Buckeye State Slides Down Shipyard Ways As Big Crowd Cheers

The "Buckeye State," second steel lake and river freighter to be built in Ogdensburg, slid down the breasted ways of the St. Lawrence Marine Repair Corporation at 2:30 this afternoon and rode for the first time the majestic waters of the St. Lawrence River.

With a slight tremble, as though straining at a cable in eagerness for its career as a grain carrier in the service of the Federal Motorship Corporation, the Buckeye State paused a brief second when the launching trigger was released, then shot swiftly down into the river stern first with members of the American Legion Legion Drum Corps, employees of the shipyard and its special crew under command of Capt. Martin Peterson on its broad deck.

Mrs. Robert H. McEwen crashed a be-ribboned bottle on the prow christening the new boat just as it was released. As the bottle smashed and its contents dashed over the steel hull, cheers went up from several hundred spectators gathered to watch the launching.

Gathered on the platform with Mrs. McEwen were many men prominent in shipbuilding in this city, Buffalo, Montreal and Kingston as well as representatives of the city government, civic associations and public at rage.

Mrs. Arthur J. Patmore, wife of the manager of the St. Lawrence Marine Repair Dock Corporation which built the boat, presented Mrs. McEwen with a beautiful bouquet of flowers as she left the company's office for the ceremonies. Following the launching Mr. Patmore presented Mrs. McEwen with a beautiful bar pin expressing on behalf of his company their deep appreciation of her kindness in christening the boat.

Shortly after 2 o'clock members of the American Legion Drum Corps marched from their rendezvous on Monroe Avenue to the shipyard playing a number of stirring marches. While many of the ex-servicemen were unable to leave their places of employment to take part in the launching program, a good turnout in full uniform with helmets added to the color of the occasion. Just prior to the launching the drum corps played several other selections.

Among the officials actively interested in the shipbuilding and transportation business present at the launching This afternoon were George D. MacDonald, president of the Federal Motorship Corporation, E.H. Gidley, secretary of the same corporation, both of Buffalo; George W.E. Mikkelsen, superintendent of the Erie and St. Lawrence Navigation Company, Walter Mattick, Buffalo shipbuilder, Norman Annis, all of Buffalo; Thomas Drennan, representing the Fairbanks-Morse Marine Engine Company, New York; Frank F. Wilson, treasurer of the St. Lawrence Marine Repair Corporation; D.P. Carswell, president of the same company, both of Montreal; Lambert and German, Montreal marine architects; Neil McIntyre, William Hayes, George Allen, D. McArthur, all of Montreal; B. Manthrop, Kingston, James French, representative of Lloyds, New York; Major Harrison of Montreal, marine architect, and three representatives of the New York State Barge Canal, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Barber and Mr. Sloan, all of Syracuse.

The Buckeye State was towed back to the pier at the shipyard following the launching and will remain here severe; days for minor adjustments before leaving on a trial trip. Captain Peterson, who is from Lakewood, Ohio, is the same master who took out the "Empire State," launched at the shipyard last year. Captain Peterson today told the journal that while the Empire State has proved after a year's service in the lake and canal trade, one of the finest boats he has ever handled, he expects the Buckeye State to make even a better record.

Throughout the day local businessmen have visited the shipyard and inspected the Buckeye State. Manager A.J. Patmore was recipient of many fine compliments for his craftsmanship in building such a sturdy craft for his tireless efforts to secure employment for Ogdensburg residents during the winter months when many would otherwise be idle.

The building of the Buckeye State, like the Empire State, proved in more than one way of real benefit to Ogdensburg. Revival of the shipbuilding business, which in earlier years had flourished here, has brought a new ray of hope for industrial Ogdensburg. Frank A. Augsbury, former head of the shipyard, and always one of its staunchest supporters, has worked tirelessly to keep a large staff of men employed under the new owners and is aid is largely responsible for the building operations of the past two winters.

When the contract for the Buckeye State was received last winter Mr. Augsbury is said to have put his broad shoulders to the wheel and his aid assured Ogdensburg of another winter's employment of from 300 to 400 men.

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Frank Pays Tribute to A.J. Patmore

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Says Shipbuilding Bog Boon To This City -

Augsbury's Help Big Asset Ex-Mayor Declares

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Julius Frank, former mayor and ex-president of the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, regarded the launching of the Buckeye State at the shipyard today, as another milestone of the fast growing shipbuilding industry in Ogdensburg. He said:

'While for many years successful repair work had been done at the Marine railway, no attempt had been made at shipbuilding. Not until the present owners acquired the shipyard and brought A.P. Patmore here, did the shipbuilding enterprise get under headway.

"Mr. Patmore's ability was immediately recognized with the completion and launching of the Empire State here last year," Mr. Frank said. "Another order for a boat was immediately received and today the Buckeye State was launched which was a credit to the shipyard and those interested in the projects.

"As a property owner and operator of a business institution, which depends on employment of people for success I am in a position to realize the great advantages of the work being done at St. Lawrence Marine Corporation ship yard here the past two years.

"And I can sincerely assure the owners and operators of the company that a sincere appreciation is felt by all our people for the splendid enterprises shown by the workers.

"Our citizens also recognize the valuable assistance given by Frank A. Augsbury," Mr. Frank continued. "They appreciate the aid and the influence Mr. Augsbury has exerted in connection with the project. It is to be trusted that the work of the past two winters is but a forerunner of future shipbuilding here.

"I believe I am expressing the sentiment of all our citizens in extending hearty congratulations to Mr. Playfair and his associates, and Mr. Patmore and his assistants."