Lawrence R Jacobsen

Celebrating the Emma C. Berry Lawrence R Jacobsen

The Emma C. Berry, built in Noank, Connecticut in 1866, is the last known fishing smack and a National Historic Landmark. These fast, utilitarian and graceful boats, built with wet wells to hold the catch, were once plentiful along the eastern seaboard, and the Noank design was considered superior. This overview, with accompanying photos and illustrations, follows the Emma C. Berry and her owners, crew, and admirers, as she underwent changes in rig design from sloop to schooner, and changes in service from fishing boat to lobster transport to coasting schooner to cargo carrier, finally being donated to Connecticut's Mystic Seaport in 1969, where she was fully restored and is now a floating exhibit. In a simple, easy-to understand account that also provides ample technical and historical detail, author Larry Jacobsen guides the reader through Emma's adventures, misfortunes, and rescues, illustrating that the story of this fishing smack is really the story of the many people, especially those from the Noank area, who were responsible for her continued existence.