Capstan for hauling beach boats
1860s
Capstan (painted black), A drum or cylinder revolving on an upright spindle, much used, esp. on shipboard, for moving or raising heavy weights or exerting great power by traction upon a rope or cable passing around the drum. Note from donor states, "To Whom it may concern: The reason that I thought this capstan might be of some interest is because my friend, Mrs. Nancy Farnan, believes this capstan could be the one that was used at Circle Beach to "close the purse" on bunker fish that were netted in the cove and then hauled up on the beach to dry in the sun to extract the oil. A valuable commodity in those times. The appearance of the rusted iron and degree of "wear and tear" from the elements confirm that this was an ancient machine. It appeared mysteriously on Harbor Avenue shore when I was 7 years old and was used to haul rowboats up on the beach at night or if a storm was expected. I'm almost 92 now - couldn't haul it up the beach again I f I had to!
A number of ships big enough to use this capstan were built at the boatyard where the nursing home at formerly Fowlers - now Apple near the rt. one bridge at East River. As a matter of fact, I have heard that half of Fowlers (Apple) main building is on the site of the old boatyard!" Top of the capstan is filled with concrete. ~26" x 20"
A number of ships big enough to use this capstan were built at the boatyard where the nursing home at formerly Fowlers - now Apple near the rt. one bridge at East River. As a matter of fact, I have heard that half of Fowlers (Apple) main building is on the site of the old boatyard!" Top of the capstan is filled with concrete. ~26" x 20"
2013.13