always held a special lure for Islanders because of its proximity and this could contribute to the fact that Prince Edward Island produced as many seamen and ship captains in proportion to its population as any other province.

It was a common thing for men to go to the woods, cut down the trees, haul them to the shipyards, build the ships, launch and rig them and then sail them to dif- ferent parts of the world. Trade was carried out entirely by vessels.

One of the earliest recorded ship building operations in our communities was that of Joseph Dingwell at Little River. Mr. Dingwell built his ships near Durell Point. The first one registered with P.E.l.’s Ships Registry is the “J.D.”, built by Mr. Dingwell in 1845, at Little River. It had a capacity of 126 tons. Also registered in 1846 was another of Dingwell’s vessels, the 156 ton “Elizabeth”. In 1847, he built the “Superb”, 141 ton capacity, also the “William” a larger brig of 236 tons and 90 feet long. In 1848, he built the 161 ton “America". In 1850, Joseph Dingwell built the “Wasp”, 84 tons. It is the ship that was remembered best by the people of the area. This ship was so named because of a wasp’s nest being discovered in the hull during construction. Mr. Dingwell loaded the boat with oats bound for England. His only son, William, was on board, as well as Captain and crew. All hands were lost at sea off the coast of Newfoundland. The following song was composed about this tragedy and was known as “The Wasp.” it was given to us by Reggie Banks, Annandale, who believes that the author was a lady from Farmington.

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