Much like Maddie's discovery of the Page diaries, I found this diary of my great grandfather, Harold Dickerson, who they called Gramp (tho I never met him) at her grandmother's (not surprisingly, my mother's).
Amusingly, he describes himself and his actions in the diary in the third person, so when he talks about the Captain, he is talking about himself. The First Mate is his wife, Floey (which I just realized - I don't know how to spell that name). It's interesting to see her in a new light, since as a kid, I only knew her as a very elderly, yet elegantly poised, lady who would sit quietly in random places around my grandmother's house. Rarely would we ever hear her speak, but I guess in her time, she had quite the strong personality.
I originally typed this baby up on a manual typewriter. (Maddie, I was going to rudely say that you'd have to search Wikipedia for the definition of that, but in reality it's the same one on the basement shelf). I then used OCR (this I know you'll have to look up) to convert it to the digital realm.
I think it's fun to read Gramp's account and follow his track across the East, from Ohio to his hometown of Poughkeepsie. Hope you enjoy it!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Foreword by Gramp
During the season of 1928, we all had some splendid trips and most delightful times on the "Old Glory IV."
Old Glory IV was a stanch, trim ship but without adequate accommodations so we decided for a better and more commodious ship. Great pains and considerable time was spent in selecting our new yacht.
Our Captain spent several days by himself investigating, and finally announced he had seen the yacht that suited him in every respect and said if we were as well pleased with it as he was it would be our home for the Yachting Season of 1929.
On a Saturday afternoon in December we went to see the Captain's selection and we were all more than delighted with her. We had not dreamed of such a beautiful ship, with more room than any had hoped for. Everything a yachtsman could desire was there and when our Captain gave the question the answer was a unanimous "Yes."
The thoughts of riding the high seas in such a splendid yacht as we had seen made us very jubilant and our Captain said "now for a jubilee.” So to a good dinner where there was dancing and then to a show. While at dinner our first mate said, "I have the name of our new yacht," and that name became the choice of all. "Juby Lee."
She is a "Matthews Double Cabin 38". Actually 38’ 6” long – 11’ beam. Owners Stateroom forward Open bridge and after cabin with Pullman berths. Many extra were added to make everything most comfortable. A Lyman Dinghy was obtained and a Johnson Sea Horse #10 outboard. Our Dink is a right handsome craft and one that does credit to the "Juby Lee.”
The clippings from the newspapers give a good idea for the start of our first cruise on the "Juby Lee.” After the departure of the Bride and Groom on Saturday June 8th for a trip to Canada, the Captain and first mate of the "Juby Lee” left Pksie in the afternoon of June 10th, stopping that night at Buffalo, spent the next day at Niagara Falls and left Tuesday night, on the midnight train for the west.
After changing, trains at Cleveland, Ohio, the Captain and the first mate arrived at Port Clinton Ohio at 11.A.M. on Wednesday June 12. Going at once to the Matthews plant where delivery was to be taken of the "Juby Lee" it was great disappointment to our Captain to find out that "Juby Lee" had not been launched. However by using great persuasion the plant sent a gang of men to put the finishing touches on our yacht and the "Juby Lee" went over the ways at 2.0 P.M. and was given a trial spin that afternoon.
On account of this delay by the Matthews Peo. it was necessary for the Capt. and first mate to take rooms at the Hotel in Port Clinton. This for a small town Hotel was very good with an excellent restaurant with moderate prices.
Old Glory IV was a stanch, trim ship but without adequate accommodations so we decided for a better and more commodious ship. Great pains and considerable time was spent in selecting our new yacht.
Our Captain spent several days by himself investigating, and finally announced he had seen the yacht that suited him in every respect and said if we were as well pleased with it as he was it would be our home for the Yachting Season of 1929.
On a Saturday afternoon in December we went to see the Captain's selection and we were all more than delighted with her. We had not dreamed of such a beautiful ship, with more room than any had hoped for. Everything a yachtsman could desire was there and when our Captain gave the question the answer was a unanimous "Yes."
The thoughts of riding the high seas in such a splendid yacht as we had seen made us very jubilant and our Captain said "now for a jubilee.” So to a good dinner where there was dancing and then to a show. While at dinner our first mate said, "I have the name of our new yacht," and that name became the choice of all. "Juby Lee."
She is a "Matthews Double Cabin 38". Actually 38’ 6” long – 11’ beam. Owners Stateroom forward Open bridge and after cabin with Pullman berths. Many extra were added to make everything most comfortable. A Lyman Dinghy was obtained and a Johnson Sea Horse #10 outboard. Our Dink is a right handsome craft and one that does credit to the "Juby Lee.”
The clippings from the newspapers give a good idea for the start of our first cruise on the "Juby Lee.” After the departure of the Bride and Groom on Saturday June 8th for a trip to Canada, the Captain and first mate of the "Juby Lee” left Pksie in the afternoon of June 10th, stopping that night at Buffalo, spent the next day at Niagara Falls and left Tuesday night, on the midnight train for the west.
