NJ MARITIME MUSEUM 2013 HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER What a year this has been! Clean-up continues long after Superstorm Sandy ravaged the eastern seaboard; not only on Long Beach Island, but along the entire New Jersey and New York coast. It still continues, leaving countless families displaced and businesses struggling to recover. When we finally caught up to the repairs needed in the months following Sandy, your museum had an accidental water leak (on August 9th, the height of the summer season!) when contractors, installing hurricane/storm shutters, inadvertently drilled into one of the sprinkler system pipes. Everything is now fixed and better than new. Speaking of hurricane/storm shutters, the entire museum facility is now fully protected in preparation for future severe weather events; we have a large commercial refrigerator and freezer - elevated with their motors and wiring well above flood level - and are nearing completion of the installation of our 50 kilowatt generator (powered by natural gas with a propane backup system). Once completed, we will not only be as storm-proof as we can possibly be, but also eligible to apply to the County of Ocean and American Red Cross to be designated as an emergency shelter for first responders; something that is much needed on our vulnerable island. This is just another way in which we hope to serve our community in its time of need. Somehow, the above did not put a dent in the museum’s pace. Once again, the museum set a record for visitation. More families are visiting, and our popular Friday Morning Childrens Program – incorporating ALO and ReClam the Bay volunteers – attracts crowds each week. Special thanks go to our teenage wonder, Sabrina, her pals, and Jim Vogel, who have led this endeavor for four years now. This is the place for youngsters, along with their parents and grandparents, to enjoy an educational experience of interest to people of all ages. New exhibits drew rave reviews. Perhaps the best was for Sinbad the Coast Guard Dog display. Re-printed below is an article, written by our in-house journalist, Gretchen Coyle, about this wily pup from Echoes of LBI magazine, thanks to publisher Cheryl Kirby. SINBAD’S RETIREMENT IN BARNEGAT LIGHT Location, location, location pontificate the realtors. What could have been better for a World War II veteran than retiring in Barnegat Light - ocean and bay in full view, surrounded by congenial people, room and board provided, plus free drinks at Kubel’s? Such was the luck for Sinbad, a crew member of the Coast Guard Cutter Campbell for eleven years. According to Mike Walling, who wrote a new introduction to George F. Foley’s 1945 book Sinbad of the Coast Guard “Retired from the Coast Guard on September 21, 1948, Sinbad lived at Barnegat Coast Guard Station in New Jersey until his death on December 30, 1951. He was honored with a full military funeral and was placed to rest at the foot of the flag pole, his grave marked by a bronze plaque.” Ah, did we mention that Sinbad was a four-legged mixed breed mutt destined for stardom? Sinbad’s story began in 1938 when he was found on the streets of New York. The appealing puppy was smuggled aboard the 327’ Campbell by two crew members. Sinbad’s exploits, travels, and escapades soon made him famous. “An old sea dog has favorite bars and plenty of girls in every port,” reported Life Magazine. He had an autobiography, was paw-printed, and interviewed by ABC news. Sinbad soon became a popular crew member, attaining status as more than a mascot, with “his own service number, medical history, bunk, uniforms, and battle station” wrote Walling. When the Campbell was torpedoed by the German Submarine U-606, most personnel were transferred to a destroyer. However, Sinbad was ordered to stay aboard. Whether by luck or cunning, Sinbad “led” the ship (under tow) to safety. Creating his own international incidents was not unusual for Sinbad. Blithely wandering places like Casablanca and Greenland, this feisty four-legged Coast Guard member was occasionally in trouble. According to the U.S. Coast Guard History: “Sinbad is a salty sailor, but he’s not a good sailor. On a few occasions, he has embarrassed the U.S. Government … he’s as bad as the worst and as good as the rest of us.” “He wore his extensive collection of service ribbons and awards on his collar. Sinbad earned each of the five ribbons he wore … American Service, European Theatre, and Pacific Theatre.” For three years Sinbad wandered the small village of Barnegat Light, stopping regularly at Kubel’s for a cold one, two front paws resting on the old wooden bar. Rumor has it that Sinbad favored a shot of whiskey with a beer chaser. He didn’t need an escort; he just scratched at the front door until someone let him inside. Cold winter evenings were spent lying in front of Kubel’s fireplace. Bob Melchiori was stationed at the Barnegat Lifeboat Station from 1954-1958, and is familiar with Sinbad stories, his popularity, and notoriety. “He had his own little sea bag with his uniform, collar, and money pouch where he carried his money, contributed by crew members, so he could buy his drinks in various bars he visited.” Upon visiting the station about nine years ago, Bob asked about the sea bag. “The commanding officer told me that he had a copy of the inventory of several boxes of historical value, but Sinbad’s sea bag was not listed.” Occasionally the outlandish pup kept watch from the Coast Guard tower, an official hat on his head, and those same front paws draped over the metal railing. Matt Walter, who was stationed at Barnegat Light, wrote that “most of his duty was apparently performed at Kubel’s.” Sinbad died on December 30th, 1951. Buried under the base of the flagpole, his headstone read “Sinbad