The last clipper-bowed Fredonia model inshore fishing schooner Lettie G. Howard

Lettie G. Howard Photo Gallery

Dimensions as built 1893
as “Lettie G. Howard”

Length: 74.6 feet
Beam: 21 feet
Depth: 8.4 feet
Tonnage
Gross: 59.74
Net: 56.76

Dimension as rebuilt 1923 as “Mystic C.”
Length: 75.4 feet
Beam: 20.8 feet
Depth: 8.5 feet
Tonnage
Gross: 52.24
Net: 47

Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Lettie G. Howard is the last existing clipper-bowed “Fredonia model” inshore fishing schooner. Named for Captain Fred Howard’s daughter, the Lettie G. Howard fished near the coasts of Massachusetts and Maine. Built in 1893 in Essex, Massachusetts by Arthur D. Story, her hull was oak framed, planked with pine held in place by treenails. She originally carried topmasts on both fore and main masts.

E.E. Saunders and Co. of Pensacola, Florida purchased her in 1901 and fitted Lettie G. Howard for the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fishery. She was rebuilt in 1923 in Bay Point, Florida and renamed “Mystic C.” Changes included the removal of the break in the deck, and the addition of eight inches of false keel depth along 36 feet of the keel. Documentation after the rebuild also noted slight changes in overall dimensions. in 1924 she was fitted with a 36 horsepower auxiliary engine, necessitating a new stern post and rudder. Some time later her topmasts and bowsprit were removed.

She was sold to the Historic Ships Associates of Boston, Massachusetts in 1967, who mistakenly renamed her Caviare, believing she was that former Gloucester schooner. The South Street Seaport Museum purchased her a year later and returned her to the original build name “Lettie G. Howard.”

Lettie G. Howard was included in the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER), which documents historically significant engineering, industrial, and maritime works in the U.S. The project is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Lettie G. Howard was documented in 1989.

The South Street Seaport Museum completely restored her between 1991 and 1993. Now in her original 1893 appearance, Lettie G. Howard is outfitted to accommodate trainees on educational voyages. In 1994 the U.S. Coast Guard certified her as a Sailing School Vessel, allowing her to carry students of all ages as a training ship.

In January 2012, Lettie G. Howard was dry docked at Mystic Seaport. Subsequent inspections found extensive rot in her keelson and foremast step, and she was put back in the water until enough money can be raised for the necessary repairs. You can donate to the maintenance of Lettie G. Howard here.

High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard body plan forward
High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard body plan aft
High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard waterline plan aft
High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard waterline plan forward
High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard sheer plan aft
High-resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard sheer plan forward

High Resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard deck plan aft

High Resolution TIFF file: Lettie G. Howard deck plan forward

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard construction plan aft

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard construction plan forward

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard below deck plan aft

High Resolution TIFF Plan: Lettie G. Howard below deck plan forward

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard inboard profile aft

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard inboard profile forward

HIgh Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard midship section plan

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard cabin trunk plan

High Resolution TIFF File: Lettie G. Howard forecastle companionway plan

High Resolution TIFF File: Mainmast and Spar Plan

High Resolution TIFF File: Foremast and Spar Plan