The year was 1978, and Martha’s Vineyard confronted a big decision about its character. It could take a big step toward becoming part of generic America or fight to maintain its individuality.
A property had come up for sale on Vineyard Haven harbor, and the multi-national purveyor of junk food, McDonald’s, was lined up to build its 5,110th restaurant on it.
Winter is the ideal season when wood shavings fly, drills and sanders sing and Vineyard boat builders assemble and repair boats.
At one of the Island’s smallest boat shops, Rick Brown of Far Cry Boats in Vineyard Haven is working on two. Space is a premium inside his 15 by 36-foot workshop with limited heat. His fragrant shop is at Maciel Marine, next door to John Thayer’s cabinet shop, and has one of the best views of Lagoon Pond. The air smells of fresh-cut oak.
Little Lady moves to Vineyard Haven for restoration
Little Lady approaching Vineyard Haven harbor.
Little Lady approaching Vineyard Haven harbor.
Little Lady rounds West Chop on her way from Menemsha to Vineyard Haven.
Little Lady rounds West Chop on her way from Menemsha to Vineyard Haven.
Nat Benjamin of Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway will be undertaking the restoration.
Nat Benjamin of Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway will be undertaking the restoration.
Tugboat Sirius watches over Little Lady on the ride over.
Tugboat Sirius watches over Little Lady on the ride over.
Little Lady with her escort vessels following.
Little Lady with her escort vessels following.
The historic vessel stood up well to the journey.
The historic vessel stood up well to the journey.
Little Lady seen through the window of Nat Benjamin's work boat Patrol.
Little Lady seen through the window of Nat Benjamin's work boat Patrol.
Captain Denny Jason will continue on at the helm of Little Lady.
Captain Denny Jason will continue on at the helm of Little Lady.
Denny Jason guides Little Lady into Vineyard Haven harbor.
Denny Jason guides Little Lady into Vineyard Haven harbor.
Little Lady tied up at the pier at the Tisbury Wharf Company.
Little Lady tied up at the pier at the Tisbury Wharf Company.
Denny Jason has fished numerous seasons aboard his boat Little Lady.
Denny Jason has fished numerous seasons aboard his boat Little Lady.
Denny Jason is excited to see what this new chapter brings.
Denny Jason is excited to see what this new chapter brings.
Now the long process of dry dock and restoration will begin.
Now the long process of dry dock and restoration will begin.
Little Lady, a historic vessel that has fished out of Menemsha for decades, has left its harbor. On Thursday morning, the boat — the last one-man, wooden western-rig dragger in New England — journeyed to Vineyard Haven, where it will undergo restoration.