‘Round Town: Robert Mitchell

Glenn-Geary

Wed, 04/23/2014 - 1:00pm

    Glenn-Geary sounds like a good Scotch whiskey to me.

    The Jacob Pike and Kelani & Donna, two similar boats, visited Goudy & Stevens’ docks during my early photo days.

    It has been nice to see Glenn-Geary in the Harbor, at anchor out toward Tumbler Island on one of the old Sample (now Boothbay Harbor Shipyard) moorings. Glenn-Geary’s unique shape harkens back to a different period in coastal fishing and netted-off-coves nearby.

    During a visit to the Tenants Harbor, I bumped into (quite literally) Sonny Lehtinen as he was getting up out of a boat by one of the docks. He was a very large person, but a masterful fisherman, well regarded along the coast for his herring catches. We had a brief visit.

    He seemed unhappy about the presence of my camera. There was no reason for discomfort, as I didn't even know what he was doing in the middle of the odd boat with its unusual controls. I couldn't imagine how he ever managed to be safe bouncing around on the water.

    I asked about a boat in the Harbor that looked like Glenn-Geary. It may have been a sardine carrier, but Mr. Lehtinen was in a hurry to get away from my camera and stupid questions. I think he liked me.

    Glenn-Geary was hauled out for a short period this winter, and on a Sunday I stopped by to pay my respects and get a closer look. There were many signs of hard work etched into her surfaces, but still in all, a very respectable presence. It always amazes me to see a boat out of the water. So much about them rests below the waterline. It’s fun to walk close and touch such a piece of history.

    I wish Mr. Lehtinen could have been around to share some stories and be annoyed by my questions.