The steamship Providence at Nut Island waiting to be broken up.
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Quincy Heritage Day Presentation:
September 27, 2025 at 2:00 Presented by Houghs Neck Historian Patti Williams Houghs Neck Congregational Church 310 Manet Avenue |
Shipbreaking at Nut Island
1885-1903
Between 1885 and 1903, 18 steamships were broken up at Nut Island in Houghs Neck. Shipbreaking is an industry that has grown up around shipping and the sea since earliest times. In the late 1800’s it involved breaking up wooden ships in order to recycle the iron, copper and other metal used in their construction. The superstructure of the ship would be dismantled and what was left of the ship would be burned. Some of the parts of the ship, such as the pilot house, cabins, railings, doors and timbers were sold off. In Houghs Neck many of these parts were recycled into cottages. Even today homeowners find tongue-in-groove sheathing and large timbers from these ships that have incorporated into their homes. Come and learn about the ships, the ship-breaking process and see photos of some of the cottages made from parts of these ships. This talk is part of the events that will take place on Quincy Heritage Day. Quincy Heritage Day will be held from 10am to 4pm on September 27. Eight local historical sites (Adams National Historical Park, Quincy Historical Society, Thomas Crane Kibrary/Richardson Building, Dorothy Quincy Homestead, Josiah Quincy House, Quincy Quarry and Granite Workers Museum, Church of the Presidents, USS Salem/US Shipbuilding Museum) will be open and offer tours and other experiences. In addition to the Shipbreaking at Nut Island talk, there will also be an archaeological program at Caddy Park and one at the Souther Tide Mill.
1885-1903
Between 1885 and 1903, 18 steamships were broken up at Nut Island in Houghs Neck. Shipbreaking is an industry that has grown up around shipping and the sea since earliest times. In the late 1800’s it involved breaking up wooden ships in order to recycle the iron, copper and other metal used in their construction. The superstructure of the ship would be dismantled and what was left of the ship would be burned. Some of the parts of the ship, such as the pilot house, cabins, railings, doors and timbers were sold off. In Houghs Neck many of these parts were recycled into cottages. Even today homeowners find tongue-in-groove sheathing and large timbers from these ships that have incorporated into their homes. Come and learn about the ships, the ship-breaking process and see photos of some of the cottages made from parts of these ships. This talk is part of the events that will take place on Quincy Heritage Day. Quincy Heritage Day will be held from 10am to 4pm on September 27. Eight local historical sites (Adams National Historical Park, Quincy Historical Society, Thomas Crane Kibrary/Richardson Building, Dorothy Quincy Homestead, Josiah Quincy House, Quincy Quarry and Granite Workers Museum, Church of the Presidents, USS Salem/US Shipbuilding Museum) will be open and offer tours and other experiences. In addition to the Shipbreaking at Nut Island talk, there will also be an archaeological program at Caddy Park and one at the Souther Tide Mill.