To the editor:
In the September Working Waterfront, Emmet Meara wrote a mighty fine article about the old HIPPOCAMPUS, describing her many lives as yacht, mailboat, scalloper, submarine patrol boat, etc. She also played the role of “love boat.”
At the time of our wedding on Islesboro, September 3, 1941, the two brothers of the bride were hatching nefarious plans for our honeymoon departure. The island route to the ferry (the GOVERNOR BRANN) would be festooned with many perils – as indeed would our auto be festooned with unmentionables. Well, the bride’s mother concocted a plot that would thwart the two rascals and protect the happy couple.
Captain Arthur Ladd of the HIPPOCAMPUS became a co-conspirator. He located a young man who would come to Islesboro and drive our packed car off on the day before the wedding. Then, after our wedding, Captain Ladd brought the HIPPO back to Warren’s landing at North Islesboro, following his regular mail run. While everybody rushed south to the ferry to view the departure shenanigans, we headed north in a car driven by our organist, who was also in on the plot. The “Love Boat” took us to Castine, where our honeymoon car was parked. No rice on our clothes that wedding day!
Burke and Midge Welldon
Islesboro