Herreshoff #193001es Trillium [Model Yacht]

ES193001_Model_Yacht_Trillium_probably_4.jpg

Particulars

Name: Trillium [Model Yacht]
Type: Model Yacht
Designed by: NGH
Not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc.: 1930-11-20
Not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc.: 1931-7-3
Construction: Wood
LOA: 5' 7.5" (1.71m)
LWL: 3' 9" (1.14m)
Beam: 1' 1" (0.33m)
Rig: Sloop Wishbone
Built for: Herreshoff, N. G.
Current owner: Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol, RI (last reported 2024 at age 93)

Note: Particulars are primarily but not exclusively from the HMCo Construction Record. Supplementary information not from the Construction Record appears elsewhere in this record with a complete citation.


Model

Model #10Model number: 10
Model location: H.M.M. Model Room East Wall

Vessels from this model:
0 built, modeled by NGH
#193001es Trillium [Model Yacht] (1931, Extant)

Original text on model:
"TRILLIUM Model sailboat 1930-31" (Source: Original handwritten annotation on model. Undated.)

Model Description:
"Model sailboat Trillium of 1930-31." (Source: Bray, Maynard. 2004.)

Note: Vessels that appear in the records as not built, a cancelled contract, a study model, or as a model sailboat are listed but not counted in the list of vessels built from a model.


Documents

Nathanael G. Herreshoff

"[1930-11-20] Thu 20: ... Began to lay out model yacht [#193001es Trillium] from model [Model No. 10] made in October.
[1930-11-25] Tue 25: ... [I] begin getting out foundation for model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1930-12-02] Tue 2: ... At work on model yacht [#193001es Trillium]. ...
[1930-12-11] Thu 11: ... Finished assembling deck beams & floors to frames of model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1930-12-19] Fri 19: ... Set up framing of model yacht [#193001es Trillium] on [its] baseboard.
[1930-12-21] Sun 21: ... Have the model yacht [#193001es Trillium] ready to plank.
[1930-12-22] Mon 22: ... ... Began planking model yacht [#193001es Trillium] in p.m.
[1930-12-23] Tue 23: ... In door all day working on model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1930-12-25] Thu 25: ... About 4 strakes on model [#193001es Trillium].
[1930-12-29] Mon 29: ... At work on transom of model [#193001es Trillium]. ...
[1930-12-31] Wed 31: ... At work on transom of model [#193001es Trillium] before completing planking.
[1931-01-01] Thu 1: ... Indoors all day, at work on model yacht [#193001es Trillium], continuing planking after working out transome [sic].
[1931-01-07] Wed 7: ... Had a call from the Swetland family, to see model yacht [#193001es Trillium] &c.
[1931-01-08] Thu 8: ... At work at planking model [#193001es Trillium], 9 strakes on and sheer strake next.
[1931-01-21] Wed 21: ... Finished putting on planking of model [#193001es Trillium], after nearly 2 weeks interruption.
[1931-01-23] Fri 23: ... At work on pattern for lead keel of model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-01-24] Sat 24: ... At work same as yesterday [i.e. on a pattern for the lead keel of model #193001es Trillium]
[1931-01-26] Mon 26: ... Finished lead pattern and turned over model yacht [#193001es Trillium]. W[ei]g[h]t as planked and [including] deck beams is 3lb 5oz. Wgt of lead pattern 18-1/2 oz, representing 36-1/2 lbs of lead.
[1931-01-29] Thu 29: ... At work on sail plan for model yacht [#193001es Trillium] and mast step.
[1931-01-30] Fri 30: ... Installed mast step [on model #193001es Trillium], rudder stock housing & getting out plank shears [i.e. covering boards].
[1931-02-03] Tue 3: ... Indoors all day. Fitting chainplates & getting decking ready on model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-02-05] Thu 5: ... Began laying down deck of model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-02-10] Tue 10: ... Finished laying deck of model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-02-11] Wed 11: ... Begin work on hatch & coaming [for model yacht #193001es Trillium]. Mrs. Munroe called at dinner time & later Mrs. Spencer, then Mr. Perice[sic] & 2 ladies. In the evening Com. M[unroe] [visited].
[1931-02-14] Sat 14: ... Mr. Luddington & others [stopped] in to see model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-02-15] Sun 15: ... [I] completed [the] hull of model [#193001es Trillium] [which] weighs 4 lbs 15 oz without paint.
[1931-02-16] Mon 16: ... Smoothed up planking of model [#193001es Trillium]. W[ei]g[h]t after smoothing incl. hatch cover & rudder blade [is] 4 lbs 13-1/2 oz.
[1931-02-21] Sat 21: ... Had a call in a.m. from Com. Pierce & Mr. Eckart to see model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-02-24] Tue 24: ... Occupied in puttying screw heads & seams of model [#193001es Trillium] & writing.
[1931-02-26] Thu 26: ... Painted model [#193001es Trillium] 2nd coat after puttying. ...
[1931-03-02] Mon 2: ... At work on standing rigging fittings of model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-03-08] Sun 8: ... At work on model [#193001es Trillium] steering gear. ...
[1931-03-12] Thu 12: ... Pattie brought the sailing class in to see the model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-03-16] Mon 16: ... At work cutting out sails for Ann to make [for model yacht #193001es Trillium] and making gunter yard.
[1931-03-24] Tue 24: ... Mr. Benton to[ok] me to a Lumber yard for board[s] to make a box [for crating the model yacht #193001es Trillium]. ...
[1931-03-30] Mon 30: ... Ann took photos of model [#193001es Trillium] in forenoon. ...
[1931-04-01] Wed 1: ... Unrigged the model yacht [#193001es Trillium] and put together [a] box for packing her.
[1931-04-07] Tue 7: ... Had a call in a.m. from Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Downer who was much interested in the model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-04-12] Sun 12: ... In house all day, working on model [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-04-14] Tue 14: ... Closed up box of model yacht [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-06-14] Sun 14: ... In all day, writing and working on model yacht # 3 [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-06-16] Tue 16: ... Fitted lead on model yacht #3rd [#193001es Trillium].
[1931-07-03] Fri 3: ... Finished rigging # 3 model yacht 'Trillium' [#193001es] begun last Nov[ember].
[1931-07-09] Thu 9: ... At work changing vane control in model [#193001es Trillium]. ...
[1931-08-29] Sat 29: ... In p.m. Sidney helped me sail model yacht 'Trillium' [#193001es]. Wind came a little strong and we, in Sidney's new 8-1/2 ft skiff, came near being left, and only caught her by [her] running foul of a yacht." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1930 to 1931. Manuscript (excerpts). Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff.)

