General Dynamics Corporation Shipyard, Wellman-Seaver Crane, 97 Howard Street, Quincy, Norfolk County, MA

Significance: Erected in 1901, Structure No. 30S, the Wellman-Seaver Folding Gantry Crane, or Crane S-1, is significant as the oldest and longest-operating crane in the Quincy-Fore River Shipyard. Located on Pier 2, the oldest and primary outfitting pier in the shipyard, Structure 30S has been an integral component of the yard facilities throughout its history. This crane was built for the outfitting of completed hulls and for the dockside marshalling of outfitting materials and supplies. The crane is an example of turn-of-the-century shipyard materials handling engineering designed by a leading American engineering firm. Major physical changes made to the crane in 1908 and 1940 were engineering responses to important shipbuilding developments and shipyard improvements.

Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N487

Survey number: HAER MA-26-H

Building/structure dates: 1901 Initial Construction

Building/structure dates: 1908 Subsequent Work

Building/structure dates: 1940-1941 Subsequent Work

Building/structure dates: 1940-1941 Subsequent Work

gantry cranes boat and ship industry manufacturing engineering railroad companies quincy mass general dynamics corporation shipyard general dynamics corporation shipyard wellman seaver crane wellman seaver crane howard howard street quincy norfolk norfolk county massachusetts virginia h adams american bridge company bethlehem steel company robert brewster fore river ship and engine company general dynamics corporation historic american engineering record matthew a kierstead massachusetts historical commission massachusetts water resource authority wellman seaver engineering company ultra high resolution high resolution manufacturing plants industrial history library of congress railway photo archive

1901

Library of Congress

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