Chief Dog U.S. C.G.C. Campbell w 32, 1937 – 1951.” Mike Walling wrote, “He was honored with a full military funeral. I’m looking forward to drinking with Sinbad when I pass.” Matt Walter added: “My second tour of duty in the U.S. Coast Guard was at Station Barnegat Light. Every 30th of December, we would gather at the flagpole at the old station (now the Boro offices, East 7th Street) and Salute Sinbad with a few toasts, Semper Paratus Sinbad!” Old timers remember a lot of Sinbad look-alikes in the Barnegat Light area during the 1950’s, which goes to show that retirement for a four-legged Coastie after World War II sure had its perks. The number of volunteers grows each year, each one with a different set of credentials and/or interest. As visitors and the public ask your museum questions, a group of volunteers go into heightened research mode. What a service and satisfaction these volunteers provide! Last summer, Samantha Ginsberg, a Fordham student, was one of our most resourceful interns. Her interest in maritime history, not to mention her technical capabilities, was invaluable. During the summer, Sherri Paris Marine Science Camp was based at the museum, drawing the interests of many children, ranging in age from K-8th grades and high school teens. Groups of all ages continue to tour, the young ones having conquered a scavenger hunt and leaving with gift certificates for ice cream at Barry’s Do Me a Flavor. To date, there are over 40 different non-profit organizations and service groups who utilize the museum facilities for their meetings and programs. Continuing our role of PR, the New Jersey Maritime Museum is seen periodically on NJN, Travel Channel, Mysteries at the Museum, and Emil Salvini’s Tales of the Jersey Shore, plus several newspapers and magazines. Our weekly column, written by maritime historian, author and journalist Gretchen Coyle, has continued in the Beach Haven Times after 2 ½ years. If you haven’t read it, renew your subscription. The column covers all facets of New Jersey’s rich maritime history. Over 400 people attended the Annual Museum Benefit on Saturday, September 14th. In anticipation of a huge crowd, more tents were added, a raw bar was expanded, and extra food was served (everything from scallops to Okie’s pulled pork and pig roast, veggie dishes, Rita’s ice and desserts from Crust & Crumb Bakery - all extremely good, we might add). In spite of Superstorm Sandy damage, the business community came out in force to support the museum in the form of gift certificates and merchandise for our Chinese and Silent Auctions. So many happy faces left with baskets filled with goodies. Thanks to all our volunteers who helped make this such a special night, yet managed to eat, drink, and be merry themselves! Mark your calendar for next September 13th, 2014 when the Annual Benefit will honor the commercial fishing industry! In preparation for the big event, we will have completed the installation of Brian Hanlons 2nd memorial statue - a tribute to those who pursue the worlds most dangerous occupation. The 1st of these, the Fishermen’s Story Memorial, was created in memory and in the likeness of Captain Jimmy Mears, whose life was lost when his vessel, the Mandy Ness, was lost on January 11th, 2012 off Barnegat Light. This magnificent memorial can be seen in Barnegat Light, across the street from the entrance to Barnegat Light State Park. Have you seen the Internet Café? Thanks to volunteer Christopher Drew, a proud member of our U.S. Air Force, it is more comfortable and user friendly than ever before, with cushioned sofas and laptop tables. This free wi-fi service is appreciated by homeowners and visitors alike. The internet café isn’t the only part of the museum that’s been upgraded; thanks to the efforts of volunteer Suzanne Gilbert, our gift shop merchandise now includes an assortment of sea critters and gifts for kids. We also feature the entire collection of books published by Down the Shore Publishing Company. With book stores almost a thing of the past, we offer some of the best books ever written about our state’s history. Scott Mazzella’s new book, Surviving Sandy, is among those available at the museum. Inferno at Sea continues to be as popular and has almost sold out its 1st printing! A 2nd edition is in the works and promises to include even more personal accounts of those whose lives were impacted by this maritime tragedy. Think of the NJ Maritime Museum Gift Shop when you do your Christmas shopping! A good Christmas gift is a membership to the NJ Maritime Museum. Your gift will not only be appreciated by the recipients, but serve so many who are captivated by our states rich maritime history. Don’t forget, your gifts are tax exempt. If your membership has expired, be sure to re-new it. For specifics, e-mail [email protected] or call 609-492-0202. Annual memberships are: $25 Student/senior member; $50 Surfman; $100 Surfman Family; $250 Keeper; and $500 Superintendent. As a member, you will enjoy special members-only benefits, including preferred admission to special events and programs, unlimited access to the museums internet cafe, lending library and shipwreck database, and a 10% discount on all gift shop merchandise. Please remember that all non-profits need help, especially after the devastation from Superstorm Sandy. We’re counting on your generosity this Holiday Season! How about a gift of membership to someone who has restored their home? All Lifetime Memberships will receive a copy of either Inferno at Sea or Surviving Sandy. Categories of Lifetime Memberships are: $1,000 Individual; $2,500 Family; $5,000 Corporate Sponsor; $10,000 individual Benefactor; and $25,000 Corporate Benefactor. On an exciting and somewhat controversial note, we are thrilled about being contacted by Dr. James Delgado from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) about being selected to house an exhibit on the Robert J. Walker, an historically significant shipwreck off Atlantic City that was recently identified by a collaborative effort of New Jersey wreck divers, as well as government and university maritime archeologists. The Walker, a steamer that served in the U.S. Coast Survey, a predecessor agency of NOAA, served a vital role as a survey ship, charting the Gulf Coast, in the decade before the Civil War. Built in 1847, she was one of the U.S. governments first iron-hulled steamers, and was intended for the U.S. Revenue Service, the predecessor of the U.S. Coast Guard. 