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After Revitalization (Projected)
The Ship Hauling Machine, a massive piece of maritime equipment, was located on a vacant lot owned by the Maola Dairy Company and had long been forgotten. In 2007, several retirees noticed this intriguing piece of equipment overgrown with brush. They realized it was a significant artifact of New Bern's long-fogotten 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 that it dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century.
Swiss Bear requested that Maola donate the machine to their Corporation so they could enlist the City to dismantle and move it to City property for safe storage. Swiss Bear's Connectivity Committee is recruiting volunteers to document the machine and develop a comprehensive plan to restore and reassemble it on a concrete pedestal to be prominently displayed in Lawson Creek Park in time for New Bern's 300th Celebration. They are also charged with raising funds ($25,000) to make this happen.
In addition to the educational value of the Hauling Machine as a prominent artifact, it will contribute significantly to the growing number of tourism attractions in the New Bern area.
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Current Projects