"Nathanael G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Jany 14 1931 {1931/01/14} Dear Francis, ... I have the model yacht I am building nearly planked, and looks very well so fare. ... Your affect Father." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Nathanael G. Herreshoff Coconut Grove Miami, Florida Feb. 6 - 1931. {1931/02/06} Dear Francis - ... I have the model yacht planked and am now laying the deck, when I took her up after planking, and with all deck beams in it weighed 3 lbs 5 oz. and I expect hull will weigh finished 5 1/2 lbs, - the rig 1 1/2 lbs. The figured displ is 42 lbs. and I am making lead pattern to weigh 37 lbs which is 86% of displacment. It is to be Ketch rig, (a yawl with mizzen mast a little forward of w.l.) and should have the usual allowance in racing. I get tired easily so it is doubtful if it is finished before getting home. We are still having cool weather with entire absence of the trade winds. With best regards & wishes Your affect Father." [Note: The model boat Trillium at the Herreshoff Marine Museum is not a ketch, indicating that this letter either refers to another model boat or that N. G. Herreshoff changed his mind regarding the boat's rig during its construction. Trillium, does show, however, several different mastfoot positions in the deck, suggesting that its mast was shifted aft several times.] (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Coconut Grove, Fla. April 7 - 1931 {1931/04/07} Dear Francis, ... I am inclosing photo of my last model-yacht, which is completed except casting the lead and making the full sized mainsail, which will be done after I get home. The model -y, is now boxed ready to be shipped. Your affect - Father. & et [Vertical note in left margin] Keel flat for about 1/2 length of yacht, and tapering into a conventional keel inclined up toward each end." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from N. G. Herreshoff to L. F. Herreshoff.)

