Thomas Point Lighthouse & Skipjack "Rosie Parks" Now Complete
Thomas Point Lighthouse and Rosie Parks are two pieces of Chesapeake Bay history. The Lighthouse was constructed in 1875 on Thomas Point Shoal at the mouth of the South River in Maryland. She is the only active screw-pile lighthouse remaining in its original position and is an exceptionally beautiful lighthouse.
The Skipjack in this Bottle is based on the "Rosie Parks." "Rosie Parks" was built in 1955 by Bronza Parks and is undergoing a full, originally outfitted, restoration by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Maryland. She was a oyster dredger, and an example of the traditional boats that once frequented the Bay in the Winter Months.
The Skipjack in this Bottle is based on the "Rosie Parks." "Rosie Parks" was built in 1955 by Bronza Parks and is undergoing a full, originally outfitted, restoration by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Maryland. She was a oyster dredger, and an example of the traditional boats that once frequented the Bay in the Winter Months.
Lighthouse Carved and Painted:
The Lighthouse must be constructed in multiple pieces, so that it will be able to pass through the neck of the bottle. The Main structure is three pieces. Wire pegs inserted between pieces will aid in re-fitting it inside the bottle.
More Details and Pieces:
Above: My lighthouse is finally recieveing the attractive details that make these constructions so unique. Windows are made of paper, small black paper squares glued on a white paper. The piles are wood with wire braces. Notice the upper and lower railing constucted of thin wire vertical segments with thread stretched across, glued and painted.
The main structure will be inserted in six pieces with other details being attached within the bottle. Small wire pegs will allow me to fit the pieces together once and be securely glued.
Skipjack, "Rosie Parks"
Work went well on the Skipjack, so well that I never stopped to take pictures until now. She's looking like a real working sailboat. She is fully equipped with dredge, winder and has a small pile of oysters on each side of the vessel. Once finished, I hope she looks just like one of those tough, worn, Chesapeake Bay Boats.
(Please note) There are not many pictures of the actual Rosie Parks available, as she is being currently restored, so it may not be an exact replica.
(Please note) There are not many pictures of the actual Rosie Parks available, as she is being currently restored, so it may not be an exact replica.
Above and Below, have a good look at all the details on her deck. I plan to display her undersail and dredging with at least two men on board. Her push boat will hang on the davits at the stern and her sails set running downwind with a nice cold, Winter breeze.
Below: The light and skipjack together. They may not equal, but each are as exact in their dimensions as possible.
Complete:
Skipjack "Rosie Parks" clearing the Thomas Point Lighthouse on a Winter's day, dredging for oysters on the Chesapeake Bay.
Stand, Label, Turks Head, Sealed, and Stamped:
After much thought and attempts on how to create a stand and the finishing touches to suit this pretty scene in a bottle, I've finally managed to complete it. I hope that you've enjoyed reading about her steps to completion and appreciate its final appearance.
For Sale - This ship in bottle is available for purchase at Annapolis Marine Art Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. Check out their website for contact information: http://www.annapolismarineart.com/
For Sale - This ship in bottle is available for purchase at Annapolis Marine Art Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. Check out their website for contact information: http://www.annapolismarineart.com/