The Mathews-built deck boat, the Peggy, celebrates its 100th birthday in 2025. As part of the commemoration, the Mathews Maritime Foundation has commissioned renowned artist John Barber to depict the Peggy at work, off New Point Comfort light.
Built by Harry Hudgins in the William West yard, the Peggy was named after the daughter of the owner, Walter Burroughs of New Point, according to a history from MMF. Walter and his brother-in-law Raymond Hudgins employed the Peggy in the pound net fishery until Raymond’s death in the 1930s. Captain Burroughs was soon joined by his son Richard and in the 1950s had the boat decked over and shifted into the crab fisheries. In 1946, the bottom was replaced by noted local builder Alton Smith.
In 1961, the Peggy was sold to Ed Grinnell of New Point and she was reconfigured for pound fishing again. Captain Grinnell would eventually return to crab dredging when that fishery became more profitable and he continued to work the Peggy for 40 more years until...