HMCo #188p Squib

P00188_Squib.jpg

Particulars

Construction_Record_Title.jpgName: Squib
Later Name(s): Alcyon (1910s)
Type: High Speed Steam Launch
Designed by: NGH
Setup: 1896-5-26
Launch: 1898-6-18
LOA: 78' (23.77m)
LWL: 67' 6" (20.57m)
Beam: 11' (3.35m)
Draft: 3' 6" (1.07m)
Displ.: 25.0 short tons (22.7 metric tons)
Propulsion: Steam, Herreshoff, 225 h.p. Triple exp., 3 cyl. (5 5/8" & 9" & 14" bore x 9" stroke)
Boiler: Bent Tube
Built for: Herreshoff, N. G.
Note(s) in HMCo Construction Record: Launch type. Raised cabin house and cockpit. Frames destr, Sept. 1916.
Last reported: 1930 (aged 32)

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 #101Model number: 101
Model location: H.M.M. Model Room South Wall Left

Vessels from this model:
9 built, modeled by NGH
#189602ep [Unbuilt 65ft Torpedo Boat] (1896)
#148p Our Mary (1888)
#149p Jersey Lily (1888)
#188p Squib (1898)
#228p Express (1902)
#231p Adrienne (1903)
#232p Helvetia II (1903)
#248p Toddy Wax [Toddywax] (1906, Extant)
#264p Sarah Webb (1908)
#268p Canvasback [Canvas Back] (1909, Extant)

Original text on model:
"#148 OUR MARY 1888
#149 JERSEY LILY 1888
#188 SQUIB 1896 stern lengthened
#228 EXPRESS 1902 bow and stern changed
#231 ADRIENNE 1903 " "
#232 HELVETIA 2 1903 " " #248 " " [final name THANIA]
#264 SARAH WEBB " " [Note: Ditto marks indicate these vessels had "bow and stern changed"]
#268 CANVASBACK 1908" (Source: Original handwritten annotation on model. Undated.)

Model Description:
"65' loa Our Mary and Jersey Lily, steam passenger launches of 1888. Also, with stern lengthened, the 78' loa steam cabin launch Squib of 1896, and, with bow and stern changed, the 49'6" gasoline launches Express, Adrienne, Helvetia II, of 1902 & 1903, the 59'8" loa Toddy Wax of 1905, the 50' loa Sarah Webb of 1908, and the 59'11" Canvasback of 1908. Both Toddy Wax, renamed Thania, and Canvasback are in the Herreshoff Marine Museum's Hall of Boats." (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.


Offsets

Offset booklet number(s): HH.4.018

Offset booklet contents:
#148, #149, #188, #228, #231, #232, #248, #264, #268 [various launches & launch-type yachts].


Offset Booklet(s) in Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass. (Restricted access --- see curator.)

Drawings

Main drawing Dwg 119-041 (HH.5.09759) Explore all drawings relating to this boat.

