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Northport's Shipbuilders: 
Craftsmen on the Harbor

 
When you picture Northport Harbor’s waterfront today with its town dock, bandshell, and tree-lined park filled with dog walkers and children enjoying ice cream, it’s hard to believe that not too long ago, the description of a typical scene at the harbor would have been very different. Imagine instead, a waterfront of marine railways and shipyards, littered with lumber and scores of shipwrights hammering away as the massive wooden hulls and the tall masts of schooners, sloops, and barks rose along the village's skyline.
 
With its deep harbor and proximity to New York City, Northport was attractive to ship builders as early as 1814 when small yards began to appear along the waterfront. But the period between 1840 and 1890 saw the biggest boom in ship building with Northport launching around 258 vessels during its “Golden Age.”
 
The Allie R Chester under construction in the Carll Shipyard, 1883

The Carll Shipyard
Having lost their father as teenagers, brothers Jesse and David Carll left the family farm on Main Street and took apprenticeships in the shipyards of Port Jefferson. With their newfound skills and inheritance money of $400, they returned to Northport in 1854 and went into business together under the name D. & J. Carll Ship Builders.
They bought half an acre along Bayview Avenue and in their first year built two sloop lighters each weighing about 80 tons. The next year they built a double decker bark of about 650 tons named Storm Bird, which only took 87 days to complete. Their reputation for fine craftsmanship and quick construction spread rapidly.   
By 1865 the Carll shipyard had grown to 22 acres, had two marine railways and employed up to 100 men at a time. It was also in 1865, that a disagreement led David to part ways with his brother and open his own yard in City Island. Jesse went on to reign as Northport’s leading shipbuilder, earning him the name “Boss Carll.”

 
The yacht Hallie, complete in the Hartt Shipyard, circa 1894

The Hartt Shipyard
Started by Samuel Prior Hartt, the Hartt shipyard business was a family affair that included his brother Moses B., son Erastus, and grandson, Oliver. It was located along the waterfront and across from Samuel’s house at 12 Bayview Avenue.
Erastus Hartt began his 60-year ship building career in 1845, helping out in his father's yard. He became a highly skilled marine architect, designing ships and laying keels. He drafted for Brooklyn ship builders as well, and had a hand in designing the ill-fated General Slocum, the steamer that caught fire on its way to Locust Grove on Eaton's Neck, resulting in the loss of 1,021 lives.   
Oliver L. Hartt, the son of Erastus, saw the family business into the next century, making the transition from wooden sail-powered vessels to steamers.
The Launching of the Edna Chase, Hartt Shipyard
The launching of a new ship became a social event and was often celebrated with large parties of well-dressed ladies and gentlemen held in the shipbuilder’s home with music and refreshments.


The Jarvis Shipyard
Jesse Jarvis, described as ‘a shrewd ship builder, a rich man, and, in all points, the leading man in town’, began building ships around 1841 along Woodbine Avenue. His yard produced at least 35 ships between 1841 and 1883 which included the sloops Ann Strong, Contest, and Mischief.
Ship builder Jesse Jarvis (1814-1890)
New technology such as steam-powered engines and metal hull construction signaled the decline of sail-powered, wooden ships. Northport’s robust oystering business kept some shipbuilders afloat building oyster steamers, but by the early 1900s, the remaining shipyards were relegated to repairs.
As the ship building pioneers died off, so too did the art and the craft that helped shape early Northport.

 


WHAT'S  IN  THE  BOX?

Visit the Historical Society's information box at our front steps at 215 Main Street. We'll have new surprises inside all summer.
This week you can learn more about Northport's shipbuilding history and the types of ships built on the waterfront.
 
  Come see what's in the box!
 
 
COMING SOON!
Did you know that the Northport Historical Society’s museum building was originally the Northport Public Library?
The dedicated staff at the Museum is currently working on restoring part of the gallery into a “Library Corner.” When complete, it will serve as a space for the public to browse our local history library, conduct research, and access over 10,000 museum collection items, including documents and photos, online.

We cannot wait to invite you back in!
The original library building was in service from 1914 to 1966
Looking for the perfect gift? Remind friends and family of where they came from with "Images of America, Northport."  
All book sales support the Northport Historical Society's mission of preserving our shared history.  $24 plus tax.
To order, text 631 796-2316. 


While the Society navigates through these uncertain times, your online contributions have never been more vital to sustaining our preservation efforts.  If at all possible, we would appreciate any contribution you may be able to make at this time.  
 
Thank you for considering this request and please stay safe!

  
Click Here To Donate

 
 
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215 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768 
Phone: (631)757-9859
Email: info@northporthistorical.org
Copyright © 2020 Northport Historical Society.
All Rights Reserved.

Our mailing address is:
Northport Historical Society
PO Box 545
Northport, NY 11768






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Northport HIstorical Society · 215 Main Street · PO Box 545 · Northport, NY 11768 · USA

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