By sheer concidence we stumbled on two more fascinating photographs of "Old Ironsides"
during her lengthy stay at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. One came from a Texas
reader. The other turned up in a file in the local library a few years ago. Here
are both images, published for the first time and available exclusively on your
favorite history web site.
Sarah Hensz of College Station, TX wrote SeacoastNH.com recently to say she had
what appeared to a picture of Old Ironsides in Portsmouth, NH. We agree, although
no experts have documented the photo yet. The cabbed-over USS Constitution appears
to be located near the famous Franklin Shiphouse at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
in Kittery, ME. The interesting thing about this image is that Ironsides is not
the focal point of the photo which appears to be taken from the Portsmouth side
of the river. Most images we have seen are framed exclusively on Ironsides, and
thus we can see here, more clearly, where the ancient ship was docked during its
lengthy term of service here in the late 1800s.
Sarah told us about her find in an email to SeacoastNH.com/ Here is her message:
"My mothe-in-law bought the framed picture at an antique shop in the late 1960's
when my father-in-law was stationed at Pease AFB. Recently she decided to put
a new print into the old frame and even considered throwing away the photo, but
since she knew we liked maritime things, saved it for us. I'm glad she did!!!
I called her this evening to tell her about the info you sent today and she was
amazed!!!! I've printed the info about the Ironsides from your web site to send
to her as well."
The detail of the photo above shows the distant image of Old Ironsides more clearly
sometime before 1897 when it was removed to Boston where it remains today. In
an even larger version of the photo we can even see people walking on the ship
in the foreground. Sarah says her search for the content of the photo began when
she asked herself --- What was this really a photo of? She searched online, found
our web site on Old Ironsides and contacted us. We don't know what the photographer
was aiming at, but it i a fascinating perspective all the same.
PHOTO #2
Unpublished Ironsides Found in Library Files
As far as we know, this picture has rarely been seen and never published. It
was discovered by former special collections librarian Sarah Hartwell. Sarah's
brilliant command of the History Room at the Portsmouth Public Library often saved
SeacoastNH.com a zillion hours of aimless searching. This photo, which as you
can see is cracked and flaking, was found in the vertical file in a manila folder.
This one appears to be an original and we have never seen it in any other collection.
The photo dates from between 1882 and 1897 when "Old Ironsides" was used as a
receiving ship for seamen at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
This unique sea level viewpoint shows three men, apparently sight seers, getting
a closer look at the famous old frigate. It appears to have been "Kodaked" from
another boad, although the image is especially clear and level if that is thecase.
Unlike most official photos from this era, this shot includes people in the foreground
and nicely captures the water. A number of other figures are visible on the ship
and to the right. Despite its "housed over" appearance, the lines of the famous
war ship are still visible. The ship looked like this when it was towed to Boston
from Portsmouth Harbor in 1897 for a 100-year birthday celebration. Ironsides
spent a total of 20 years at the shipyard and Portsmouth was its second port of
call in 1931 after restoration was completed. The earliest images in the archives
of the US Navy show Ironsides in Portsmouth in the 1850s.-- JDR
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
Sarah Hensz of College Station, TX wrote SeacoastNH.com recently to say she had
what appeared to a picture of Old Ironsides in Portsmouth, NH. We agree, although
no experts have documented the photo yet. The cabbed-over USS Constitution appears
to be located near the famous Franklin Shiphouse at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
in Kittery, ME. The interesting thing about this image is that Ironsides is not
the focal point of the photo which appears to be taken from the Portsmouth side
of the river. Most images we have seen are framed exclusively on Ironsides, and
thus we can see here, more clearly, where the ancient ship was docked during its
lengthy term of service here in the late 1800s.