List of drawings:
   Drawings believed to have been first drawn for, or being first referenced to
   HMCo #188p Squib are listed in bold.
   Click on Dwg number for preview, on HH number to see at M.I.T. Museum.
  1. Dwg 008-011 (HH.5.00710): Shaft for Str. # 188 (1896-05 ?)
  2. Dwg 011-005 (HH.5.00930): Stuffing Box for Str 188 (1896-05 ?)
  3. Dwg 058-019 (HH.5.04090): Stern Bearing Strut for # 188 (1896-05-22)
  4. Dwg 023-019 (HH.5.01674): Blower for Str. 188 (1896-06 ?)
  5. Dwg 054-053 (HH.5.03986): Condenser for Str. # 188, Engine 5 5/8" & 9" & 14" & 9" (1896-06-01)
  6. Dwg 044-049 (HH.5.03505): Steam and Water Drums, Boiler for Str. 188 (1896-06-17)
  7. Dwg 043-025 (HH.5.03375): Boiler for 5 5/8" & 9" & 14" x 9" Stroke Engine Str. 188 (1896-06-22)
  8. Dwg 046-031 (HH.5.03574): Grate Bar Bearers Str. # 188 (1896-06-23)
  9. Dwg 047-040 (HH.5.03624): Fire Door for Boiler Str. 188 (1896-06-23)
  10. Dwg 062-045 (HH.5.04410): Rudder Str. # 188 (1896-07-02)
  11. Dwg 068-016 (HH.5.04820): Rudder Quadrant Str. 188 (1896-07-02)
  12. Dwg 068-014 (HH.5.04818): Details for Steering Gear, Str. 188 (1896-07-06)
  13. Dwg 068-015 (HH.5.04819): Sheave for 5/16 Wire Rope, Str. 188 (1896-07-06)
  14. Dwg 023-022 (HH.5.01677): Blower for Str. # 188 (1896-07-09)
  15. Dwg 023-023 (HH.5.01678): Foundation for Blower Str. 188 (1896-07-09)
  16. Dwg 072-024 (HH.5.05208): Engine Room Hatch Str. 188 (1896-07-11)
  17. Dwg 046-032 (HH.5.03575): Grate Support Boiler for Str. # 189 (1896-11-10)
  18. Dwg 066-026 (HH.5.04698): Signal Arrangement # 188 (ca. 1897)
  19. Dwg 114-041 (HH.5.09539): Boat Davit Str. # 194 (1897-04-16)
  20. Dwg 095-002 (HH.5.07805): Detail of Deck Houses, Strs. # 194 and 185 (1897-08-06)
  21. Dwg 043-030 (HH.5.03380): Boiler as Altered for 5 5/8" & 9" & 14" x 9" Stroke Engs. Str. 188 (1897-09-15)
  22. Dwg 095-007 (HH.5.07811): Forward House Str. # 188 (1897-09-20)
  23. Dwg 047-051 (HH.5.03634): Smoke Stack Str. 188 (1897-09-22)
  24. Dwg 062-050 (HH.5.04415): Spare Tiller for Str. No. 188 (1897-09-25)
  25. Dwg 062-051 (HH.5.04416): Rudder Stock Str. # 188 (1897-09-25)
  26. Dwg 085-043 (HH.5.06629): Rail Stanchions Str. 188 (1897-09-29)
  27. Dwg 095-008 (HH.5.07812): Str. 188 [Deck House] (ca. 1897-10)
  28. Dwg 119-041 (HH.5.09759); Construction Dwg > Steamer Squib Before Being Altered (ca. 1897-10)
  29. Dwg 119-040 (HH.5.09758): Construction Dwg > Steamer Squib as Altered Sept. 97. (1897-10-02)
  30. Dwg 058-020 (HH.5.04091): Outboard Shaft Bearing Str. 188 (1897-10-16)
  31. Dwg 066-025 (HH.5.04697): Engine Room Bell Gear Str. # 188 (1897-11 ?)
  32. Dwg 024-017 (HH.5.01711): General Arrangement > High Speed Launch # 188, 77' L, 10'-6" Beam, 3'-6" Draft (1898-05-13)
  33. Dwg 049-017 (HH.5.03694): Feed Water Cleaner for # 188 (1900-02-22)
  34. Dwg 092-048 (HH.5.07517); Lifting Arrangement for Hatch # 203, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211 (1900-03-07)
  35. Dwg 030-035 (HH.5.02249): Docking Plan Squib # 188 (1902-08-11)
Source: Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass. Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Together with: Hasselbalch, Kurt with Frances Overcash and Angela Reddin. Guide to The Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass., 1997. Together with: Numerous additions and corrections by Claas van der Linde.
Note: The Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection is copyrighted by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass. Permission to incorporate information from it in the Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné is gratefully acknowledged. The use of this information is permitted solely for research purposes. No part of it is to be published in any form whatsoever.

