03 June 2014

Discover Historic New England: Ship Breaking at Nut Island (1885-1903)

Ship breaking at Nut Island




Between 1885 and 1903, 18 steamships were broken up at Nut Island in Houghs Neck. An old practice, in the late 1800’s shipbreaking involved breaking up wooden ships in order to recycle the metal used in their construction. The superstructure of the ship would be dismantled and what was left of the ship would be burned. In Houghs Neck many of these parts were recycled into cottages. Even today homeowners find tongue-in-groove sheathing and large timbers from these ships incorporated into their homes. Come to the Thomas Crane Library (40 Washington Street, Quincy) on Tuesday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. and learn about the ships, the shipbreaking process and see photos of some of the cottages made from parts of these ships.



Local historians Patti Williams and Peter Sault, who presented the blockbuster "Hotels of Houghs Neck" program are presenting original research; hear it here first!

Patti and Peter will lead a guided walk of Nut Island on Saturday, June 7 at 10:30 a.m. (Rain date: Sunday, June 8, 1 p.m.). It will start from the Houghs Neck Public Landing parking lot (take Sea Street east, turn right on Bayview Avenue just beyond Louis and then into the parking lot on the left.) For more information and rain date rescheduling of walk, please call 617-472-0799.

Source: patriot ledger. 2 June 2014

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