The
halibut fish processing plant at Harbor Cove, Gloucester, MA was a
landmark from 1883, when it was built, until 1953 when it was destroyed
by fire. The cupola on the roof allowed observers to spot schooners
arriving from the fishing grounds and alert ground crews. When the
wind was light small tugboats could assist the fishing schooners getting
in or out of the harbor by providing a "tow." This was often
accomplished with the tugboat tied to the side of the schooner as
seen in this picture
Today
the wharf is the location of a well-known Gloucester seafood restaurant.
The tugs, fishing schooners and most of the old wharf buildings are
now a fading memory. This image is one of a pair of paintings that
can be effectively displayed when hung just to the left of T-Wharf,
Boston, 1885.