"Dear Sirs:
I have been much interested in reading the article in your October number entitled 'A Novel Automatic Steering Gear for Model Yachts,' as I have had quite an experience with devises for steering sailing models directly by angle of wind movement to the course desired for the model, and I consider it the best principle, when the details are properly worked out. Way back in 1875 when I was working on double-hulled sailing craft --- the details of which I had patents and I also constructed many --- I made a model [#187504es Amaryllis Model Yacht] of the contrivance about 33 inches long. This I sailed, but could not keep it on a course until I added a wind vane that controlled the rudder, and it did the trick perfectly.
Due to busy days, I did no more with the idea until a few years ago, when I took up model making just to give exercise without having to stand much over on fatigue. I built four models [#192901es, #193001es, #193002es, #193103es] to which I applied the windvane steerer, and when I tried each proved successful. I carried out the details somewhat different in each case, but all having the same principle of connecting the rudder to the wind-vane so they turn reverse directions. In one case a pin on the arm on lower end of vane shaft worked in a forked tiller turned on the rudder shaft, exactly as shown in the illustration on page 148 [a reference to a vane gear mechanism invented and described by the yacht designer Jac. M. Iversen of Stockholm, Sweden]. However, the details of the vane shaft and adjusting mechanism are quite different. The arrangement as shown in your paper is crude, as it is not designed to eliminate friction and the inertia of moving parts. In mine the wind vane is counter balanced so that careering or rolling of the model will have no effect. The entire weight of vane and gear bears on a fine pivot point, so the slightest air will swing the vane. Also, the rudder blade is of the same specific gravity as water, so it is not effected by careering and turns very easily.
I tried an elastic centering device and found it was not needed, and I also arranged a disc on the vane shaft with a circle of pin holes that a pin on the vane dropped into to hold the vane at desired angle and gave that up in favour of a friction arrangement on disc that is adjustable by screws to give sufficient friction to control the rudder, but can be pushed round to any angle in an instant without breaking anything.
I sent a drawing of this arrangement to a New York yachtsman and model enthusiast who asked for it, with the declaration that I had not patents, and gave it freely to the public. Unfortunately, the device was not carried out correctly and had considerable friction and, therefore, failed.
The principle certainly is not patentable, but of course some special details may be.
Yours Truly,
Nathanael G. Herreshoff." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. [Letter to the Editor.] The Model Yachtsman, England, December 1932. Quoted in: Boebert, Earl. "Nathanael Herreshoff's Vane Gears." The Model Yacht. Newsletter of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group. Fall 1999, p. 3-7.)

"Dear Junius,
... I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with double curved boom on one of their small crafts, but could not get them interestes, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience it only with model yachts [#192901es Robie, #193001es Trillium and #193103es Sprite], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant is use as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the double curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce. I first shape a mould of a little more curcature than the finished side bar and a little longer, so the first and second layers can be tacked at the ends to place before the third piece is laid in and clamped to hold the glued pieces while drying paper must be laid first. I get the pieces out quite a little over double width, to allow for sawing in two and planing the edges after gling, and so get both sides, at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. One, the saddle to take bearing in mast, of thick and strong metal bolted to the side bars with a facing of leather to mast, and the other, as you have it with a wood block to hold the side bars, that is to be forward of the mast. [Sketch.]
In this case I make the saddle of very thin brass held bu one bolt each and that goes thru the side bars. [Sketch.] The saddle parts are bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather.
I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your work. [Pencilled letter draft on back of Yenching University letter, undated but December 17, 1932 as per NGH note on Junius Morgan letter dated December 15, 1932.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. [Letter to Junius S. Morgan.] Herreshoff Marine Museum Correspondence, Folder 50 (new), 181 (old). December 17, 1932.)

L. Francis Herreshoff

"February 10, 1931 {1931/02/10} Dear Father: ... I was interested to hear of your progress on the model yacht. I am also very interested that you are going to rig her as a ketch or yawl, and I am quite sure this is the most satisfactory rig for a model yacht and think she will sail much steadier than anything else. I would not try to overwork if I were you for after all if you get pleasure from working there is no need of hurrying up and finishing it. ..." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

"April 10, 1931. {1931/04/10} Dear Father: ... I am really quite carried away with your model as she is but am not at all sure she would not be just as good if longer on the waterline, and with less displacement. Also the sharp sterns stear noticeably better when driven in hard before the wind. ..." (Source: Mystic Seaport Museum, L. Francis Herreshoff Collection, Box 17, Folder 7: Letter from L. F. Herreshoff to N. G. Herreshoff.)

