Ship Hauling Machine Project
The Ship Hauling Machine, a massive piece of maritime equipment, located on a vacant lot owned by the Maola Dairy Company, had long been forgotten. In 2007, several retirees noticed this intriguing piece of equipment, overgrown with brush, adjacent to the Neuse River. They realized it was a significant artifact of New Bern's long-forgotten history as a maritime and boat building center and its dependence on water transportation. The machine was used by Barbour Boat Works to haul vessels to and from the water for maintenance. Its open gear system indicates it dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century.
Maola donated the machine to Swiss Bear and they enlisted the City's support to dismantle and move it to City property for safe storage. Swiss Bear recruited volunteers to document the machine and develop a comprehensive plan to restore and reassemble it on a concrete pedestal for public display in Lawson Creek Park. The estimated cost to reassemble, construct a concrete base and interpretive signage is $35,000. Swiss Bear's goal is to raise funds and complete this project by the end of 2012.
In addition to the educational value of the Ship Hauling Machine as a historic artifact, it will contribute significantly to the growing number of tourism attractions in the area.
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