Documents

Nathanael G. Herreshoff

"[1896-05-26] Tue 26: ... Set up frames for str #188 [Squib].
[1896-06-19] Fri 19: ... Turned over st[eamer] #189 [sic. #189p would have been Katrina II which was contracted for only in August 1896. Apparently NGH meant #188p Squib].
[1898-06-18] Sat 18: ... Launched Squib [#188p]. ...
[1898-06-20] Mon 20: ... Tried Squib [#188p] under steam.
[1898-06-22] Wed 22: ... Off in Squib [#188p] to Pawtucket.
[1898-06-30] Thu 30: ... Trial of Squib [#188p] & corrected compass.
[1898-07-02] Sat 2: ... Off in Squib [#188p] in p.m.
[1898-07-05] Tue 5: Very fine. Overcast part of day. L[igh]t variable [wind]. Off in Squib [#188p] in p.m. ...
[1898-07-09] Sat 9: Rain shower with T[hunder]&L[ightning] [at] 7-30 to 8 a.m. Clearing in p.m. S to SW [wind]. Went to Fall River early in Squib [#188p]. Getting Squib ready for cruise.
[1898-07-10] Sun 10: Fine. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p].
[1898-07-11] Mon 11: Fine. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p].
[1898-07-12] Tue 12: Fine. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p]. [See J.S. Johnston photo of Squib with NGH at the helm and three of his sons on board at the Oyster Bay, taken on July 12, 1898.]
[1898-07-13] Wed 13: Very heavy rainstorm - NE [wind]. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p].
[1898-07-14] Thu 14: Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p].
[1898-07-15] Fri 15: Fine. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p].
[1898-07-16] Sat 16: Fine. Went off on cruise in Squib [#188p]
[1899-07-30] Sun 30: Rain last night, clearing? at 8. Went to Westport in Squib in party & stopped in Newport (?) back.
[1899-08-02] Wed 2: Very fine [with] fresh SSW [wind]. Went to Newport in Squib & joined Columbia [illegible] Defender. Columbia broke steel mast & topmast.
[1899-08-05] Sat 5: Fair & warm. Columbia left [illegible]. Off in Squib in PM to see yacht race [illegible]. Fine afternoon.
[1900-06-13] Wed 13: Very fine & clear. Mod[erate] SE [wind]. Began to fit out Squib [#188p]. ...
[1900-06-19] Tue 19: Launched Squib.
[1900-06-21] Thu 21: Dredged out east of new wharf at Love Rocks with Squib.
[1900-06-24] Sun 24: Fresh SW [wind]. Off in Squib for the day with party, mostly children.
[1900-07-01] Sun 1: Fine & cool [with] fresh NW [wind]. Off in Squib for all day, to Newport & Westport. ...
[1900-07-08] Sun 8: Very fine [with] strong SSW [wind]. Off in Squib to Smith’s Beach and around R[hode] I[sland].
[1900-07-13] Fri 13: Very fine [with] SW [wind]. Off in Squib to see NYYC races at Newport. Yankee & Altair won. ...
[1900-07-15] Sun 15: Very fine [with] mod[erate] SW [wind]. Off in Squib to Marion
[1900-07-19] Thu 19: Very fine[?] & warm[?]. L[igh]t[?] NW [wind]. 2nd (?) race won by Mineola with Yankee 2nd[?]. Went in Squib to see last part of race.
[1900-07-22] Sun 22: Very fine [with] mod[erate] to fresh NW [wind] & clear. Went to Westport in Squib with friends. Lucian Sharp [Sharpe?], Owens[?] & others.
[1900-08-09] Thu 9: Very fine & hot. L[igh]t NW [wind]. Went outside in Squib to see NYYC yachts arrive for N[ew] London.
[1900-08-10] Fri 10: Very fine & warm. Calm [in] PM. Fresh SSW later. Went to Newport in Squib to see yachts of NYYC start for [the] Vineyard.
[1900-08-11] Sat 11: Very fine & hot. Mod[erate] W [wind]. Went out to (?) in Squib to see yachts come in from [the] Vineyard. ...
[1900-08-15] Wed 15: Fair & warm. Mod[erate] SSW [wind]. Went to Fall River in Squib to meet [sister-in-law] Grace [deWolf Lugo-Vina] who has just come from Porto Rico.
[1900-08-18] Sat 18: Very fine & hot. Went outside in Squib in PM to see race of 70 footers.
[1900-08-19] Sun 19: Very fine. Off in Squib to New Bedford. Mod[erate] N to NE [wind] & clear. Geo. Phillips here & went with me. H[eav]y T[hunder] & L[ightning] & rain between 1&2 AM.
[1900-08-21] Tue 21: Very fine [with] fresh SSW [wind]. Started in Squib for a little cruise with Caddie, Grace & Agnes. Left home at 2:27 & arrived at New London at 6:45.
[1900-08-22] Wed 22: Very fine [with] mod[erate] WSW [wind]. Fair. Ashore at N[ew] London in AM to have Pilot’s License extended. Left New London at 11:35 and arrived at Hartford at 6:45. Fine trip up the [Connecticut] river.
[1900-08-23] Thu 23: Very fine & warm. Went to Springfield in car with Caddie & Agnes & visited Capt. Baker at the Arsenal. Returned in PM with Sidney & Nat who had fun visiting the Bakers.
[1900-08-24] Fri 24: Showery with SSE wind. Left Hartford at 7 – 8 AM. Anchored in river for about 1/4 hour during rain squall. Passed the jetties [at Saybrook] at 12:15. [Passed] Watch Hill [at] 2:20, Pt. Judith [at] 3:29 & home at 5:15.
[1900-08-26] Sun 26: Off in Squib with party to Brant Is[land], Buzzards Bay. Very fine day. ...
[1900-08-29] Wed 29: Very fine. Started in Squib for visit to Chatt[?] with Flossie[?], Alice Glimme[?], Agnes, Sidney, Nat & Griswold. Had fine trip of 6 h[ours] - 30 m[inutes]. Visited Sam Cabot[?] & part[?] stayed[?] on shore for night.
[1900-09-02] Sun 2: Went in Squib to West Falmouth to deliver #537 [Gee] just bought by Mr. [Charles? M?] Baker. Very fine but strong SW breeze returning. Trip up [took] 3 h[ours] 30 m[inutes]. Returning [took] 3 [hours] 55 [minutes]. Dist[ance] 50 miles.
[1900-09-30] Sun 30: Off in Squib to Narragansett Pier, Wickford & Somerset. Rain in PM.
[1900-10-25] Thu 25: Squib hauled out for the winter.
[1901-05-14] Tue 14: Fine [with] fresh SSW [wind]. Trial of Effort. Launched Squib and Mirage.
[1901-09-28] Sat 28: Very fine. Columbia beat Shamrock II in 1st Cup race. Off in Squib in PM.
[1901-10-05] Sat 5: Very fine [with] mod[erate] WNW [wind]. Off in Squib in PM, up Taunton R[iver]. ...
[1901-10-06] Sun 6: H[eav]y NW [wind] with occasional rain squalls. Off in Squib to (?) Ferry & Beaver Tail. Cold & blustery day.
[1901-10-12] Sat 12: Fog early [with] light E to S [wind]. Off in Squib in PM to Newport & outside.
[1901-10-13] Sun 13: Strong SE to S [wind] with occasional light showers. Off in Squib to [illegible] & Narragansett Pier.
[1901-10-20] Sun 20: Very fine & cool. Clear. NW [wind in] AM. Fresh SSW [wind in] PM. Off in Squib for last trip, with family. Went to Newport & outside, stopping at Narragansett Pier.
[1901-10-22] Tue 22: Fine & warm. Strong SW [wind in] AM ch[anging] to WSW [in] PM. Set up keel of #215. Squib hauled out at cove.
[1902-03-26] Wed 26: Very fine. Clear[?] NE [wind]. Launched Mirage [#207p Tender for #532s Rainbow, originally built in 1899] to be able to get at Squib [#188p, built in 1896].
[1902-03-27] Thu 27: Launched Squib.
[1902-04-05] Sat 5: Strong NNE [wind and] overcast. Made trial of Squib in forenoon and turned her over to her new owner Mr. [B. S. Guiness of Bristol, R.I.?] in afternoon." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1896 to 1902. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection [1896-1898]. Diary access courtesy of Halsey C. Herreshoff [1899-1902].)

