Opening Hours
Daily: 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
Closed on Tuesdays
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Rare Books
"Old Ironsides," the frigate Constitution
Image not available
Daily: 10 A.M.–5 P.M.
Closed on Tuesdays
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Image not available
Rare Books
Wedge shaped piece of oak taken from the hull of the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) prior to the 1927-1931 restoration of the ship. There are traces of grey or white paint on one surface of the object. A portion of a wooden peg remains in the top of the object. The depth ranges from 1 inch to 3 inches, length 8 inches, width 5 1/2 inches. The piece of wood has a small copper plaque affixed to the surface which reads "This material was taken from the original hull of the U.S. Frigate Constitution. Keel laid 1794. Rebuilding 1927." The USS Constitution was originally constructed of wood brought from all over the United States. The frames, or ribs and the outer hull planking was made of white oak primarily sourced from Georgia. White oak from New England formed her backbone or keel. Deck beams were white oak and deck planking of southern pitch pine. The three masts were formed of white pine. (Source for description of materials, the USS Constitution Museum).
195388
Image not available
Visual Materials
This collection forms part of the John Haskell Kemble maritime collection compiled by American maritime historian John Haskell Kemble (1912-1990). The collection contains 125 artworks dating from 1828 to 1981, with subjects pertaining to and/or depicting maritime vessels, including commercial and military ships. Most are oil paintings, with some watercolors also included.
artJHK 118
Visual Materials
A - Old Ironsides in Long Beach harbor. B - Old Ironsides deck & bell.
photCL SCE 10 - 00118