After changing, trains at Cleveland, Ohio, the Captain and the first mate arrived at Port Clinton Ohio at 11.A.M. on Wednesday June 12. Going at once to the Matthews plant where delivery was to be taken of the "Juby Lee" it was great disappointment to our Captain to find out that "Juby Lee" had not been launched. However by using great persuasion the plant sent a gang of men to put the finishing touches on our yacht and the "Juby Lee" went over the ways at 2.0 P.M. and was given a trial spin that afternoon.
On account of this delay by the Matthews Peo. it was necessary for the Capt. and first mate to take rooms at the Hotel in Port Clinton. This for a small town Hotel was very good with an excellent restaurant with moderate prices.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Thursday June 13 - 1929
A.M. "Juby Lee" given another tuning up spin. 4 men putting on finishing touches, painting, putting on bed, cushions etc, and working on engine.
11. A.M. Crew arrive - and we all go for an inspection of the "Juby Lee.” After this all return to the "Island Hotel.”
P.M. Another trial spin. Our Captain now announced that Dick was to have charge of the outboard and this set Dick off on a busy afternoon and evening. After carefully examining the Dink and the Sea Horse #10 to ascertain that everything was O.K. Dick obtained the service of an outboard expert, a young man above ordinary intelligence, who worked at the Matthews Plant. Dick had a hasty and early supper, and at once returned to the plant, and when the rest of us arrived at the plant later there was Dick in the outboard scooting around the harbor at 20 miles an hour. We all had trips in our outboard which was a lot of fun and very exhilarating.
"Juby Lee" is completed in every detail and we are hoping to be off in the morning, but though the weather up to this time has been clear there are unmistakable signs of a storm.
11. A.M. Crew arrive - and we all go for an inspection of the "Juby Lee.” After this all return to the "Island Hotel.”
P.M. Another trial spin. Our Captain now announced that Dick was to have charge of the outboard and this set Dick off on a busy afternoon and evening. After carefully examining the Dink and the Sea Horse #10 to ascertain that everything was O.K. Dick obtained the service of an outboard expert, a young man above ordinary intelligence, who worked at the Matthews Plant. Dick had a hasty and early supper, and at once returned to the plant, and when the rest of us arrived at the plant later there was Dick in the outboard scooting around the harbor at 20 miles an hour. We all had trips in our outboard which was a lot of fun and very exhilarating.
"Juby Lee" is completed in every detail and we are hoping to be off in the morning, but though the weather up to this time has been clear there are unmistakable signs of a storm.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday June 14 - 1929
6.45A.M. Raining hard. Heavy low hanging clouds. Strong South by West wind. Our Captain prophesied clearing weather by noon and we all sat down to a hearty breakfast at 7.40. It was still raining but not so hard and the wind had shifted a bit further to the West.
The last minute rush is now on. Provisions are bought and ordered sent to "Juby Lee". Sun shining. Wind shifted to West and blowing very hard. Captain ordered all provisions and supplies stored and for the next hour we are all very busy. At 11.30 everything is reported as being in ship shape condition. The Ass. Supt. offers to take us through the drawbridge and accepting his offer we cast off at 11.35 and 20 minutes later we drop our pilot at the Port Clinton Yacht Club, and our Captain is in full command. It is blowing a gale out of the North West and promises pretty rough water outside. In a few minutes we are out in Lake Erie. Barometer 29.56.
Heavy sea running and we hug the shore to keep out of the high seas, and this makes fairly comfortable sailing until off Marblehead Light where our course takes us right out into the Lake where we strike the full force of the sea and wind. The wind is rising all the time. As we round Marblehead Pt. the waves are breaking all over us and all portholes are closed and hatchways closed and fastened. We roll considerably and everything loose has to be stowed away. After passing Marblehead Pt. we come on fishnets. These nets are placed from a 1/2 mile to 2 miles off shore and run for hundreds of feet. They have wood markers about 50 feet apart. On account of these nets it is impossible to keep near the shore and thus avoid the angry seas to some extent and if we head straight out so as to be outside of all the nets we would be rolling, in the trough of the seas which are now becoming dangerously high.
The fishnets between markers are 10 to 12 feet below the surface so our Captain orders a diagonal course with the seas off shore and instructed Dick to go between markers if necessary to avoid getting in the trough in the waves. It was now Dick’s "trick" at the wheel.
1.30 P.M. We strike a submerged marker with a loud noise. However when we proceed after throwing out the gear everything appears all O.K. The sea is rising all the time and if anything the wind is increasing. It certainly is a very high gale.
Looking astern the billows roll towards us like mountains, and it is impossible to see over them as they rush on us. As they strike us we ride on the crest for a few moments at what seems to be terrific speed, and then down we go with a rush and "Juby Lee,” pokes her bow right into the sea. Spray flies in every direction. Though "Juby Lee" is showing her seaworthiness it is most uncomfortable sailing. Captain orders reduced speed.
