The Mercantile at Monhegan Harbor

The Mercantile at Monhegan Harbor

an oil on heavy linen 20 inches by 26 inches

         Often referred to as the "Prettiest coaster on the Bay," This vessel was built, operated and was a familiar sight in many local ports for over 80 years. Dear to the hearts of many of the island old-timers, she was Built in 1916 and restored in 1989. The well-loved Mercantile is 115 feet overall (80 feet on deck) and has accommodations for 29 passengers. A shoal-draft vessel, she was designed to take on and discharge cargo in out-of-the-way places inaccessible to deeper draft vessels which allows for it's ability to explore secluded ports such as Monhegan Island. When I first caught a glimpse of her orange sails and dark green hull I thought her such a joy to behold that I ran down from light house hill to the harbor just to get a few pictures of her as her sails were brought down against Manna's dark cool shadowy backdrop. This lovely schooner began sailing out of Camden in 1942 as part of Frank Swift's Maine Windjammer Cruises® fleet and remains my favorite of all the Windjammers. Although I have never been on board myself I'm told that a total restoration was performed in 1989 and that the Mercantile was refit with a new galley and accommodations while maintaining her authentic character. This kind of subject reminds me of the kind of subject that the great New York Painter, Eric Hudson painted on Monhegan Island in an era when shoal-draft vessels were common place, delivering supplies in a similar afternoon light. It's a spectacle that is worth running to get a glimpse of it's coming to port.