Not long ago we had a blog post about adopting an actual rivet from the BROWN for fundraising purposes. Everyone who adopted rivets from our blog post was invited to pick them up this past weekend and to enjoy a special tour of the ship. Many more were sent to those who don't live close enough to pick up their rivet. Howard lead the first tour and entertained everyone with stories and information about liberty ships and WWII. Howard, can usually be seen on the Flying Bridge during our Living History Cruises. As either a pilot or Chief Mate, Howard has wonderful information and stories.
The tour started on the main deck and our guests were taught how to toss the heaving lines. Heaving lines are small lines that are thrown out to line handlers on a pier or another ship to attach to and pull across heavier lines. The monkeys fist is the weighted ball at the end of the heaving line to give it some weight so it travels further.
There were two groups in this tour. Boy Scout Troop 441 is sponsored by VFW Post 2462. They purchased a rivet to display in their space as a way to honor their sponsors. Liam showed everyone how to coil the line and the best technique for sending it flying.
The other group was a family. They were the second couple to be married on the JOHN W BROWN, back in 1995 and they adopted a rivet as a way to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
They brought the announcement from their wedding. It was a real treat for us to see!
Crew member/docent, Al is giving Brett and his mother a tour of the ship and explaining the hatches and holds of Liberty Ships.
The tour moved aft and Howard talked about differences between merchant mariners and the Armed Guard. He also explained how loading and aiming the guns changed over the course of the war.
When you're on the JOHN W BROWN you're welcome to explore many parts of the ship.
Taking a turn at the wheel on the Flying Bridge is something most people will do if they can, even though the ship is not moving. During a Living History Cruise you can do this for real. There is a silent auction on each cruise and the winner gets to steer the ship while she's underway. Certainly an experience of a lifetime!
Another favorite place for visitors to visit is the Engine Room. Here everyone gets a look at the top of the triple expansion steam engine.
There's lots to learn in the Engine Room with it's gears and valves and nooks and crannies. Today it was nice and cool, not at all what it's like when the ship is underway.
We love having company and enjoyed hosting this special group today. We hope that all our guests enjoyed their day as much and they took some some nice memories along with their adopted rivets.
For more pictures taken on Saturday, check out this album of shots on Flickr. Ferd is a photographer and a friend of the BROWN'S, who adopted a rivet and took the chance to return and take more picture.
Project Liberty Ship, Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all volunteer organization engaged in the preservation and operation of the historic ship JOHN W. BROWN as a living memorial museum. Gifts to Project Liberty Ship are tax deductible.