20 sailors died when the Walker sank in rough seas in the early morning hours of June 21, 1860, 10 miles off Absecon Inlet. The crew had finished its latest surveys in the Gulf of Mexico and was sailing to New York when struck by a commercial schooner. The side-wheel steamer, carrying 66 crewmembers, sank within 30 minutes. The sinking was the largest single loss of life in the history of the Coast Survey and its successor agency, NOAA. The controversial side of this announcement is that for many years, NOAA and our divers have had a less than happy relationship. The case in point being that since the Robert J. Walker has been classified as historically significant, divers will no longer be allowed to recover artifacts from that wreck site. However, under the leadership of the much-respected Dr. Delgado, NOAA is now trying to reach out to the diving community and establish a mutually agreeable working relationship. If this can be accomplished, we think it will prove beneficial to both groups, and we will continue to our efforts to try and facilitate such an agreement. The NOAA has brought in their team of professionals to design and construct this exhibit at its own expense. We expect this to be completed this winter and will schedule a grand opening of the Robert J. Walker exhibit shortly thereafter. Museum members will be invited to a “sneak preview” of this exhibit prior to its opening to the public. Dive couple Dave Swope and Eileen Sappah have completed the digital shipwreck database – a mammoth three year project – which is now available on the internet through the museum’s website. How can the museum and those interested in shipwreck history worldwide ever thank them for such an awesome feat? Their report is as follows: “Over her lifetime, Deb Whitcraft has been collecting information about the maritime tragedies that occurred in the waters along the Jersey Coast. Books, magazines, newspaper articles, photos, artifacts, and interviews. When she opened the NJ Maritime Museum, all that she had collected could now be displayed and enjoyed by the public. Deb and her volunteers organized and filed all the information about shipping travails in our waters. “Eighteen file cabinets line the hallway with over 5,000 folders each describing the misfortune of a ship in as much detail as could be gather- ed. Now the availability of those files has entered the electronic age. Important pieces of information in each file have been transcribed into a computerized database. “For more information and access to the data base, go to NJMaritimeMuseum.org Click on Shipwreck Database tab and follow instructions. Feedback and additional information are appreciated.” Although this enormous project is up and running, it is in no way finished, nor will it ever be. Project Manager Dave continues to collect and add more information as it becomes available, and addresses requests for information as they come in. Wed like to encourage you - our visitors, members, maritime historians, and - particularly - our divers, to contact Dave with any new information or finds that you might come upon, so that he may add it to our ever growing database. In this manner, the NJ Maritime Museum will continue to be THE place for researchers, students and others to turn to when seeking to expand their knowledge of New Jersey maritime disasters. Dave can be reached directly at [email protected] and he looks forward to hearing from you. As a museum and research facility, we have earned respect and credibility as the best maritime museum in the state. We just recently received another honor as “Best Museum in Ocean County.” We use your donations and membership fees mainly for new displays and programs. The facility has begun its seventh year of operation thanks to the efforts of those with a passion to preserve our state’s maritime history. Now we are reaching out to our members and friends: what would you like to see at the museum? Your thoughts and suggestions are important to us. We strive to create displays that best suit the interests of our visitors and our collection of research notebooks has continued to grow to over 300 volumes. We are open all winter: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am – 4pm, other times by giving us a call 609-492-0202. There’s nothing better than a visit to your favorite museum, a walk on the beach, and a warm meal on the island. Programs will continue all winter. Check our website at NJMaritimeMuseum.org, call 609-492-0202, and check local papers for our calendar of events. We also invite you to “like” us on Facebook! As 2013 comes to a close, and 2014 begins, we want to wish you and your family Happy Holidays and best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you soon! OFFICERS & TRUSTEES OF THE NJ MARITIME MUSEUM James Vogel, President of the Board Robert Cunningham - Michael Egolf - Mary Gruber George Hartnett - Leslie Houston Jeanette Lloyd - Beverly Tromm Deborah Whitcraft - Robert Yates
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 22:02:29 +0000
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