The Legacy of Nellie: An Enduring Symbol of Maritime History
The story of Nellie, one of the few remaining oyster vessels from the late 1800s still afloat, is a testament to resilience, evolution, and maritime heritage. While the exact details of its origins remain somewhat elusive, the vessel’s journey embodies a rich history that reflects both its physical and narrative transformations.
Origins and Purpose
It has long been believed that Nellie was built in 1818, potentially making it one of the oldest surviving vessels of its kind. However, definitive proof for this theory is lacking. Recent evidence suggests that Nellie was constructed by shipbuilder, Captain Franklin Darling Hawkins of Smithtown, Long Island, along the Nissequogue River in 1891, the same year it was first registered. While the possibility of its construction in 1818 has not been completely ruled out, the most credible sources support the 1891 timeline.
NELLIE’s Original Application for Official Number. National Archives.
An article titled A Flourishing Industry of Bygone Days: Shipbuilding at Smithtown, published in Smithtown’s Tercentenary Souvenir Album by the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, mentions two vessels named Nellie. One, an 1818 oyster sloop built by Slope and Scudder, is referred to as Nellie A. Ryle, while the other, constructed by Captain Franklin Hawkins, is also called Nellie. This coincidence piqued the interest of Don Hawkins, who, after researching his family history and consulting the Mystic Seaport Museum in 2019, confirmed that Nellie A. Ryle and Nellie is indeed the same vessel. Further documentation, including a Vessel Information response from the National Archives, confirmed that Nellie was built in 1891 in Smithtown and later sold to John Ryle, who renamed it Nellie A. Ryle—a change reflected only in the vessel’s paint.
Originally built for shellfishing, Nellie’s official registration document listed it for coastal trade, and according to locals, it was used early on for harvesting oysters from the bountiful waters of Long Island Sound. Over the years, Nellie has undergone significant changes, adapting to the evolving needs of the maritime community and the industrial revolution. On December 14, 1891, Franklin D. Hawkins submitted an application for a new official vessel number to the Port Jefferson, New York customs house, receiving number 130578. Captain Hawkins operated Nellie from December 19, 1891, to January 14, 1897. Subsequent owners included Josiah M. Stamps (January 14, 1897 – June 1, 1900), John Ryle of Stamford, Connecticut (June 1, 1900 – July 26, 1938), James Ryle (1939 – 1961), Henry W. Ventulett (1961), and John L. Stone (1961–1964), before the vessel became a permanent exhibit at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Throughout its life, Nellie was registered at various ports, including Port Jefferson (1891–1898), Patchogue (1899), Stamford (1900–1961), and Bridgeport (1961–1964).
A Journey to Preservation
Nellie’s remarkable journey culminated in its arrival at the Mystic Seaport Museum, where its legacy continues to inspire new generations. The preservation of this historic vessel has been championed by dedicated organizations like the Friends of Nellie and the Society for the Preservation of Nellie A. Ryle (SPONAR), who have worked tirelessly to secure the funding and support needed for its major restorations, ensuring that Nellie’s story endures.
At 36 feet long, with a 13-foot beam and a 3-foot-9-inch draft, Nellie exemplifies the design and functionality of late 19th-century oyster sloops from Long Island and Connecticut. Over the years, the vessel has undergone several renovations, most notably in 1913 (when it was converted from sail to gas power). Despite the changes the vessel underwent, Nellie retained the charm and character that make it a cherished part of local maritime heritage.
A report in The Norwalk Hour highlighted the crucial role of the Rowayton Historical Society in its preservation, emphasizing its historical significance: “The Nellie A. Ryle, believed to be the oldest oyster sloop still afloat, has maintained its integrity through years of careful stewardship.” Though Nellie is not the oldest shellfishing vessel from Long Island —Priscilla, built in 1888, holds that title—it remains one of the oldest surviving vessels from Long Island still afloat.
Gifted to the Mystic Seaport on December 31, 1964, Nellie underwent a significant restoration at Eldridge Boat Yard from June 1970 to 1971. The restoration aimed to return the vessel as closely as possible to its original design, using similar vessels such as Modesty and Priscilla to replicate its rigging. The engine was removed and replaced with a traditional mast and rigging. In 2001, Nellie’s keel was replaced, and it is now undergoing another major restoration.
