October 29, 2025 by Geri Duff
At one time Hingham was home to several shipbuilding yards. In 1637 the town granted Thomas Turner land on the westerly side of the harbor, a spot that was known as Goose Point, for a shipyard. Ships were also built near Hersey’s Wharf, Souther’s Shipyard, Hall’s shipyard and Keen’s Shipyard to name a few. The Barque Saxony was built at one of these. She was owned by Alfred Cushing Hersey, first president of the South Shore Railroad. The master of The Saxony was instrumental in saving lives when the ship Central America went down and he was presented with a telescope in thanks. This is a photograph of a beautiful reverse painting on glass in the Heritage Museum by Petrus Weyts (1799- 1857) that needs to be seen to be appreciated. The photo and painting are in the Hingham Heritage Museum.