. Howard is built by the Arthur D. Story Shipyard in Essex, MA for Captain Fred Howard and operates catching cod.
1901
Acquisition of Lettie G. Howard
Lettie is sold to E. E. Saunders & Co. and shifts to fishing for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico.
1923
Major Refit and renaming
Lettie is hauled out for refit and rebuilt. She is given a gas engine and renamed the Mystic C
1967
Conversion to an attraction vessel
Mystic C is sold to Historic Ship Associates and converted to a static dockside attraction. Now named the Caviare, she is resold to the South Street Seaport Museum.
1994
Restoration and rediscovery
After serving as a dockside exhibit at Seaport Museum’s Pier 16, during which time Lettie‘s original name is found and restored, an extensive 2 year rebuild sees her return to service as a sailing school vessel.
2018
Continued Legacy
Lettie G. Howard is leased to the Flagship Niagara League as part of a programmatic collaboration to continue her programming as an SSV. To this day she continues to sail, inspiring countless students and preserving her rich maritime heritage.
Preservation and Revival
The story of Lettie G. Howard might have ended there were it not for the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City. Recognizing her historical and educational potential, the museum acquired the schooner in the 1960s. Through meticulous restoration, Lettie G. Howard was returned to her original name and to her former glory with her decks and rigging serving as a tangible connection to the past.
The museum transformed her into a “living history” vessel, offering educational programming and sail training that brought maritime traditions to life. Through these efforts, Lettie G. Howard became more than just a static exhibit; she became an ambassador of history, inspiring thousands of visitors and students with her authentic representation of 19th-century maritime life.
A New Chapter in the Great Lakes
In 2018, Lettie G. Howard embarked on a new journey where her story continues to evolve through a dynamic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League in Erie, Pennsylvania. As part of this programmatic partnership, Lettie G. Howard now sails the waters of the Great Lakes, expanding her reach and impact. In the Great Lakes, she provides hands-on sail training and maritime education, fostering future generations of traditional mariners and imparting her story.
Lettie G. Howard’s presence in the Great Lakes is more than a voyage; it is a testament to her resilience and the commitment of those who steward her legacy. As she glides across these inland seas, she carries with her the stories of countless sailors, the craftsmanship of her builders, and the enduring spirit of maritime tradition. Through this collaboration, Lettie G. Howard remains a vibrant and vital link to our shared maritime heritage, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire for generations to come.