"March 28th 1902
Squib
Run over measured 3 mile Bristol Ferry to Sandy Pt. to test speed & steaming qualities with nat[ural] draft, using Lehigh coal.
Everything in good condition. 4 on board and little of her equipment.
Tide just turning, ebb, wind SSW about 10 miles.
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 12.2k[n] = 14.05mph].
Ap[ril] 5, 1902. Squib.
Trial for sale to Mr. Maguiness[?] over 3 knot course, Bristol Ferry to Sandy Pt. Full eqipment on board, and 3/4 tons coal (white ash Lehigh). 7 persons.
Wind 25m[iles] NNE. Tide early flood but outward current through run. Whole time under trial 3 hours. 8 runs over course, nat[ural] draft, mean st[eam] at chest 128, va[uum] 24[in].
[Followed by tabulated trial run data with mean speed being 12.32k[n] = 14.46mph].
Every[thing] ran well, and trial satisfactory." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten note in Trials Booklet '1898 - 1909' under date of March 28, 1902 and April 5, 1902. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum.)

"My Own Boats. Except a few that will be mentioned as half-owner. ...
19
1898 SQUIB #188 - This craft was originally built for a 65 ft. naval torpedo launch in 1896, on moulds of 65' OUR MARY and JERSEY LILY, of 1888, but given up. I drew up plans of converting her into a pleasure launch, and she was launched in July of 1898, and I took control of her, she being owned by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. She was a very useful craft and I used her very often in years 1898-99-1900 and 1901, I had a raised deck added forward even with the forward deck house giving a good forecastle for crew in 1901, and this improved her greatly. She was sold to in spring of 1902, after I had decided to have a cruiser and ROAMER was building. SQUIB was about 76' overall 67' w.l. with a 5 5/8" x 9" x 14" x 9" triple expansion engine. Running at 12 to 14 knots." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. "My Own Boats. Except a few that Will be Mentioned as Half-Owner." Bristol, (originally compiled 1892 with additions in) 1929. In: Pinheiro, Carlton J. (ed.). Recollections and Other Writings by Nathanael G. Herreshoff. Bristol, 1998, p. 116-117.)

