Fisherman built this boat in 1929 while raising 13 children; $1.5M is being raised to restore it

Little Lady is set to be moved to the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway for repairs (Vineyard Gazette photo) A wooden fishing boat built in 1929 is nearing a major restoration on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The vessel, Little Lady, is the sole remaining wooden fishing dragger in New England and has been part of the island’s fishing community for generations.According to the Martha’s Vineyard Times, Little Lady is expected to be moved from Ralph Packer’s dock in Vineyard Haven to the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway in about a month, where work on the vessel will begin.The full restoration is estimated to cost $1.5 million. The project is being funded through private donations and Community Preservation Act funds from Tisbury and Chilmark. However, $630,000 is still needed to complete the work.After the restoration, Little Lady is expected to serve as an educational hub for younger generations at the docks. Any fish caught using the boat’s drag net will be donated to local food pantries. Nat Benjamin, co-founder of Gannon and Benjamin, describes Little Lady as an “iconic vessel that’s been in Mememsha for many generations.” “We’re trying to keep her there,” he adds.History ...