General Dynamics Corporation Shipyard, Wellman-Seaver Crane, 97 Howard Street, Quincy, Norfolk County, MA

Significance: Erected in 1901, Structure No. 30S, the Wellman-Seaver Folding Gantry Crane, or Crane S-1, is significant as the oldest and longest-operating crane in the Quincy-Fore River Shipyard. Located on Pier 2, the oldest and primary outfitting pier in the shipyard, Structure 30S has been an integral component of the yard facilities throughout its history. This crane was built for the outfitting of completed hulls and for the dockside marshalling of outfitting materials and supplies. The crane is an example of turn-of-the-century shipyard materials handling engineering designed by a leading American engineering firm. Major physical changes made to the crane in 1908 and 1940 were engineering responses to important shipbuilding developments and shipyard improvements.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N487
Survey number: HAER MA-26-H
Building/structure dates: 1901 Initial Construction
Building/structure dates: 1908 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1940-1941 Subsequent Work
Building/structure dates: 1940-1941 Subsequent Work