L. Francis Herreshoff

"In the year 1898 Captain Nat took over a steam launch sixty-five feet long which had been started as a torpedo launch in 1886. He drew up plans to convert her into a pleasure launch, and named her 'Squib.' She had a triple expansion engine with bores of five and one fourth inches, nine inches and fourteen inches, with nine inches stroke. She was used mostly for day sailing between 1898 and 1901 and followed many of the races off Newport, but as she was a little small for his growing family of six children he had her stern lengthened to make her seventy-six feet O.A. When speeded up she ran with her forefoot at water level, and the stern wave came up to a level a little below the after deck. When opened up, I think she went about eighteen miles per hour. She had a light airy engine room and was a pleasure to sail in for she was nearly noiseless and vibrationless." (Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. The Wizard of Bristol. The Life and Achievements of Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, together with An Account of Some of the Yachts he Designed. New York, 1953, p. 118-119.)

Other Contemporary Text Source(s)

"Squib, steam yacht, of [blank].
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co.
17.48 tons; 64.7 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 5 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
One deck, no mast, plain head, overhanging stern.
Surveyed and measured, June 13, 1898. [With note: Horse Power indicated 175.]" (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Squib.)

"[License issued to vessel under 20 tons. Pos. 254:]
Squib, steam yacht, of Bristol.
Built at Bristol, 1898.
17.48 tons; 64.7 ft. x 10.6 ft. x 5 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
No specifications shown.
Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) June 21, 1898. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Lic[ensed] ([as] yacht) Sept. 24, 1901. Owner: same. Master: same.
Surrendered [license] Aug. 14, 1902 at New York. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Squib.)

"... A large number of yachts from all parts of the Sound attended to witness the races. Among these were ... the new Herreshoff steam yacht Squib, which is built for a flyer (Captain 'Nat' Herreshoff was on board, and appeared to be interested in the contests); ..." (Source: Anon. "No Race On The First Trial. Wind Too Light for the Yachts in the Seawanhaka Series to Select a Champions." New York Herald, July 12, 1898, p. 13.)

"SPECTATORS who witnessed the trial races off Oyster Bay for the selection of a boat to represent the Seawanhaka Yacht Club in Canada were struck by the clean-cut, yachty look of a small steam launch, whose name board bore the title of Squib upon it, and whose speed and easy movements in the somewhat rough sea were a pleasure to look at.
In general style she resembles the Helvetia, Mr. Iselin's steam launch, as our photograph will show. While not a steam yacht, Squib is of that handy size known as a large launch. Her hull is large enough to give good accommodations, and yet there is no bowsprit or masts to carry that useless gear and rigging seen on so many boats, and her low houses in no way look ungainly, but show up to a good advantage her straight, clean sheer line.
Her appearance off Oyster Bay was due to the fact that Mr. N. G. Herreshoff, the designer of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., whose boats are justly famous for their speed, had come down from Bristol, R. I., to see the little fellows race.
Her dimensions are 67 feet 6 inches water line, 78 feet over all, 11 feet beam, and draught about 3 feet. She is fitted with one of the company's latest type of triple-expansion engines, of about 175-horse-power, and has steam supplied by one of their torpedo boat type of water-tube boilers.
In speaking of the purpose for which she was built the Herreshoffs say:
Squib was designed more for day use, but has accommodations for a small party for cruising. Forward of the machinery is a good size saloon, with settees, etc., finished in mahogany, and upholstered in plush; this is used for a dining room also. Just aft of this is a galley fitted with oil stove, etc., etc. Aft of the machinery is a toilet room, and aft of this the cabin with settee berths, lockers, etc. Has accommodations for a crew of three. Squib has proved herself a very handy boat, fast, and a good sea boat. She is fitted with a good size cockpit at the after end of the trunk cabin.
Everything about the yacht is first class, and she is built in the best manner throughout." (Source: Anon. "Squib." Rudder, September 1898, p. 321.)

"Nathaniel G Herreshoff went to Newport Saturday afternoon [August 5, 1899] in his steam yacht Squib to watch the races between Navahoe [#429s], Defender [#452s] and Vigilant [#437s]." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, August 8, 1899, p. 2.)

"Negotiations are pending for the sale of the fast steam yacht Squib, owned by N. G. Herreshoff. The prospective purchaser is a Boston man, and an engineer is here to make a trip in the yacht before purchase is made. The trial for the sale is expected to take place this week and the Squib is expected to make 12 knots an hour for four hours under natural draft." (Source: Anon. "News and Notes of Local Interest." Bristol Phoenix, April 1, 1902, p. 2.)

