Frigate Constitution Towed Out of Dock

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7201, 26 April 1930, Page 4

Frigate Constitution Towed Out of Dock

RESTORATION WORK With tho navy yard -oand playing, motion' picture machines recording the event and Rear-Admiral Philip Andrews, U.S.N., Commandant of the First Naval District, attending, along with thousands of people gathered to witness the ceremony, the old frigate Constitution, famous in history its “Old Ironsides,” was towed out of tho Boston Navy Yard on March 15 and tied up. at the pier, just outside the dock. Hundreds of school children Who had donated their pennies for the restoration of the Constitution were aiiiong those who witnessed tho ceremony. The ship was without masts or rigging, but was gaily bedecked with flags of. the international signal code and the Stars and Stripes. The old hull had been practically rebuilt, anil sufficient money was left from the amount subscribed by contribution throughout tho nation to complete restoring the interior of the craft to its original appearance. Masts and Canvas for sails had been donated and 23 or 30 sailmakers throughout the nation had agreed to make.the sails free of charge, each of them to mako olio section of a sail.

More than £50,000 was still needed, however, to complete the restoration of the vessel, which was 7S per cent, rebuilt. None of tho total amount was in sight and the movement to secure an appropriation from Congress was not expected to succeed. Naval officials planned to eontinuo their efforts to secure money by popular subscription throughout the country and announced

that the masts would not be stepped nor the sails bent until money was available for rigging and other equipment.