A ship is built

    The Rosendahls cultivated the land and improved the herds of cattle, sheep, and hogs. Horses have also been bred to supply the estate and the tenants. The tenants have also improved their farms, adding greatly to production. Now that production has been established, it becomes necessary to find larger markets for beef, pork, poultry, butter and eggs. The market most naturally would be England. This, therefore, raises the necessity of building ships to bring produce to market.

   Hans must now become more active in the business of the Rosendahl estate. He suggested to the baron that a ship be built. It is agreed that Hans meet his brother Juvre on the west coast of Jutland, at a place they had noted before they established themselves in the Rosendahl barony. The spot selected for their harbor is in a bay protected by a peninsula and an island, between which a narrow passage would give their ship access to the open sea. This position afforded protection from heavy seas and storms from the west. Juvre was well acquainted with the bottom along this coast, as he had spent much time fishing in these waters. It is only about 26 miles north of his home on the island of Rømø. A town still carries his name.

    Hans arrived at the harbor on a beautiful day in early May. He had observed the area on the way to determine where they might procure materials for the building of their ship. Red oak could not be used, as the porous material would soak up water and be susceptible to dry rot. Other woods, such as spruce and cedar, could be used in some parts of the ship. Spruce would be considered for spars and cedar for the planking. However, these were all problems that could be settled when Juvre arrived from Rømø.

   Juvre was very pleased to get the message and was very interested in the project. He had had much experience with ships in his eight years on fishing boats. He decided to leave on a regular fishing trip with his father-in-law. The trip to Fano Island and the harbor just across the bay would take less than a day.

    This harbor and town of Esbjerg later (1868) became a very important shipping town. The harbor was made necessary and used extensively after the war of 1864, because important ports in Holstein were lost to the Prussians.

    The brothers met at Esbjerg and exchanged stories of progress in the Rosendahl barony that took place during their eight years of separation.

    Hans told his brother, "Everyone had to work hard and long hours, first to get established and then to maintain and improve production of livestock and food for the barony and feed for the livestock. We have also established a creamery for making butter and cheese.

   "We equipped the stables, cattle stanchions, corrals and barnyard.

   "A windmill was constructed, as the old one had apparently been burned or otherwise destroyed. However, the well seemed in good shape, after it was drained and allowed to re-fill."

   Juvre answered, "You know, of course, I married Rosa Jeppi, whose ancestors had migrated from Italy and settled on the island of Rømø. We have a four-year-old son and a daughter, two. The boy was baptized "Jeppi Rosendahl." He was given his mother's family name and took our father's family name and mine -- Rosendahl. He likes his name so well that even at his young age says he will name his son "Jeppi."

    "We have been very successful in our shipping trips, and have interested others to build boats and establish a productive fishery.

    "Many of our friends have built near us, and we have established quite a settlement. We have named it "Juvre" -- our father's old name. We will have the same problem that you are probably having -- that is, finding a suitable market. Some day we'll have to build a ship, as you are doing, and find a market for our fish in England. But let's get your ship built; and if it should be finished by winter, we might try the British market with a shipment of fish. It will be cold then, and we'll not have the problem of keeping them fresh.

   Now plans are made for the construction of the ship, as well as plans for the procurement of materials.

Ship's Dimensions

Length over all: 75'

Beam: 24'

Depth (deck to keel): 12'

Draft (loaded): 6'

   The first timber to be fashioned is the keel -- white oak 35' long; 16" deep; 8" thick. It will be difficult to get this in one piece -- so the search is to find a suitable tree. The step, bow and stern, could easily be shaped from the same tree. If enough white oak of good quality might be found, ribs, sheer plank and deck beams could also be made. The oak was found to the north of the river which empties into the harbor.

   While the white oak is being sawn into usable dimensions, another team is searching for spruce for spars.

   On the south bank of the river and further south along the coast, a growth of spruce trees is found. Cedar was found on the southern end of the island of Fano. This island protects the harbor from storms.

   Oxen were used to drag the logs to a suitable place near the water to build the ship. It took several weeks to peel the bark from the logs. Some preliminary preparation was done to convert the logs into lumber. The logs and rough timbers were stacked to dry. The brothers decided to leave the harbor for the balance of the summer. During their absence they would both look for material that might be used in the construction and finishing of the ship. The camp was broken and the brothers left for their respective homes. Juvre left on a fishing boat to meet his father-in-law at the fishing banks.

   Upon returning to the castle, Hans found that the baron and his sons, Christian, now 28 and Nels, 25, had kept the estate in good order. Even in his few months' absence, he could see an increase in the livestock. Hans toured the estate to find the tenants had also made progress. This interested him very much -- for several reasons. First, he had to estimate the stock and other products that the tenants might have for the new market; then he was anxious to recruit a crew to complete the ship on his return to Esbjerg.

   Hans had to decide how to bring the livestock to port. The distance overland as the crow flies is about 31 miles. Hans makes a trip to Nørholm Castle on the Varde Å, a river that empties into the bay on which Esbjerg Harbor is located. After making inquiries about the river and getting advice from the residents, he tells them his plan.

   He would bring his brother Christian and a few of the boys from the estate, each being mounted. They would then drive the cattle and some sheep to the river at Nørholm Castle, some 15 miles. Here a log raft would be built to carry the stock downriver to the bay.

   It is now late March, 1731. The stock is ready to be loaded onto the raft, which has been equipped with stanchions, and space provided for the sheep. The remainder of the trip can now be easily done in one day, even though the raft travels at only two or three miles an hour. It was late in the day when they arrived at the harbor, but they immediately went about preparing temporary corrals for the stock. Christian will now use the stock as trade material for whatever they might need in the construction of the ship, and for outfitting the ship for the first trip to England.

   Hans will start shaping the keel, step, bow and stern, with the help of the crew that brought the stock to the harbor. When Juvre arrives on one of the fishing boats from Rømø, work will begin in earnest. In the meantime, Christian will be busy searching the market towns for materials for rigging, lines, sails, and all equipment that might be needed.

   Rosendahl Manor has been busy with work on the farm. Later, cattle will be moved to grazing areas, and spring calves will be brought to the corral behind the cattle barns. The baron will select stock and produce to be sent to Esbjerg to make the first shipment to the new market in England. Hatching eggs will be gathered, and setting hens will start a new flock. Still later, the ground will be prepared for stock feed and row crops.

   Baron Rosendahl has now selected cattle, sheep, chickens and produce enough to make a shipload for the first trip. Leaving the cattle, he has decided to make the full trip overland, as it will be necessary to load a cart or two with produce. The trip will consume two days, but there is no particular hurry, as he will surely be there before the ship has been finished.

   Upon arrival at the harbor, the baron found that the ship needed another coat of paint and some rigging and outfitting. The ship "Rosendahl" will now be christened and launched at Esbjerg. She will set sail for England in the winter of 1730.