With my impending trip to Baltimore, I thought it would be a good time to post an essay that my grandmother wrote when she was 18 years old.
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The Ship Christening -
January 9, 1943
[written March 21, 1944, at Converse College]
Those who have not had the experience of christening a ship and watching it glide smoothly into the water, can not fully comprehend the thrill of such a beautiful sight. It was not until a year ago last January that I was fortunate enough to have the honor launching a “liberty ship” in Baltimore.
It was a late day in December when I was informed that I had been chosen sponsor of a new cargo-carrier to be named the “James Woodrow”. Just at the thought of being sponsor at a christening made me almost completely delirious with joy. I had seen many pictures and movies of women who had launched ships, but had never dreamed such a thing would happen to me.
Through the remaining days of December everything was centered around the christening. Mother and I spent much of our time shopping for new clothes. We simply had to look our best on such an occasion.
The 9th of January arrived, bringing with it the eventful day. Since the time of the launching was scheduled for 3:45 that afternoon, my family and a few friends and I left on the 2:00 train bound for Baltimore. I was becoming quite excited by that time, and the train wheels seemed to say in a monotonous tone “It won’t be long now”.
At our arrival in Baltimore, we were met by representatives of the Shipbuilding Company and taken in a custom built car to the shipyard. I thought, as we practically flew through town, that in less than 30 minutes I would be cracking a bottle over the bow of a “liberty ship”.
As long as I live, I shall never forget the feelings I had when I walked up those long, steep steps to the platform. Millions of eyes followed my every move, and I was almost trembling with mingled emotions.
Cameramen were there with their flashing bulbs waiting to take pictures of me, which made me feel like an important actress before an admiring audience.
The time had come! It was just a matter of minutes before the ship would be in the water.
Was I going to have good luck? Would I break the champagne bottle at my first swing or would I miss? One of the men stood by me counting the seconds, as the blocks were being cut from beneath the huge ship. Then, I heard the fateful cry “now”, and I swung the bottle easily at the hull sending a spray of champagne into the cold air. At the same moment, the ship slid down the ways, gracefully into the bay. The manner in which it hit the water was the most magnificent scene I have ever beheld. I was so happy that the boat had been christened successfully, because the sailors are very superstitious, and it is considered bad luck if a ship is not launched properly. Another ship had been sent to war, and I had helped in sending it on its mission.
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How neat is that?
I definitely plan on visiting the harbor while in Baltimore. Jenny informs me (by way of her roommate, I assume) that Fell’s Point is the place to go. I wonder where exactly the Liberty ships were built, though, and if I could go there? I should try to find out.
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2 Responses to "The Ship Christening"
I don’t know about the liberty ships specifically, but you can see lots of cool old ships at the harbor. If you’re there on a Friday, you can also visit the National Aquarium for five bucks, which is cool. Fells Point is known as “the place” to hang out, but if you’re interested in other recommendations for cool neighbourhoods, definitely check out Mount Vernon and Hampden (home of the Golden West, everyone’s absolute favourite not very expensive restaurant).
There is a restored Liberty Ship in Baltimore, the S.S. John W. Brown but I think the only time the public can board is when they do a “living history” cruise about once a month or so. The URL is http://www.liberty-ship.com.
Also, if you do make it down to Hampden check out Sugar (www.sugartheshop.com). From their website “Sugar is a lesbian owned, women and trans operated, for profit, mission driven sex toy store”.
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