Editor, Gazette-Journal:

A surprise reception took place at the Mathews Maritime Foundation Museum Oct. 16 for Edward Diggs, builder of boats large and small. While the event was disguised as an "Open House" so his wife Louise could get him out on a lovely day, the display of all of his models in one place was a sight to behold … and a surprise for Edward.

As the fortunate owners brought their boats to the museum, they delighted in looking at all of the others—totally aware that they had special boats built by a special man. Edward’s talent and skill in building large boats (alone or with others) is well known locally. Each scale model of the original represents many hours of craftsmanship and a high level of perfection that Edward demands of himself.

Henry Schlenck, who has worked alongside of Edward building and repairing boats, suggested the idea of bringing all the models together. Louise and son Andy helped form the plot and the enthusiastic an...