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Independance Day, 2010 Party aboard The Nantucket / LV 112 / WAL 534
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On July 4th 2010, The United States Lightship Museum, Owner of the Nantucket Lightship LV 112 / Bob Mannino, President, held what could become an annual event in Boston Harbor.
A Donation Fundraiser was held, to help raise funds towards the restoration of the Nantucket Lightship LV 112. The Event was to spend a relaxing afternoon on the deck of the Historic LV 112, docked in East Boston, at the Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, and view the U.S.S. Constitution, Old Ironsides Herself, being towed by. She was on Her annual turnaround cruise, which is held every 4th of July... from the LV 112. How can you beat that? Being aboard one United States Historic Landmark the Nantucket, and viewing another Historic Landmark, The Constitution, America's oldest Commissioned Naval Vessel, on America's Birthday!
July 4th, had terrific weathe. Hot, clear skies, and a great breezes blowing across decks from Boston Harbor. The day started early for Bob Mannino and myself. The Fundraiser was to start at Eleven o'clock, we had some last minute preparations, open the portholes, connect the shore power, set up a greeting area for the guests, and of course, put out the new Donation Box. Guests started arriving early, around 10:00 a.m. One of the first to arrive was a former Crewmember, Bob Burbank & Family from Uxbridge Massachusetts. He had served aboard in 1960. This was also his first time aboard since his departure back then! He felt like a stranger on board, but not for long! The memories returned quickly enough. Anybody out there remember Bob? Hopefully he may become a member of the LSA. I can't help trying to draft former Crewmembers you know!
Soon others started arriving, Lori, Laura, and Bill Perks, from Long Island, N.Y., Bill had been the Watchdog for the LV 112, while it was in Limbo, in Oyster Bay. He was extremely helpful in keeping the 112 safe. His and Laura's hospitality is overwhelming. They are true friends to the LV 112 cause, and to Anyone involved. We wish they lived locally so they could both continue to be involved with the restoration. Lori, has been active with posting photo's of the 112 on her own Website, and was instrumental in restoring the ships Flags! "Three Cheers" to Lori, Laura and Bill for all their past efforts!
As Guests arrived introductions were exchanged, guestbook signed, and people mingled as old friends even though most never met prior to this gathering! Chris, Bob's Wife, brought along an antique Horn about 3 feet long. Her goal was to be heard over all the boat horns! She gave it a good shot, but alas the task was somewhat of a failure. We all enjoyed a great laugh and she was having a swell time with it! Chris even tried to play a tune with that Horn. Started off okay, but petered out pretty quickly! Ha! She has a Big Heart and gave it all she could!
My own brother Paul and his wife, (also a) Chris, were on board for the first time. Guess they needed to see what this Lightship was all about after hearing me talking about it these past months. Paul as myself, grew up with strong interests in the Coast Guard due to our father being a career man of close to 30 years. We had seen the "Nantucket's" in Boston Harbor over the years, but never dreamed of actually being on aboard.
Capt. Robertson Dinsmore, his Wife, one of his sons, and two nephews were all aboard to give support to the cause and to enjoy the Viewing.
All told, there were perhaps 30 guests onboard for the fundraiser, and all had excellent seats. Viewing Boston Harbor is an awesome sight from deck, but viewing the Constitution being towed by, with the Boston Fireboat in the lead shooting up streams of water just can't be beat!
Everyone had a great time, met new friends and all left with high spirits, and a better understanding of why the Nantucket must be saved, and knowing the LV 112 is in good hands.
Ron Janard LSA Historian
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Loretta Guglielmino (Lori's Jarvis House Blog)
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