"It is reported that the fast steam yacht Squib has been sold to a Boston man by N. G. Herreshoff. The Squib was given a trial trip in the bay Saturday [April 5, 1902] and came up to the requirements of making 12 knots an hour for four consecutive hours under natural draft." (Source: Anon. "Bristol and Vicinity." Bristol Phoenix, April 8, 1902, p. 2.)

Archival Documents

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] HMCo Plan HH.5.09758 (119-040). Photostat construction plan and inboard profile titled 'St[eam]r. No. 188 [#188p] SQUIB. As altered September 1897. Moulds of #148 [#148p OUR MARY] with Sheer Heights Changed. Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Bristol, R.I. Scale 1/2in = 1ft. Oct[ober] 2, 1897'. With list of scantlings." (Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Co. (creator). Photostat General Arrangement Plan. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Acc. 2004.0001.0203. WRDT08, Folder 19, formerly MRDW00. 1897-10-02.)


"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (in ink and pencil) trials booklet 'Herreshoff Mfg. Co. Experiments & Trial Trips. 1890. N.G. Herreshoff'. Relevant contents:
§13: Trial Race between Alice Cat [#188004es] and Alice Yawl [#405s] (1890-06-22)
§52: #188p SQUIB Trial Run (1898-06-30)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE07_02260. Folder [no #]. 1890-01 to 1898-08.)



"[Item Description:] have sent first check for [#203p SCOUT and #529s MINEOLA] to your firm, #188p SQUIB had forward of galley a little eating saloon and then forecastle, would like same on SCOUT" (Source: Belmont, August. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_39410. Correspondence, Folder 80, formerly 70. 1899-09-25.)


"N/A"

"[Item Transcription:] Chatham Aug 9th
Dear old Nat
I do hope you and Mrs Herreshoff have not given up your plan of bringing the whole family to see us. It would give us all so much pleasure. I have a 36 foot kite[?] that would interest the boys, whom Sam will greet with a hearty welcome.
Forget not my warm regards to Mrs Herreshoff and in the hope of seeing you remember that I am ever yours. [No year. On August 29, 1900, NGH with Agnes, Sidney, Nat, Griswold and others went to Chatham with #188p SQUIB to visit Sam Cabot, suggesting this to have been the year of this letter.]" (Source: Cabot IV, Samuel. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_13330. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. No year (1900 ?)-08-09.)


"[Item Transcription:] Chatham
Aug 16th
Dear old villain,
The above affectionate greeting is in consequence of hearing that you have been on to Boston and yet have not been to see the man --- I say it advisedly --- who most cares to see you in that benighted town.
This is not however a letter of incrimination but one to call to your very defective senile memory, the fact that you half promised to make a family call upon us at Chatham.
Can't you do it?
We could stow a round half dogin[?] of you comfortably for as long as your boat was here, with great pleasure, to us, and, I think tolerable comfort to our boarders.
My boy is here and will be greatly pleased to see your boys again.
Drop me a line, do. Mrs C[abot] asks me to tell Mrs Herreshoff that she hopes we may see you all here and sends her regards in that hope.
Afftely[?] love your old duffer[?] of a friend ...
P.S. We could meal your whole part all the time you are here and, if they would stay a little close I think we could room 7 or 8. [No year. On August 29, 1900, NGH with Agnes, Sidney, Nat, Griswold and others went to Chatham with #188p SQUIB to visit Sam Cabot, suggesting this to have been the year of this letter.] [Incl. envelope addressed to 'Miss Ages M Herreshoff' and labeled in pencil 'Mr Sam Cabot's letters'.]" (Source: Cabot IV, Samuel. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_13540. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. No year (1900 ?)-08-16.)


"[Item Transcription:] Chatham
I will be delighted if you can come to us this week or early next, or indeed at any time.
Mrs Cabot says it makes no difference.
If you have to decide in a hurry, just telegraph us at the last minute so that we may have beds and larder ready when you arrive.
Give Mrs Cabot's cordial invitation to Mrs Herreshoff and add Sam Jr's too, to all the boys and the girl too.
Witch much regard
Your gray-headed friend ...
Monday Aug 20th
P.S. I am thankful you could clear yourself of the horrible accusation I heard of your visit to Boston. It seems to be what the French call a Canard. [No year. On August 29, 1899, NGH with Agnes, Sidney, Nat, Griswold and others went to Chatham with #188p SQUIB to visit Sam Cabot, suggesting this to have been the year of this letter. This is confirmed by the fact that August 20, 1900 fell on a Monday, as stated in this letter.]" (Source: Cabot IV, Samuel. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_13520. Correspondence, Folder 37, formerly 197. No year (1900 ?)-08-20.)


