The visit of the tall ship Fair Jeanne to Clayton thrilled the hearts of young and old as they climbed the ladder and dropped down onto the deck for a personal tour of the huge brig.

It was my privilege to be the first adult aboard on Friday after the schoolchildren had spent the morning touring the ship in small groups.

The crew apologized that they were delayed briefly in opening the tour to grown-ups. They were grabbing a bite to eat before continuing their work. They had expected 200 children to visit that morning, but about 400 showed up with their teachers and chaperones.

I didn’t mind waiting one bit. The youthful crew members who explained what took place on board in four or five stations on two decks were personable, knowledgeable and obviously delighted to be part of the crew. They answered my questions with ease and made me happy that I came.

Caskinette’s Lofink Motor Co. of Carthage is to be commended for sponsoring the visit of Fair Jeanne to Clayton. The docking of the tall ship next door to the exciting DockDogs competition gave thousands of visitors to Clayton a varied weekend experience on the St. Lawrence.

Thank you, Caskinette folks, for your generosity to Clayton and to those of us far away as Black River who enjoyed our visit up on the St. Lawrence.

Hope Irvin Marston

Black River

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