Windjammer Revival

As a devotee of windjamming in Maine, I wish to compliment you on Frederick Alien’s most interesting “History Happened Here” article in the May/June issue of American Heritage . Even though I have never had the pleasure of sailing on the Lewis R. French with Captain Pease, I am sufficiently familiar with the windjamming operations in Maine to appreciate and thoroughly enjoy the article.

There is, however, one aspect of the story that gave me pause. The Lewis R. French was restored to its present mint condition, from a dilapidated cannery lighter, as I recall, by Capt. John Foss. Captain Foss not only resurrected the French for the tourist trade but was her master as well for a number of years. No history of the Lewis R. French could possibly be complete without including the considerable contributions made by Captain Foss to restore this schooner to its present status in the Maine windjammer fleet. Captain Foss is now the master of the schooner American Eagle .

While perhaps not of historical importance, it is also interesting to know that Captain Pease and Captain Foss are related by marriage.

It is unfortunate that there are not more articles like yours on Maine windjamming. It’s an important tradition that goes back to the very beginnings of our country.