|
In
1979, the City of New Bedford, a focal point for earliest
Cape Verdean immigration and a city undergoing attempts
at waterfront revitalization, pledged $40,000 for Ernestina-related
physical improvements in the waterfront area. In the
words of Mayor John A. Markey, the city looked forward to
having Ernestina in New Bedford "as an
historic reminder of the contribution of the Cape Verdean
people to the cultural enrichment of the city, and of the
continuing strong ties with the Republic of Cape
Verde." Julius H. Britto of Buzzards Bay,
Schooner Ernestina Commission chairman developed a
proposal for $250,000 submitted to the U.S. Department of
the Interior through the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in Washington, D.C. The proposal was
unsuccessful but it was an example of the comprehensive
effort being undertaken to secure the future of the ship.
Public meetings and other activities sought funding.
Woodworking with a power
plane in a Mindelo Shipyard. |
|
Forging fastenings for the
ship. Bolts as well as planking nails were forged. The nails
came from re-bar stock! |
|
You can see the aft deck
structure with many knees at the ends of the beams. The Harbor
of Mindelo, Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands is in the
background. |
|
The aft end of the ship
where the aft cabin is today. Later the stern tube for the propeller
shaft was installed through this section. |
|
You can see the ceiling
planking with frames behind. |
|
|