My first Maine water tour was on the Argo with Captain Eliot Winslow. It was a glimpse of things from a different perspective which included loads of wit and wisdom, with a few odd-ball comments thrown in for good measure. Anyone who ever crossed paths with Captain Winslow, be it on the Argo, on tugs, or in the Robinson’s Wharf parking lot, knows what I am talking about. Eliot had some stories and some rather unique points of view! You never quite knew when the next curve ball might arrive!
My next most interesting interaction with Captain Winslow occurred during a visit with Eliot at home for a “portrait” session. He and his much loved Irish setter were quite a chore to organize, but we managed to salvage a few frames for safe keeping. It was the start of a long relationship with the Winslow family. I would be called upon for future photographic adventures, one of which I have chosen to share this week.
I am not at all reluctant to say that I have limited nautical experience, especially during my early years here on the peninsula. So when Eliot decided that he wanted to have some photographs made of the tugs to help promote the business, I got a call. At the time, the Winslow tugs were helping to move frigates around at Bath Iron Works. That project provided an opportunity to capture all the then Winslow fleet at work with a backdrop of multiple BIW ships. It seemed like a good setting to show off the tugs at work. Coordinating such an adventure, however, was another matter. Imagine, if you can, trying to get five tugs organized in the Kennebec River on a blustery winter day!
The photograph I have shared today is from a postcard we made back in the 80s, but not the composition I had in mind to help promote the Winslow organization. I wanted all the tugs to be closely aligned with the Iron Works in the background. Easier said than done.
I was transferred to the small boat BIW used for around the yard waterfront work. It was cold and windy and I, with radio in hand, tried to suggest to all tug captains how I would like them to move in order to get the image I had envisioned. We struggled to get everyone lined up, but in the wind, the currents and with large, not easily maneuvered tugs, it was taking some time. Through my radio chatter and instructions came the abrupt announcement from Captain Eliot: “All right, that’s enough! Do you know what this is costing me? We’re done!”
During my various visits with the Winslow organization I met some wonderful tug personnel who I will now try to recall because they were very kind and helpful to me anytime I worked with the boats. Here we go. And please understand that my memory from those days is subject to review, but I will always be grateful for the kindness and consideration. My recollections include David and Eliot Winslow, Jeff Lozier, Pete Ripley, Bob Goodspeed, Ed Mitchell, Greg Hartley, John Smith, Phil Roberts, Glenn Hodgdon, and I am certain there are others. Over the years and more recently when David was running the company, Mark Stover, Bill Sherman and Hugh Thompson come to mind. I do also recall that Earl Walker of Southport was often heard over the radio during ship movements at BIW