Once its current restoration is complete, Mystic Seaport Museum plans to see Nellie sail again—over a century after it was converted to a gas engine. The goal is to return it to its original sailing condition, complete with traditional sails and hoops made on-site, allowing it to glide across the water with the same grace and purpose it had in its early years. Nellie is more than just a vessel; it is a true masterpiece of maritime craftsmanship.
The Evolution of Power
On June 1, 1900, John Ryle of Stamford, Connecticut, purchased Nellie for his oyster fleet. By 1913, the vessel was registered as a “Sloop (Gas S.)” with an 8 bhp engine. When it arrived at Mystic Seaport, Nellie was powered not by sail, but by a 3-cylinder Palmer engine, with the same specifications as its original registration: 36 feet in length, 13 feet in beam, and a 3’9″ draft.
During the early 20th century, experimental power sources were introduced, eventually giving way to gasoline engines, which were smaller and cheaper to operate than steam boilers. This shift allowed sloops like Nellie to be converted into powered vessels. The change was particularly beneficial for natural growers who needed the power to reach oyster beds, though they could not use it for dredging the natural beds themselves.
Before World War II, oyster boats generally came in two main styles: the fully enclosed houseboat type and the open-decked type, both equipped with engines and pilot houses located at the stern. While many boats were still crafted with wooden hulls—particularly those built in Maine—some were constructed from iron and later steel after 1920. Tax incentives for existing vessels encouraged the continued adaptation and use of older ships, rather than the construction of new ones. Following World War II, many oystermen began acquiring retired military vessels, small freighters, tugboats, and yachts, repurposing them as oyster boats. This shift was driven by labor shortages, which also led to modifications in dredging equipment, including the transition from two posts near the rail to a single post or mast positioned centrally.
A Continued Legacy
Nellie’s journey has been well-documented, with various owners utilizing it for oystering in key locations such as Port Jefferson, the Great South Bay, and Connecticut. Franklin D. Hawkins, the vessel’s first registered owner, operated it from 1891 to 1897, harvesting oysters from the rich waters of Long Island Sound and engaging in coastal trade. Successive owners, including Josiah Stamps and John and James Ryle, continued this tradition, further cementing Nellie’s role in the region’s maritime culture.
Maritime historian Critchell Rimington has acknowledged the challenges in verifying Nellie‘s precise history but affirmed its significance within the context of the oyster industry and local maritime practices. As vessels age and are rebuilt, they often receive new registrations and names, which can blur the lines of their original identities.
Today
Today, Nellie stands as a living testament to the evolution of maritime practices and the rich history of the oyster industry. Its transformation from a working vessel to a preserved artifact reflects the dedication of those who understand the importance of heritage. As Nellie continues its restoration at the Mystic Seaport Museum, it will not only preserve a significant era of American history but also educate and inspire future generations about the importance of maritime heritage. Through its enduring legacy, Nellie reminds us of the vital connection between our past and present, bridging generations through the stories of the sea.
Nellie’s Past Owners:
1891 – 1898: Franklin Darling Hawkins (b. 1847- d. 1933) of Smithtown, Long Island, NY. Coastal Trading
1898 – 1900: Josiah M. Stamps (1853 – 1930) of Central Islip, Long Island, NY. Coastal Trading
1900 – 1938: John Ryle (1854 – 1938), Stamford, Conn. Coastal Trading, Oystering, and Mackerel. (Passed away aboard Nellie – Long Island Sound Pilot and one of the leading oyster growers in Conn for more than 50 years NYT Nov. 27, 1938)
1913 – CONVERTED TO GAS ENGINE. 1938 – NOTED 8 B.H.P.
1939 – 1961: James Ryle, Southfield Point, Stamford, Conn.
1944 – ENGINE NOTED AS 30 B.H.P.
1961: Henry W. Ventulett (1928 – 1996) of Bridgeport, Conn.
1961 – 1964: John L. Stone (1929 – 2010) of Westport, Conn.
1964 – present: Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic, Conn.