08/24/2026
Today in Herreshoff history: August 24, 1877
A correspondent conflates the two Herreshoff brothers into one talented man! Or at least, does not clearly distinguish the two. In defense of the anonymous correspondent, it was five months prior to the brothers' formal incorporation of HMCo. and early days for their fame: "Just beyond the pier at Fort Rounds," writes a correspondent from this town, "the road curves past the old Herreshoff mansion, and the long low building where the Herreshoff brothers have their extensive boat building establishment. The Herreshoff boats are famed for their speed and graceful motion, but few are aware that the master hand that fashions these boats is guided by a sort of instinct and an acute sense of feeling, for the builder is blind, and has been from childhood. He discovers defects in the lumber by passing his hand over it, occasionally rapping and applying his ear. Not a plank is added to his boats until material and curve, its length and breadth have passed under his critical supervision. All around are moored a variety of boats for rowing and sailing. Here we think are the smallest vessels ever known to be propelled by steam, boiler and machinery in miniature, but perfect every way. Here are the new boats styled the Catamarans, an original idea of Mr. Herreshoff's. In a race [The Open Centennial Regatta] out of New York last year the lookers on laughed and jeered as this double boat [AMARYLLIS] with a deck between joined the trim crafts as a competitor. But the odd shaped boat flew over the waters with a swiftness that left the other vessels behind, while the ridicule of the spectators was changed to wonder and admiration. But Mr. H. did not win the prize, as by some quibble the boat was not allowed, not belonging to the kind entered for the race...''
📸 One of N.G.H.'s catamarans from the 1870s, JOHN GILPIN of 1877. This drawing was published in the Scientific American Supplement, January 5, 1878; image courtesy of the Herreshoff Catalogue Raisonné
