T he U.S.S. Constitution came to Bath on July

13-16, 1931 during her post restoration cruise. She anchored below the bridge and was open daily for visitation by the public. Special attention was shown to school children many of whom by their patriotic and generous contributions made it possible to restore and save her from an ignominious end.

The famous frigate Constitution was launched in October 1797 in Boston. Six times the Constitution has undergone major overhauls or restorations. The most famous one took place between 1927 and 1931 when school children throughout the country sent pennies — $154,000 worth — to help finance the total restoration cost of $946,000.

The reason the old frigate made a special effort to visit Bath was that her restoration had been accomplished under the supervision of a Bath-born naval officer, Lieutenant John A. Lord. Like any Bathite of the period, Lord had an insider’s knowledge of wooden shipbuilding, and was able to hire a number of local ship carpenters to work on the restoration at the Boston (Charlestown) Navy Yard.

On July 13, 1931 a welcoming committee of local dignitaries and officials met “Old Ironsides” down river and all climbed aboard through a gun port – that is except one portly gentleman who was unable to pass through. He was forced to return to Bath ignominiously on the Coast Guard cutter. It must be remembered that in the days when she was the mistress of the seas she did not carry such up to date equipment as landing stages for sightseers.

At every vantage point up the river from Popham there were many people waving salutes. Behind the Constitution were several pleasure craft and cruisers. Even the seals at Ram Island ledges near Phippsburg were out in greater numbers than usual and entered joyfully in the welcome. But after coming through the reach the historic craft got a real reception. At the Plant Home multitudes of people were out on the spacious lawn. On a wharf children were singing America and their sweet voices were heard very distinctly. Whistles at the Bath Box Co., Hyde Windlass Co., and Bath Iron Works added to the demonstration. The mass of people on the bridge over the proud Kennebec presented a spectacle seldom seen.

More than 11,000 persons visited the Constitution while she was in port. They came to walk the decks of which poet Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote, “… the decks once red with heroes’ blood.”

While aboard, Hyde Windlass Plant Superintendent Ned Andrews discovered a problem with the anchor windlass which refused to function properly. He discovered the chain grab was the wrong size. He directed workers at Hyde to work endlessly to forge a new chain grab and install it. When the ship left, the windlass was operating perfectly and continued to do so throughout the trip to the West Coast and back to Boston.

Bath people were proud to see that the big steering wheels and gear were products of the Hyde Windlass Company. Also several large sails on the craft were the work of A. M. Cutler, Bath sailmaker.

It had been several years since Bath had seen so much activity, now due to the arrival of the Constitution. Automobile traffic became congested. Gaiety continued until late hours. City hall with its decorations and vari-colored lights in the cupola presented a pretty picture. Colored incandescent lights lined both sides of Washington Street between Summer and Linden streets. Restaurants filled early and continued to do a rushing business until late at night. A dance party at the Arcade was well patronized. A parade drew thousands and many continued about town for hours after enjoying the carnival atmosphere of the old town!

Almost everyone except the invalids of the city turned out to watch the celebration parade. Even the babies came, held by the parents and watched wide-eyed as the sights passed before them. And what a sight it was! Edwin Lincoln Emmons, drum major, was well applauded as he marched resplendent in a gorgeous creation of green broadcloth, an iridescent half cape and busby hat.

Bath bid farewell to the great ship as she departed on July 16 at 11:32 am. The old Paul Revere bell in City Hall rang goodbye and bells on the churches rang. The Court House bell sounded and the fire department sounded 15 blows on their whistle. Industrial plants tooted good-bye and the sirens on the bridge wheezed forth farewell. Excerpts from various issues of the

Bath Independent, July 1931, and

Wikipedia.