Rockaway, L.I. (Queens, NY) 1839 Schooner Plymouth / Isaac Doughty Work Receipt

Description

Rockaway, L.I. (Queens, NY) 1839 Schooner Plymouth / Isaac Doughty Work Receipt. In the 1830s, Rockaway was a remote and lightly inhabited area, characterized by sand dunes, salt marshes, and scattered fishing and farming families. Blanket condition statement - This piece arrived as part of a large collection of handwritten receipts and documents in similar condition. All of the pieces in the group likely has one or more of the following: fold creases from posting, paper losses, uneven tears along the bottom, fold-overs or small edge tears. You will receive the exact sheet shown in the photos - please have a good look at the photos to access condition. This sheet measures approx. 8" x 10 1/4" A best-effort 📜 Transcription: Rockaway July 27th 1839 Schooner Plymouth To Isaac Doughty Dr Sealing planks ———————— $53.62 Thomas Conklin wages & provision — 5.50 200 Spikes ——————————— 18.00 50 lb oakum —————————— 3.50 Paint and oil —————————— 9.40 Rigging —————————————— 16.13 Smith Matts wages 8 days @ 1.25 — 10.00 Thomas Davisson Do 7 days @ 1.50 — 10.50 one year License ———————— 5.30 2 years Dockage at attorny @ 9.12½ — 18.25 Board paid Wm. Mast —————— 31.50 Board at my house ——————— 37.50 2 Shovels @ 1.50 ———————— 3.00 Wages for myself 81 days @ .75 — 61.00 Expenses hauling her up at Mill — 7.00 —————————————— $310.02 Due on J. Englis bill —————— 1.07 —————————————— $311.09 145.38 —————————————— $165.71 ======================================== 🧠 Notable / Stand-Out Content ⚓ 1. Early Rockaway maritime activity (1839) This is a very early Rockaway document, firmly within the period when the area was still sparsely developed. The presence of a named vessel (Schooner Plymouth ) shows: Active coastal trade or working vessels operating out of Rockaway Use of the area for repair, outfitting, or provisioning, not just fishing 🔨 2. Ship repair / refitting account The listed items clearly indicate this is not a simple invoice, but a comprehensive refit or maintenance account, including: Structural work: “Sealing planks” (likely “ceiling planks” – interior hull planking) Spikes, oakum (used for caulking hull seams) Finishing & maintenance: Paint and oil Rigging 👉 This suggests significant work, possibly: A seasonal overhaul Damage repair Preparation for a new voyage or service period 👷 3. Named laborers and wage structure Several individuals are listed with specific wages: Thomas Conklin Smith Matts (likely “Smith Mattis” or similar spelling) Thomas Davisson Wage rates: About $1.25–$1.50 per day The issuer’s own labor billed at $0.75/day 👉 This provides a clear snapshot of maritime labor economics in 1839 🪪 4. Licensing and dockage “one year License” “2 years Dockage at attorney” These entries are especially important: Indicate formal regulation of vessels Suggest the schooner was registered and paying for mooring rights “at attorney” likely refers to payment handled through an agent or legal intermediary 🏠 5. Boarding charges “Board paid Wm. Mast” “Board at my house” 👉 This shows: Workers were lodged locally during the repair period The issuer may have operated both as shipwright and boarding provider 🧾 6. “Expenses hauling her up at Mill” This is a key operational detail: Refers to hauling the vessel out of the water, likely at a mill or yard with lifting capability Confirms the presence of basic ship service infrastructure in Rockaway in the 1830s 💰 7. High total value Total: $311.09, with a balance of $165.71 👉 For 1839, this is a substantial sum, reinforcing that: This was major work, not minor maintenance The schooner was likely a commercially important vessel 📌 Overall Interpretation This document represents a full accounting of repair, labor, docking, and provisioning expenses for the schooner Plymouth at Rockaway in July 1839. It provides rare, detailed insight into: Early Long Island coastal maritime activity Ship repair practices and materials Labor costs and named workers The existence of docking, licensing, and haul-out facilities in Rockaway at a very early date It is an excellent example of pre-railroad era coastal commerce infrastructure on the south shore of Long Island. ================================================================ 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. 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