The Ida May Project

It was good to see Josh and his crew back in the building after finally wrapping up their summer project. Work has started on planking the deck. They are finishing up the fairing and layout plan and the first plank was put into place Tuesday. Final work on shaping the Trunnels also got underway. They will be used to fasten the deck planks. George has been working on the stanchions. Brass piping has been purchased and cut to length, shims have been cut for the bases and ...the have been positioned on the boat to check the layout and mark where holes have to be drilled for the rail wire. The next step will be welding. A shout out to Eric Scheblein and Scheblein Plumbing in Oyster Bay for coming in and threading all the stanchion pipes so they can screw into the bases. Our annual appeal is underway. For those of you we might have missed in our mailing, you can donate by going to our web site at http://www.idamayproject.org/donate.htm Your support is greatly appreciated.

IMP Applauds New Christeen Historical Plaque Ida May Project board members and volunteers attended the Sept. 16 unveiling of a new historical marker honoring Christeen. The boat was re-built by The Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation Corporation. Many of the IMP volunteers crew aboard Christeen as well helping to maintain the ship. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino thanked the William G. Pomeroy Foundation under their Historic Signage Grant Program for the plaque. Th...e Supervisor noted Christeen is the oldest oyster sloop in America and is a National Historic Landmark. Supervisor Saladino stated, Since the founding of the Town of Oyster Bay in 1653, Oyster Bay hamlet and the surrounding harbor have played an important role in history, and an important role in the development of trade and commerce in New York State. Originally built in Glenwood Landing in 1883, The Christeen is an amazing and historical vessel that has served a number of roles over the years, from oyster sloop to cargo carrier. Its story of survival is an incredible one, and I am proud to dedicate this historical marker today to bring more attention to this incredible vessel. Originally built in 1883 in Glenwood Landing for harvesting oysters in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor, over her 125 years The Christeen survived 16 major hurricanes, numerous nor’easters, two sinkings, and severe neglect to be fully restored by master shipwrights from the Christeen Oyster Sloop Preservation Corporation. Upon her completion and relaunch in 1999, The Christeen was gifted to the Waterfront Center where she now serves as a floating classroom educating passengers about maritime history, marine science, coastal ecology, the oyster industry, and aquaculture. DFK

Things have been moving pretty slowly at the workshop the past few months as we implemented Covid-19 Safety restrictions. A great deal of varnishing was accomplished in our new varnish tent, and the flanges got welded onto the Hawse Pipes (thanks Billy). But the big event was the arrival of our engine. Last Thursday, Bell Power Systems delivered our 160 HP John Deere Diesel. It was a real tight fit getting it into our building. The forklift couldn’t make the turn going in front way, so it had go back down the driveway, turn around and back it in. The maneuvering was accomplished without a hitch and the engine is now resting comfortable waiting for installation.