BATH

Bath Historical Society is presenting a panel discussion of shipyard events within living memory in the Patten Free Library’s Community Room at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Since obtaining its first shipbuilding contract in 1890, Bath Iron Works has produced an incredible variety of vessels, employed many thousands of people, and been through many changes. Although defeated and bankrupt in the 1920s, new management soon brought the company back to life. It flourished through the Great Depression, two world wars, and the Cold War. It produced warships from its beginning, but also cargo vessels of many kinds, passenger ships, yachts, fishing vessels, ferries, tugs and service vessels.

Five people who worked at BIW for many years will discuss their experiences. Bill Haggett, Bill Lowell, Marilyn Reed, Larry Albee, and Fred Elwell all began work at the yard in the 1950s and 1960s.

They began working under management for whom World War II was recent history, and saw the yard transition back to building some commercial vessels again. In the 1980s, they were part of the decision to concentrate on naval production and leave commercial work behind. Their memories include shipyard folklore, social changes in the yard’s workforce, and the progression of technology in the construction and powering of the ships.

The program is free and open to the public. Doors open at 10 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (207) 443-5141, ext. 18.

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