Archival Documents

"[Item Description:] Two sets of penciled pantograph hull sections of an unidentified deep-keel yacht on a large sheet of paper. Very elaborate, with checkmarks in red. A few penciled calculations. Found together with other model yacht-related material suggesting it might be related to #192901es ROBIE [which appears to have a different hull], #193001es TRILLIUM or #193103es SPRITE." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04640. Folder [no #]. No date (1929 to 1931 ??).)


"[Item Description:] Four sets of penciled pantograph hull sections and calculations for an unidentified deep-keel yacht. Calculations using different scaling factors seem to indicate waterline lengths of 80ft [or in?], 48ft [or in?] and a displacement of 31.8lbs, and 45in at a displacement of 30.0lbs suggesting this to be for a model yacht. On verso another set of penciled pantograph hull sections (marked '1st trial') and two sets of pantograph lead sections plus a displacement curve for what appears to be the same design. Found together with other model yacht-related material suggesting it might be related to #192901es ROBIE [which appears to have a different hull], #193001es TRILLIUM or #193103es SPRITE." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Pantograph Hull Sections. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04750. Folder [no #]. No date (1929 to 1931 ??).)


"[Item Description:] Photograph of an unidentified model yacht with white waterline and what appears to be a dark underbody. Found together with other model yacht photos of #192901es ROBIE and #193001es TRILLIUM from 1929 and 1930. Photo may have been taken at Love Rocks in Bristol or at Coconut Grove, Floria." (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02930. Folder [no #]. No date (1920 / 1930 ?).)


"[Item Description:] Penciled sketch, midship section, profile titled 'Original sketch for 3rd model [#193001es TRILLIUM]. 1930-31' with notes including 'Length o.a. 72in, w.l. 48in, …, Beam 12.5in, S=1850[sqin], Sale 1/6 size. Oct 19[?] Decided to make sections 1/6 length 15/16 of 1/6. So - o.a. length 67 1/2in, w.l. 49in, Breadth 13in.' On verso of promotional letter dated September 2, 1924 from William C. Fisher Co., Interior Decorators and Furnishers to NGH." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04430. Folder [no #]. No date (ca. 1930-10-19).)


"[Item Description:] Penciled profile and displacement curve titled 'From model made Oct 30 - for a Model Yacht [#193001es TRILLIUM]' and annotated 'Scale 1/3 size - but have decided to shorten 3in frame space to 2 13/16in or to 15/16 length. Keeping breadths & depths the same, i.e. Length o.a. 67 1/2in. Length l.w.l. 45in. Displ. 1143cuin = 42.4lbs (sea). Jan 24.1931. Increased depth of lead 25cuin = Dsipl. 1168cuin = 43.4lbs. Tentative[:] W[ei]ght of hull complete 5 1/4lbs, 12 1/2[%]. W[ei]ght of rig complete 1 1/2lbs, 3 1/2[%]. W[ei]ght of Lead Ballast 36 1/2lbs, 84[%]. [Total] 43 1/4lbs, 100[%]. ... W[ei]ght when planked with [unreadable] ...'" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Design Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item WRDT06_00810. Folder [no #]. 1931-01-24.)


"[Item Description:] Penciled overview plan of a model boat wind vane. Compare with penciled dimensioned detail plan titled 'Steering Gear # 3 model yacht [#193001es TRILLIUM]. Mch 6, 1931' which shows the same windvane and was filed close by." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04620. Folder [no #]. No date (1931-03-06 ?).)


"[Item Description:] Penciled dimensioned detail plan titled 'Steering Gear # 3 model yacht [#193001es TRILLIUM]. Mch 6, 1931'. On verso of printed letter from Allied Chemical & Dye Corp. 'To the Stockholders' dated November 25, 1930. Compare with penciled overview plan of the same model boat wind vane which was filed close by and was probably made at the same time." (Source: Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04660. Penciled Detail Plan. Folder [no #]. 1931-03-06.)


"[Item Description:] Photograph of model yacht #193001es TRILLIUM rigged as a yawl with wind vane on top of mizzen mast. Photo apparently taken in Coconut Grove, Florida. Undated, this photo may have been taken on March 30, 1931 by Ann Herreshoff as recorded by NGH in his diary." (Source: Herreshoff, Ann Roebuck (?) (creator). Photograph. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02940. Folder [no #]. No date (1931-03-30 ?).)


"[Item Description:] Penciled calculations and dimensions titled 'W[ei]g[h]t of rig (# 3 model) [#193001es TRILLIUM]'." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Calculations. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04790. Folder [no #]. No date (1931-04 ?).)


"[Item Description:] Penciled sailplan titled 'Model Yacht No. 3 [#193001es TRILLIUM]. Scale 1/4 size. Built winter of 1930-31'. Showing two rigs, sloop and yawl (with wind vane on top of mizzen mast). With notes 'Sloop rig mast to be 1/2in aft of drawing and 5 1/2in aft of # 2 hole, its prsent position, Dec[ember 31, 1931' and 'W[ei]g[h]t hull complete 5lbs. Est. wgt for lead 36[lbs]. Wgt of rig [for a] yawl 1 /5/8[lbs]. [Total] 42lbs'. With calculations arriving at for the yawl rigged model at a total sail area of 2005sqin and a rating of 38.85in. Another note is datet April 1, 1931 and shows detail weights for the yawl rig." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sailplan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_04900. Folder [no #]. 1931-04-01.)


"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on verso of 'Rhode Island Hospital Trust Co.' deposit slip:] Dear Francis, I am inclosing photo of the last model [#193001es TRILLIUM] which is completed now, except the full sized mainsail, casting the lead and the final painting which will be done after taking it home.
Have been looking for a letter from you.
Your affect[ionate] Uncle Nat.
C[oconut] G[rove] Apr[il] 7 [19]31" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Herreshoff, Francis Lee. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02880. Folder [no #]. 1931-04-07.)


"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) draft letter on 'N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.' stationery:] Dear Francis Lee,
I am inclosing sketch of the 'vane steering' about like one I sent Tobey last spring. I think you will understand it and you could easily make one with the tools you have.
The lead balancing weight should be around 2/3 w[ei]g[h]t of vane tail and when both are mounted on the bar move the bar along in hub ill a perfect balance is obtained, then tighten set screw.
It is well to make rudder blade so it will just sink and of course have the rudder and all connections so they are perfectly free. I would cut out opening in side of column so the steering arm will allow rudder to swing about 15deg each way from [center].
Ashton, the [HMCo's] painter, is just [p. 2] painting # 3 model [#193001es TRILLIUM], and then the rigging up So I think she will be completed in about a week.
All well here.
Your affect[ionate]
Uncle Nat. [See windvane sketch elsewhere.]" (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Herreshoff, Francis Lee. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02840. Folder [no #]. 1931-06-22.)


"[Item Description:] Penciled detail sketch of a model yacht [#193001es TRILLIUM] wind vane marked 'Not to scale'. See letter by NGH to Francis Lee Herreshoff dated June 22, 1931 with which this sketch was sent and which refers to it." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Penciled Sketch. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02900. Folder [no #]. No date (1931-06-22).)


"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter on 'N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.' stationery:] Dear Francis Lee,
I started to make a sketch for you of the 50in model yacht [#193204es], but after thinking it over a little decided it would be more interesting to make a model which perhaps w[ou]ld be better for you to look at than a sketch, as my eyes are not good at drawing any longer and I prefer to use tools. I did attempt to make a few calculations from pantograph sections which are on another sheet inclosed.
Perhaps the design represents a rather large body for the sail area but with the model lines carried out to include rudder, the wetted surface is not larger and with nearly 21lbs lead you could afford to set the sail rather high up and make it more effective in light breezes. However, I didnot [p. 2] make this for you to build from but only as a guide in carrying out your own design, which you should by all means do. Your head is overflowing with ideas of what a toy boat should be and you should go ahead and develop them.
When trying my 3rd toyboat 'TRILLIUM' [#193001es], I was very much impressed with the ease and dryness of decks when she went thru the seas and in this model I gave it the same type of bow.
It may not be good for a large vessel, as she would pound and throw spray probably, but it is certainly good for little ones.
Your affect[ionate] Uncle Nat
P.S. The model is to be sent by parcel post." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Herreshoff, Francis Lee. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_02860. Folder [no #]. 1932-11-25.)


