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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Arethusa
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Arethusa

Artifact IDMO 1941.7.118
Object Type Model
Maker (American, 1877 - 1948)
Gifter
Date1935
Mediumwood, metal
Dimensionsframe H 13 1/8 in x W 18 1/4 in x D 2 1/2 in (33.3 cm x 46.4 cm x 6.4 cm )
Physical DescriptionA framed, half-hull model of the 1907 two-masted schooner, ARETHUSA, carved from the wreckage of the ship. A metal American flag flies from the top of one of the masts. The model is glued to a framed wooden background painted to represent the sea and sky. Handwritten in paint on the reverse of the frame: FOR OUR SEAGOING PRESIDENT / FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT / MODEL OF ARETHUSA / QUEEN OF THE GLOUCESTER FLEET / AND OF RUM ROW FLEET / CARVED WITH A SAILOR'S JACK KNIFE / FROM HER WRECKAGE / BY BILL McCOY OWNER AND MASTER / WHILE RUM RUNNING / ARETHUSA - BUILT 1907 / LOST 1929 / MODEL MADE AT PALM BEACH / MARCH 1935. The entire piece rests in a 3/4" gilt wood frame.
Historical NoteThis model was sent to President Roosevelt by the maker, Bill McCoy of Palm Beach, Florida. McCoy was the ARETHUSA’s owner and master when she served as a rum runner during the Prohibition era.
Additional Details
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesShip Models (National Archives Identifier 782457)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view