USS Frolic (SP-1336) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United States |
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| Name | Frolic |
| Namesake | Previous name retained |
| Owner | Maryland Conservation Commission |
| Operator |
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| Completed | 1884 |
| Fate | Sold 1918 by Maryland Conservation Commission for $800 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Schooner |
| Length | 62 ft (19 m) |
| Beam | 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m) |
| Draft | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Complement | 7 |
Frolic was a special kind of boat called a schooner. It helped protect Maryland's valuable oyster beds. This boat was part of the Maryland State Oyster Police Force, sometimes called the "Oyster Navy." Their job was to stop people from illegally taking oysters.
The "Oyster Navy" was created to protect Maryland's oyster resources. People from other states, especially New England, were using large nets called dredges. These dredges were destroying the oyster beds in the Chesapeake Bay. Later, local people also started fighting against oyster fishing rules. This led to conflicts known as the "oyster wars". During these times, state boats like Frolic fought against "oyster pirates" in armed battles.
Contents
Frolic and the Oyster Wars
The schooner Frolic was built in 1884. It was assigned to Queen Anne's County, Maryland in 1902. Later, it worked in the Second District, which included Eastern Bay and the Miles and Wye Rivers.
The Oyster Police Force later became the Maryland State Fishery Force. This force was part of the Conservation Commission of Maryland. In 1917, the entire force, including its boats and crew, joined the U.S. Naval Reserve. Today, this force is part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police.
Facing the Ice and Pirates
In January 1893, there was a very cold period. Annapolis harbor was frozen, and ice covered the upper Chesapeake Bay. Many of the schooners, including Frolic, got stuck in the ice. Larger steam-powered boats like Governor R. M. McLane and Governor P. F. Thomas helped. They broke ice to keep a narrow path clear in Annapolis. They also delivered supplies and ammunition to the schooners trapped in the ice.
The Governor P. F. Thomas brought the captain of Daisy Archer to get supplies. Then it took him back to his schooner in West River. It also carried supplies for Frolic, which was stuck in Eastern Bay.
Frolic also performed its regular duties. In March 1894, it raided "scrapers" (dredgers) who were illegally harvesting oysters in Eastern Bay. This raid led to the arrest of three sloops and one bugeye. Each of them had to pay a $25 fine.
Keeping Records
By 1904, Frolic needed many repairs. Another schooner, Julia Hamilton, needed to be replaced. A logbook from Deputy Commander John W. Jones is now at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. He commanded Frolic from September 1904 to September 1908. This logbook might be the only surviving record from the State Fishery Force from that time.
Frolic in World War I
When the United States entered World War I, the Navy asked the Conservation Commission for help. They wanted the Commission's boats to patrol local waters. The state government agreed. The state boats and their crews became part of the U.S. Naval Reserve. They continued to patrol their usual areas, enforcing state fishing laws and federal laws. This agreement meant more patrol time, and the federal government paid all the costs.
The Maryland State Fishery Force boats began working for the United States Navy in August 1917. They were part of Squadron Number 8 of the 5th Naval District. A member of the Conservation Commission, who was also a Navy Lieutenant, commanded them. The federal government paid for all expenses, wages, supplies, and repairs.
Frolic served during World War I without being officially commissioned. It had the identification number SP-1336. The Conservation Commission took back full control of the boat on November 27, 1918.
Retirement of Frolic
In 1918, the Conservation Commission decided to sell the older schooners. Frolic and Nellie Jackson were sold. Frolic was sold for $800.00. This was considered a good price for a boat of its age and condition.
Other Maryland Fishery Force Vessels