"[Item Description:] re Nickel Copper Co., perfect yachting in Hamilton, Ontario, George Owen and owner Charles O. Dexter winning the exposition regatta in Buffalo with #480s HAZARD in 30 miles of wind followed by scantlings protest from Aemilius Jarvis, passage through Welland Canal, you should come up with #188p SQUIB" (Source: Owen, George. Letter to N.G. Herreshoff. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MR_03910. Correspondence, Folder 15, formerly 107. 1901-08-13.)


"[Item Description:] Four handwritten (in ink) pages with tabulated data listing 'Shop No', 'Name', '[Tons] Gross' and '[Tons] Net' for a total of 100 HMCo-built boats and classes. Tonnage data is usually precise to two digits behind the decimal. Random comparisons suggest source of tonnage data to be official Custom House data. Boats mentioned are: #664s, #663s, #625s, #665s, #634s, #658s, #657s, #646s, #641s, #617s, #626s Class, #624s, #621s, #616s, #619s, #590s, #591s, #586s, #592 Class, #618s, #605s, #578s, #560s Class, #580s, #553s, #551s, #552s, #546s, #541s, #545s, #538s, #534s, #533s, #532s, #529s, #534s, #530s, #531s, #435s, #437s, #452s, #499s, #429s, #426s, #424s, #481s, #422s, #417s, #414s, #451s, #215p, #213p, #222p, #235p, #230p, #229p, #236p, #224p, #244p, #247p, #249p, #231p, #232p, #228p, #252p, #250p, #251p, #248p, #168p, #164p, #118p, #142p, #174p, #173p, #194p, #189p, #193p, #183p, #178p, #179p, #181p, #182p, #175p, #163p, #148p, #149p, #172p, #155p, #170p, #186p, #188p, #206p, #207p, #205p, #208p, #209p, #210p, #211p, #212p, #216p. Undated (the latest boat listed, WINSOME, was launched in 1907)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (?) (creator). Handwritten List. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE06_00220. Folder [no #]. No date (1907 or later).)


"[Item Transcription:] Handwritten (mostly in pencil but also in ink) trials booklet titled '1898 - 1909'. Relevant contents:
§17: #188p SQUIB Trial Run best mean speed 12.2kn = 14.05mph (1902-03-28)
§18: #188p SQUIB Trial Run best mean speed 12.32kn = 14.46mph (1902-04-05)." (Source: Herreshoff, N.G. (creator). Trials Booklet. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum Item MRDE09_00060. Folder [no #]. 1898-09 to 1911-04.)



Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #188p Squib even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.


Images

Registers

1903 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts
Name: Squib
Owner: B. S. Guiness; Port: Bristol, R.I.
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig ScwStm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; Reg. Length 64.7; LOA 65.0; Extr. Beam 10.6; Depth 5.0; Draught 5.0
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine T[riple]. 3 Cy. 5 5/8, 9 & 14 x 9 1/2. 1 W.T. [Watertube boiler]; Maker Herreshoff, Bristol, R.I.

1905 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts
Name: Squib
Owner: B. S. Guiness; Port: Bristol, R.I.
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig Scw Stm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; Reg. Length 64.7; LOA 65.0; Extr. Beam 10.6; Depth 5.0; Draught 5.0
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine T[riple]. 3 Cyl. 5 5/8, 9 & 14 x 9 1/2. 1 W.T. [Watertube boiler]; Maker Herreshoff Mfg. Co., Bristol, R.I.

1912 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#86)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Charles R. Flint; Port: New York
Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], ScwStm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 65-0; Extr. Beam 10-6; Depth 5-0; Draught 5-0
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine T[riple]. 3 Cyl. 5 5/8, 9 & 14 x 9 1/2. 1 W.T. [Watertube boiler]; Maker Her. M. Co.

1914 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#94)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Jefferson S. Briggs; Port: New York; Port of Registry: New York
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], ScwStm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-7; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine T[riple]. 3 Cyl. 5 5/8, 9 & 14 x 9 1/2. 1 B[oiler] WT [Watertube]; Maker Her. Mfg. Co.