2.15 Captain gives orders to look for Lorain Light and Floss with binoculars searches the Eastern Horizon for same.
2.38 - Floss sights Lorain Light and with this for a guide we head for Lorain Harbor. All, except perhaps Dick, are glad to hear we are going to run into a harbor, but Dick on account of the splendid behavior of the "Juby Lee" in a high sea would rather liked to have continued further.
3.18 Rounded Lorain Light and anchored behind the West Breakwater at 3.30 in calm water. Our Captain and Dick now made preparations to launch the Dink, but before this could be accomplished a man and two boys, in a small craft with an outboard, hailed us. This man had queer features and a very odd manner and we nicknamed him Capt. "Oddfellow" as he did not introduce himself, telling us however to follow him and he would lead us to an excellent mooring. Capt. "Oddfellow" proceeded us to the Yacht Club where we moored to their landing for the night. Our newfound friend showed us how in the best way to launch the "Dink," and soon this accomplished, Dick was running all around the harbor to the admiration of numerous boys. This is a small Yacht Club and we are the largest yacht in the Harbor.
6.30 - An excellent dinner.
Barometer 29.68 - rising
Weather - clear -
Wind - strong west but abating.
All evening until dark we are inspected by an admiring throng of men and boys. We counted over 20 at one time.
9.30. Barometer 29.72
Weather clear - no wind
The last minute rush is now on. Provisions are bought and ordered sent to "Juby Lee". Sun shining. Wind shifted to West and blowing very hard. Captain ordered all provisions and supplies stored and for the next hour we are all very busy. At 11.30 everything is reported as being in ship shape condition. The Ass. Supt. offers to take us through the drawbridge and accepting his offer we cast off at 11.35 and 20 minutes later we drop our pilot at the Port Clinton Yacht Club, and our Captain is in full command. It is blowing a gale out of the North West and promises pretty rough water outside. In a few minutes we are out in Lake Erie. Barometer 29.56.
Heavy sea running and we hug the shore to keep out of the high seas, and this makes fairly comfortable sailing until off Marblehead Light where our course takes us right out into the Lake where we strike the full force of the sea and wind. The wind is rising all the time. As we round Marblehead Pt. the waves are breaking all over us and all portholes are closed and hatchways closed and fastened. We roll considerably and everything loose has to be stowed away. After passing Marblehead Pt. we come on fishnets. These nets are placed from a 1/2 mile to 2 miles off shore and run for hundreds of feet. They have wood markers about 50 feet apart. On account of these nets it is impossible to keep near the shore and thus avoid the angry seas to some extent and if we head straight out so as to be outside of all the nets we would be rolling, in the trough of the seas which are now becoming dangerously high.
The fishnets between markers are 10 to 12 feet below the surface so our Captain orders a diagonal course with the seas off shore and instructed Dick to go between markers if necessary to avoid getting in the trough in the waves. It was now Dick’s "trick" at the wheel.
1.30 P.M. We strike a submerged marker with a loud noise. However when we proceed after throwing out the gear everything appears all O.K. The sea is rising all the time and if anything the wind is increasing. It certainly is a very high gale.
Looking astern the billows roll towards us like mountains, and it is impossible to see over them as they rush on us. As they strike us we ride on the crest for a few moments at what seems to be terrific speed, and then down we go with a rush and "Juby Lee,” pokes her bow right into the sea. Spray flies in every direction. Though "Juby Lee" is showing her seaworthiness it is most uncomfortable sailing. Captain orders reduced speed.
2.15 Captain gives orders to look for Lorain Light and Floss with binoculars searches the Eastern Horizon for same.
2.38 - Floss sights Lorain Light and with this for a guide we head for Lorain Harbor. All, except perhaps Dick, are glad to hear we are going to run into a harbor, but Dick on account of the splendid behavior of the "Juby Lee" in a high sea would rather liked to have continued further.
3.18 Rounded Lorain Light and anchored behind the West Breakwater at 3.30 in calm water. Our Captain and Dick now made preparations to launch the Dink, but before this could be accomplished a man and two boys, in a small craft with an outboard, hailed us. This man had queer features and a very odd manner and we nicknamed him Capt. "Oddfellow" as he did not introduce himself, telling us however to follow him and he would lead us to an excellent mooring. Capt. "Oddfellow" proceeded us to the Yacht Club where we moored to their landing for the night. Our newfound friend showed us how in the best way to launch the "Dink," and soon this accomplished, Dick was running all around the harbor to the admiration of numerous boys. This is a small Yacht Club and we are the largest yacht in the Harbor.
6.30 - An excellent dinner.
Barometer 29.68 - rising
Weather - clear -
Wind - strong west but abating.
All evening until dark we are inspected by an admiring throng of men and boys. We counted over 20 at one time.
9.30. Barometer 29.72
Weather clear - no wind
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