"[Item Transcription:] [Final, slightly altered, version of handwritten letter on N. G. Herreshoff stationery:] I am pleased and interested to have your letter of 15th. I have not heard of the little boats [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan and #1149s PIG IN A BAG for George Nichols] built for you & George since they were delivered which was at the time there was great interest in the Cup yachts. Have you found your boat an interesting one to play with? George has never written of his. A year ago last summer the H.M.Co. built a boat [#1203s CYGNET] for Paul Hammond, from my designs that was a little shorter and wider than yours, and he wrote he had much fun with it and really enjoyed it more than any of his various boats.
Your proposed change of rig is interesting indeed and I will be very pleased to know how it works out, and hope George will have his boat out with standard rig to try yours and really discover if there is an advantage of the overlapping rig with sails of equal area. Also to decide which is the most conveniant rig to set up quickly and use. You know my contention had been right along, the only advantage of overlapping sails comes from a false ruling. That is spar measurement instead of sail area. Of course, spar measurement is more definate, but I believe a system of measuring sails that will be satisfactory is quite possible, and although more troublesome to the measurer would be very much less than the owners trouble and expense for the light sails and extra crew required to handle them.
I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with split and curved boom on one of their small craft, but could not get them interested, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience is only with model yachts [#192901es ROBIE, #193001es TRILLIUM and #193103es SPRITE], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the split & curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce and center one of cedar or light white pine. I first shape a mould of a little more curvature than the finished side bar and a little longer & over double width. First lay paper then the first strip with glie spred[sic] on face and tack at each end. The others in order, and then use plenty of clamps till dry. The stock is got out enough over double width, to allow for sawing and planing and thus get both bars at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. The first with strong metal end that acts as saddle against mast and bolted to side bars. It should have a leather facing. The other, as you have it with a wood block to hold side bars that is forward of mast. In this case I make the saddle of thin brass, held by one bolt each end that goes thru the side bars. The saddle pivots on bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather. I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your leisure hours." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 98.34. Correspondence, Folder 32, formerly 177. 1932-12-17.)


"[Item Transcription:] [Penciled letter draft on back of Yenching University letter, undated but December 17, 1932 as per NGH note on Junius Morgan letter dated December 15, 1932:] I am pleased and interested to have your kind letter of 15th. I have not heard of the little boats [#1148s Development Class for Junius Morgan and #1149s PIG IN A BAG for George Nichols] built for you & George since they were delivered which was at the time there was great interest in the Cup yachts.
Have you found your boat an interesting one to play with? George has never written of his. A year ago last summer the H.M.Co. built a boat [#1203s CYGNET] for Paul Hammond, from my designs, that was a little shorter and wider than yours and he wrote he had much fun with it and really enjoyed it more than any of his various boats.
Your proposed change of rig is interesting indeed and I will be very pleased to know how it works out, and hope George will have his boat out with standard rig to try yours and really discover if there is an advantage of the overlapping rig with sails of equal area. Also to decide which is the most conveniant rig to set up quickly and use. You know my contention had been right along, the only advantage of overlapping sails (Genoa jibs & c) comes from using more sail area than is paid for. The trouble comes from a false ruling. Spar measurement instead of sail area.
I have asked the H.M.Co. several times to try out a loose footed sail with double curved boom on one of their small crafts, but could not get them interested, and I am glad to know you have taken it in hand. Thus far my experience is only with model yachts [#192901es ROBIE, #193001es TRILLIUM and #193103es SPRITE], but I believe it can be used successfully on small sailing craft and that it can be arranged to be equally conveniant in use as ordinary rigs, and for equal sail area be more efficient.
I have found no difficulty in applying the double curved boom on model yachts, excepting of course more work in making it. I am inclosing the aft end of one of the booms that I shortened which will show how it is made. Each side bar is glued up of three pieces. The outside ones of good clear spruce. I first shape a mould of a little more curvature than the finished side bar and a little longer, so the first and second layers can be tacked at the ends to place before the third piece is laid in and clamped to hold the glued pieces while drying paper must be laid first. I get the pieces out quite a little over double width, to allow for sawing in two and planing the edges after glueing, and so get both sides, at one glueing.
The forward end I have made in two ways. One, the saddle to take bearing in mast, of thick and strong metal bolted to the side bars with a facing of leather to mast, and the other, as you have it with a wood block to hold the side bars, that is to be forward of the mast. [Sketch.]
In this case I make the saddle of very thin brass held by one bolt each and that goes thru the side bars. [Sketch.] The saddle parts are bolts so it always has a true bearing on mast and needs no leather.
I hope I have not tired you in describing how I do these things, but I have had much pleasure in designing and making them, as probably you have in your work." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. Letter to Morgan, Junius S. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_18320. Correspondence, Folder 50, formerly 181. No date (1932-12-17).)


