Nellie Crockett (Buy-Boat)

 The Nellie Crockett is a Chesapeake Bay oyster buy-boat. She and two others came up the creek for a visit on their way up the Cone River. An old timer told me in the 1940's they brought loads of watermelon and other supplies here and you could buy five watermelons for $1.00. It warmed my heart to see such craftsmanship and history. I swear I was born 100 years to late. A few facts if you care to read on.
The Nellie Crockett was built in 1925 by Charles A. Dana at Crisfield, Maryland for Andrew A. "Shad" Crockett of Tangier, Virginia. She was named for one of Crockett's daughters. Until 1942 she was operated by Crockett, carrying oysters in season and produce and lumber in the off season. In 1942 she was purchased by the U.S. War Shipping Administration for $6,000 as a fireboat in ports along the Chesapeake. Designated CG-65015F, she served until 1945, when Crockett bought her back for $10. Crockett sold a half share in Crockett to William Smith and a quarter share to Charles M. Crockett for a total of $750 in 1946. Her original 45 hp engine was replaced with a 60 hp engine. On Christmas Eve 1947, Priscilla Crocket was given Andrew Crockett's share for one dollar. She was sold in 1950 to Gus Forbush, who changed the engine to a 165 hp model. She was then sold to Gilbert Ashley, who moved her to Baltimore, but then sold her in 1952 to J. Harry Porter and Harry B. Porter of Baltimore, who moved her back to Crisfield. In 1957, the Porters sold her to James H. Ward, Sr. and William H. Ward of Reedville, Virginia. William sold his share to James in 1966. James Ward operated Crockett as a buy-boat until his death in 1986. Family members continued to operate her until 1990. She was then bought by Theodore L. Parish of Georgetown.[3]