SHIPBUILDING

There were many shipyards in Lots 50 and 57. This industry supported the forges, operators, sparmakers, and sailmakers of the area.

The shipwright was responsible for the entire design, as well as the construction of the ship. He had to be able to decide just what was needed for a prospective client. The type of vessel, its purpose and size, varied a great deal from customer to customer.

The McDonald shipbuilding yard was located on the south bank of the Onivell River. Charles, who held the largest quantity of land between the five brothers, was the foreman of the operation. This shipbuilding yard did very well over the following twenty years at which time the industry on the Island flourished. Ports in Prince and Kings Counties reported many ships leaving with cargoes mainly of lumber during 1825 and 1826. Ship which were built from the McDonald shipyard would now be considered quite small in respect to ships being built elsewhere today. Just the same, it employed many people of the community and put a meal on the table.

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