"[Item Transcription:] [Handwritten (in ink) letter with 'Frank G. Smith, 73 Woodside Ave., Waterbury, Conn.' letterhead marked in pencil by NGH 'Ans. Mch. 11 and inclosed 2 photos of model yachts (probably #192901es ROBIE or #193001es TRILLIUM):] I cannot resist enclosing this personal letter along with the answer to your inquiry [to the American Brass Company].
Although I was born in Torrington, Ct. I have been interested in yachts since I was about 5 years old. I have the first 'model' of a schooner about 5in long with match sticks for masts which made when I was 5.
When the DEFENDER [#452s] won the America's Cup I was so enthusiastic about yachts as youngsters are about airplane models today. I was almost 8 then, and I knew you designed her as well as the others which followed. i am 49 now and a metallurgist by chance for the past 20 years. Would have preferred to be a naval architect if I could have left high school to go to college to follow my natural interests, but I had to [p. 2] go to work for 4 years and so worked in the American Brass Co. mills at Torrington.
After leaving High School I built 2 canoes and a sailing dory all of which I designed. Nothing has been done about boats since except to read about them and admire them, until a few years ago I built 2 models. 25in w.l. There are photos enclosed. The gaff rigged model was designed by C.D. Mower. The staysail rig I designed myself (an 'R' class). When finished it floated as I had designed it. It is 39 1/2in o.a., 25in w.l., Disp[lacement] 6 1/4lbs, lead 4lbs 2oz, s.a. about 600sq in. The half model of a schooner was made for one of our Vice Presidents.
I think nothing is prettier or perhaps grander than a fine sailing yacht. Always your name has been something to think about. Today I don't know much about yachts but I have had about years with the A.B.Co. Pipes and tubes [p. 3] [verso not imaged]. [Accompanied by three photos.]" (Source: Smith, Frank G. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE02_03290. Folder [no #]. 1934-03-08.)


"[Item Description:] Photograph of the North side NGH's model room at Love Rocks. Model yacht, probably #193001es TRILLIUM in foreground. Also, in background, a model of a proa built by NGH. Also, four clipper-bowed models for steam yachts built between 1887 and 1902. The model at the top appears to be Model 502 for Say When from 1887, the model at the bottom is apparently Model 500 for Ballymena. This photo was published in L. F. Herreshoff's 1953 book 'The Wizard of Bristol'." (Source: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.205. Photograph. Box HAFH.6.7B, Folder Photograph. No date (after 1938 ???).)


"[Item Description:] Photograph of the East side of NGH's model room at Love Rocks. NGH's recording anemoter installed in front of the fireplace. Model yacht, probably #193001es TRILLIUM in foreground. This photo was published in L. F. Herreshoff's 1953 book 'The Wizard of Bristol'." (Source: MIT Museum, Hart Nautical Collections, Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection Item HH.6.204. Photograph. Box HAFH.6.7B, Folder Photographs. No date (after 1938 ???).)


Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #193001es Trillium [Model Yacht] even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.


Images

Supplement

Research Note(s)

"Believed to be the model yacht Trillium, built in the winter 1930 to 1931 by N. G. Herreshoff." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 13, 2009.)

"Built in 225 days (not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc. to not built, not assigned, cancelled, etc.)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.

Note

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