One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of the PRIDE organization are the amazing individuals that make up and have contributed to our past. Like all great stories, we have a rich history involving celebration, journey, heartache, and growth, and the shelving and walls of Pride, Inc. are proudly covered in some of our fondest memories. To show our appreciation for all those that have contributed to our collection, we thought it would be fun to share some of these priceless pieces of history with our friends and supporters.
In October of 2007 Pride, Inc. was contacted by Ms. Anita Scheiwe, and generously gifted a plank on frame model of PRIDE, lovingly crafted by her father, Mr. Jerome (Jerry) Batzer. Jerry constructed the model from pieces of timber used in the actual building of PRIDE OF BALTIMORE.
An overview of the project, as described by Jerry Batzer’s daughter, Anita Scheiwe:
“In 1977, the City of Baltimore announced plans to construct a replica of the Baltimore Clipper ships that once sailed the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. The ship was to be named “PRIDE OF BALTIMORE” and was to become a roving ambassador for Baltimore and Maryland. It was to be built at a location alongside the inner harbor of Baltimore.
Having read of these plans to build the PRIDE OF BALTIMORE, Jerry Batzer, a retired Savings and Loan Vice-President, sent a letter to Captain Melbourne Smith asking for any position that would allow him to be part of this exciting event. He came out of retirement in 1977 to take the position of Yard Master during the building of the ship. Although he was hired as the gatekeeper and office administrator, he quickly demonstrated his woodworking skills and could participate in any area of the construction where an extra hand was needed. Though not a member of the original crew, he was an invited guest aboard PRIDE for its maiden voyage to Philadelphia.
As the construction phase of the PRIDE OF BALTIMORE was drawing to a close, Jerry decided to build a model of the ship. Taking small pieces of wood from the scrap lumber pile to his home woodworking shop, he lovingly cut each piece of wood used in the building of the model. Since he had access to the architectural drawings from the beginning, he was able to copy the measurements and placement of each section of the ship. In 1988, he completed the model as we see it today.”
