In this new world of redefining what “retirement” means, it probably comes as no surprise that a Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon would retire to the Eastern Shore and start an entirely new vocation related to the skipjacks of the Chesapeake Bay.
That’s precisely what Dr. Randolph George did when he eventually retired from the operating room and embarked with his brother in law, Allen Rawl, on the restoration of a skipjack named Martha Lewis. And as Allen was doing much of the physical work on the boat, Dr. George began to explore and document the boat builder, his family and the many stories that surrounded the Martha Lewis. It also led him on a journey to discover every remaining skipjack on the Shore.
All of this is now documented in a new book that Randy has authored entitled “Memory of the Skipjack,” published by SaltWater Media. It not only records the unique history of the Martha Lewis but documents the fifty-two remaining of what was once a fleet of 700 iconic examples of the Chesapeake Bay’s distinctive heritage.
The Spy spent some time with the author at Bullitt House a few weeks ago to chat about the book.
This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information or purchase “Memoir of a Skipjack” please go here
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