Rockaway, L.I. NY 1858 David J. Jennings / Robert Mott ALS re: Schooner Martha

Description

Rockaway, L.I. NY 1858 David J. Jennings / Robert Mott ALS re: Schooner Martha. In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. No major issues to note. Overall, in good to very good condition. You will receive the exact sheet shown in the photos - please have a good look at the photos to access condition. Folded as seen in the first photo, it measures approx. 7 3/4" x 9 3/4" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Rockaway July 31st 1858 Messrs David J. Jennings & Robert Mott Sir, I was at Green Point yesterday in order to the Schooner Martha and she will be done to day and I expect to send them more money on Monday — I wish you would come up here to day — The Sail maker has measured her and is coming up here to measure me a Suit for Me — and I want to see you about bargaining with him for sails for the Martha Yours P. S. Dr T. Shields 🧠 Notable / Stand-Out Content ⚓ 1. Direct reference to a schooner (Martha) This is a working maritime letter, centered on: The schooner Martha Likely nearing completion (“she will be done to day”) 👉 Indicates: Active vessel construction or refitting Rockaway’s involvement in coastal maritime operations 📍 2. Greenpoint (Brooklyn) ship activity “I was at Green Point yesterday…” 👉 Greenpoint (Brooklyn) was a major: Shipbuilding and repair center in the 19th century This shows: The vessel work was being done off-peninsula Rockaway parties were engaged with Brooklyn shipyards 💰 3. Ongoing financial involvement “expect to send them more money on Monday” 👉 Suggests: The writer is financially invested in the vessel Payments are being made in stages (typical for shipbuilding) ⛵ 4. Sailmaking process “The Sail maker has measured her…” “measure me a suit…” “bargaining… for sails for the Martha” 👉 Highlights: Sails were custom-made and measured directly from the vessel Pricing required negotiation (“bargaining”) The same craftsman also made personal clothing, which was common 👥 5. Business network Addressed to: David J. Jennings Robert Mott 👉 Indicates: A partnership or shared ownership A coordinated effort in: Financing Outfitting Finalizing the vessel 🧵 6. Dual role of tradesmen Sailmaker also making a “Suit for me” 👉 Reflects: Flexible trades in the period Skilled artisans often handled: Sail canvas work Clothing (both used similar materials and techniques) 📌 Overall Interpretation This document is a mid-19th century maritime business letter (Rockaway, 1858) documenting the final stages of preparing a schooner (Martha). It provides insight into: The connection between Rockaway and Brooklyn shipyards The financial structure of vessel construction The hands-on process of sail fitting and negotiation A network of local investors or partners coordinating the effort It’s a strong example of active coastal shipping enterprise tied to the Rockaway community in the pre-resort era. ================================================================ In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. Small communities such as Far Rockaway existed, but access from New York City and Brooklyn was difficult, typically requiring a combination of boat travel and rough wagon roads. The local economy centered on fishing, shellfishing, and limited agriculture. 1850s: Early resort development begins By the 1850s, Rockaway’s long ocean beach began attracting attention as a summer retreat. Entrepreneurs recognized its potential as a seaside resort and began establishing modest boarding houses and hotels. Wealthier New Yorkers started visiting during the summer months, drawn by ocean bathing and the relative coolness of the Atlantic coast. However, growth remained constrained by poor transportation, and the area was still considered somewhat isolated. 1860s–1870s: Railroads transform Rockaway The real turning point came with the expansion of rail service: The Long Island Rail Road and associated lines began extending service toward the peninsula in the 1860s By the 1870s, improved rail connections made Rockaway far more accessible from Brooklyn and New York City This new access triggered rapid development: Large seaside hotels were constructed along the beachfront Bathhouses, pavilions, and entertainment venues appeared Seasonal crowds increased significantly Rockaway became one of the region’s most popular beach destinations, often compared to other emerging seaside resorts of the era. 1870s–1880s: Peak of the early resort era By the late 19th century, Rockaway had fully emerged as a thriving resort district: Grand hotels lined portions of the beach, catering to middle- and upper-class visitors Excursion trains brought day-trippers in large numbers Supporting businesses—restaurants, shops, and amusements—developed alongside the hotels At the same time, permanent residential communities continued to grow inland from the beachfront, creating a mix of seasonal and year-round populations. **Shipped securely in a new poly bag, sandwiched in chipboard, inside a new rigid mailer via USPS Ground Advantage service w/ tracking** Click HERE to see matchbooks I have available. Click HERE to see transit and trade tokens I have available. Click HERE to see billheads I have available. Click HERE to see letterheads I have available. For U.S. based orders, the shipping cost for the first purchase is $4.00 and no extra cost for additional similar items such as billheads, letterheads, tickets, patches, post cards, trade cards, stock certificates that can safely be shipped in the same package. I have over 63,000 unique items here on eBay - Click HERE to visit my store & save with combined shipping for multiple buys. For U.S. orders on a PC, use the "add to cart" feature to select multiple items before paying. If the cart does not combine shipping costs, I will refund excess fees as I pack your order the following morning. I have enjoyed buying and selling vintage collectibles for over 40 years. Unless noted otherwise, all items I offer are original and not reproductions. 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