1917 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#85)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Jefferson S. Briggs; Port: New York
Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], ScwStm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-6; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine Gas Eng. 4 Cyc. 6 Cyl. 8 x 10. 1911; Maker 20Century
Note: Steam Plant rem. 1915

1920 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#85)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: L. O. Coder; Port: New York
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], ScwStm [Screw Steamer]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-6; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine Gas Eng. 4 St. 6 Cyl. 8 x 10. 1911; Maker 20Century
Note: Steam Plant rem. 1915

1923 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#76)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Mrs. Mae M. Campbell; Port: Miami, Fla.
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], Pwr [Power]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-6; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine Gas Eng. 4 Cyc. 6 Cyl. 6 3/4 x 9. 1920; Maker Sterling
Note: Steam Plant rem. 1915

1925 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#81)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Mrs. Mae M. Campbell; Port: Miami, Fla.
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], Pwr [Power]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-7; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine Gas Eng. 4 Cyc. 8 Cyl. 6 3/4 x 9. 1920; Maker Sterling
Note: Steam Plant rem. 1915

1930 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (#124)
Name; Former Name(s): Alcyon; Squib
Owner: Robert C. Hays; Port: Miami, Fla.
Official no. 116828; Building Material Wood; Type & Rig K[eel], TC [Trunk Cabin], Pwr [Power]
Tons Gross 25; Tons Net 17; LOA 75-0; LWL 67-0; Extr. Beam 10-6; Depth 5-0; Draught 3-4
Builder Herreshoff Mfg. Co.; Designer N. G. Herreshoff; Built where Bristol, R.I.; Built when 1898
Engine Gas Eng. 4 Cyc. 6 Cyl. 6 3/4 x 9. 1920; Maker Sterling
Note: Steam Plant rem. 1915

Source: Various Yacht Lists and Registers. For complete biographical information see the Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné under Data Sources. Note that this section shows only snapshots in time and should not be considered a provenance, although it can help creating one.

Supplement

From the 1920 and earlier HMCo Index Cards at the MIT Museum
  • Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.
From the 1931 HMCo-published Owner's List

Name: Squib
Type: Steam
Length: 78'
Owner: Herreshoff, N. G.

Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "A Partial List of Herreshoff Clients." In: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Herreshoff Yachts. Bristol, Rhode Island, ca. 1931.

From the 1930s L. Francis Herreshoff Index Cards at the Herreshoff Marine Museum
  • Note: The L. Francis Herreshoff index cards comprise a set of some 1200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and / or ownership information. Apparently compiled in the early 1930s, for later HMCo-built boats like the Fishers Island 23s or the Northeast Harbor 30s are not included. Added to in later decades, apparently by L. F. Herreshoff as well as his long-time secretary Muriel Vaughn and others. Also 46 cards of L. F. Herreshoff-designed vessels. The original set of index cards is held by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and permission to display is gratefully acknowledged.
From the 1953 HMCo Owner's List by L. Francis Herreshoff

Name: Squib
Type: 65' steamer
Owner: N. G. Herreshoff
Year: 1898
Row No.: 653

Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. "Partial List of Herreshoff-Built Boats." In: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Capt. Nat Herreshoff. The Wizard of Bristol. New York, 1953, p. 325-343.

From the 2000 (ca.) Transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Vermilya/Bray

Year: 1896
E/P/S: P
No.: 188
Name: Squib
OA: 78'

Source: Vermilya, Peter and Maynard Bray. "Transcription of the HMCo. Construction Record." Unpublished database, ca. 2000.

Note: The transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Peter Vermilya and Maynard Bray was performed independently (and earlier) than that by Claas van der Linde. A comparison of the two transcriptions can be particularly useful in those many cases where the handwriting in the Construction Record is difficult to decipher.

Research Note(s)

"Steam engine rating 225hp from undated (1903 or later) diagram by N. G. Herreshoff titled 'Marine Engine. Weights and Prices' in the Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 24, 2019.)

"Marine Engine of Open Type. 5 5/8 & 9 & 14 x 9, 600[rpm], 225[hp]." (Source: Herreshoff, N. G. Handwritten List of HMCo-Made Steam Engines. Halsey C. Herreshoff Collection at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, MRDED1_00220. Undated, between 1903 and 1918.)

"Built in 753 days (setup to launch; equivalent to 66 lbs displacement/day)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. January 16, 2024.)

"In the absence of better available data displacement was estimated by using the figure for Gross Register Tons (25) from the 1903 Lloyd's Register of American Yachts (Net Register Tons were reported as 17) and converting to lbs by dividing through 2000 (short tons). Note that this figure can only be a rough estimate because register tons as reported in Yacht Registers correlate only loosely with actual displacement figures." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. March 17, 2015.)

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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Citation: HMCo #188p Squib. Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné. https://herreshoff.info/Docs/P00188_Squib.htm.