Pusey and Jones facts for kids

The Pusey and Jones Corporation was a big company that built ships and made machines. It was located in Wilmington, Delaware. The company was open for over 100 years, from 1848 to 1959.

Building ships was their main job from 1853 until after World War II. Then, they started making machines for papermaking. The company built more than 500 ships. These included large cargo ships, small warships, and fancy yachts. One famous yacht they built was the Volunteer. It won the 1887 America's Cup, a very famous sailing race.

Company Story

How it Started

The company began in 1848. Two men, Joshua L. Pusey and John Jones, started a partnership. They opened a machine shop in Wilmington, Delaware. They rented space from a company that hunted whales. Their shipyard was located between the Christina River and the main railroad line.

In 1851, two other businessmen joined them. Edward Betts and Joshua Seal bought a part of the company. They ran an iron foundry in Wilmington. After they joined, the company's name changed. It became Betts, Pusey, Jones & Seal.

Early Ships and Growth

In 1854, Pusey and Jones built an important ship. It was the "Mahlon Betts" schooner. This was the first sailing ship in the U.S. to have a hull made of iron.

When the Civil War began, the company started building ships for the U.S. military. The first military ship was a sloop of war. This meant they needed to hire many more workers right away. The company also made engines and boilers for other shipbuilders.

In 1887, they built the yacht "Volunteer." This was the first steel-hulled yacht to win the America's Cup.

World Wars and Changes

During World War I, the company grew a lot. More than 2,000 people worked there. They even added a second shipyard in Gloucester City, New Jersey. This new yard was first called Pennsylvania Shipbuilding Company. But its name soon changed to Pusey & Jones. After building 19 ships, its name changed again to New Jersey Shipbuilding Company. This shipyard closed after the war ended.

After a tough time in the early 1920s, the company reorganized in 1927. A businessman named Clement C. Smith took charge. The company became Pusey and Jones Corporation. They started focusing on building large, fancy yachts for rich customers.

As World War II got closer, the military ordered more ships. The company had its most employees during World War II. Over 3,600 people worked in their shipyards, factories, and offices. Pusey and Jones built 19 Type C1 ships for the United States Maritime Commission.

They also built other types of ships, like minesweepers. Many commercial and private ships they had built earlier were also changed for military use.

On September 27, 1941, called Liberty Fleet Day, the yard launched a special ship. It was one of the first Liberty ships, named SS Adabelle Lykes.

After World War II, Pusey and Jones changed their focus. They used their shipyard facilities to make machines for papermaking.

The company finally closed down in 1959.

Famous Ships Built

Here are some of the notable ships built by Pusey and Jones: