51.  RICHARD ROBINSON

 

The Ship

Built in 1855 in Thomaston, Maine, Robinson was named for her master and part owner (she had thirteen original owners).  She is reported to have set a record on her first voyage, sailing from Thomaston to Mobile, Alabama, in eight days but this voyage does not appear in any of the record books.  In fact, Richard Robinson is not listed as one of the American clippers.  It is more likely that she was an early example of the next generation of sailing merchant ships referred to as “Downeasters.”  These ships were built to meet the economic realities of trade after the glamour of the clipper ships didn’t pay anymore.

 

The Model

The model was built by William Robinson, Richard’s son, on a voyage to the Far East.  It was donated to the Ventura County Museum of History and Art in 1929, and now is on loan to the Maritime Museum.

Case:  H 68”  L 86”  W 42 ½”