SEA HISTORY
No. 106
WINTER2004
CONTENTS FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE
W ISCONS IN HISTO RJCA L SOC IETY
7 Schooner Lucerne: Lessons from a Great Lakes Shipwreck, by Andrew Jalbert Lake Superior's icy freshwater has beautifully preserved hundreds ofshipwrecks. The Lucerne's story teaches us about the realities ofseafaring on the lakes and shows how cultural resource management can serve the public. 10 A New Drake Myth, by Edward Von der Porten President ofthe Drake Navigators G uild Edward Von der Porten debunks a new book with false claims about Sir Francis D rake's Pacific Northwest voyage.
7
15 Historic Ships on a Lee Shore, by D eirdre O 'Regan and Joe Follansbee A distress call regarding the uncertain futures ofthree historic American ships: Schooner Ernestina ofMassachusetts, SS Catalina in Ensenada, Mexico (formerly ofsouthern California), and Seattle's Schooner Wawona. 2 1 Master and Commander-The Far Side of the World: Comments on Historical Accuracy, by W illiam H . White Patrick O'Brian's huge success stemmed largely from the meticulous detail and accuracy with which he portrayed his characters and the nautical traditions of the Royal Navy. How did the movie measure up?
15
22 Dr. Charles Webster, Ship's Surgeon: A Diary from Sea 1896-97, edited by Robert M. Webster, MD Dr. Webster embarked on a non-stop voyage from N ew j ersey to j apan in the Last days ofsail. His observations give a first-hand account oflife at sea when steamships were on the verge ofwiping out the sailing ship era forever. 30 MARINE ART: The Life and Art of John Prentiss Benson, by Margaret M. Betts, commentary by John G. H agan
22
35 Maritime History on the Internet, by Peter McCracken Maritime historian, lib rarian, and entrepreneur, Peter McCracken guides you on your research via the internet.
COVER: A Fair Wind by john Prentiss Benson. (oil/canvas, 24x42 ': date unknown). See pages 30-32. This painting and other works ofjohn Prentiss Benson will be on disp lay this summer at the Portsmouth Athenaeum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 30
DEPARTMENTS 2
DECK Loe & L ETTERS
6
NMHS:
26
SEA HISTORY FOR KIDS
33
MARINE ART NEWS
A CAUSE IN
36
SHIP NOTES, SEAPORT & MusEUM NEws/CALENDAR
MOTION
41 48
REVIEWS PATRONS
SEA HISTORY (iss n 01 46-93 12) is published quarrerly by rhe Nario nal Maririm e H isrori cal Sociery, 5 John Walsh Blvd., PO Box 68, Peekski ll NY l 0566. Periodicals posrage pa id ar Peekskill NY 10566 and add '! mailing offices. COPYRIGHT © 2004 by rhe Nario nal M ari rime Hisrori cal Sociery. Tel: 914-737-7878. POSTMASTER: Send address changes ro Sea Hisro ry, PO Box 68 , Peekskill NY 10566.
NATIONAL MARITIME HISTORICAL SOCIETY