Steps to building a wooden vessel

1.) Build a half model

2.) Using the half model, determine the amount and measurements of wood required

3.) Make the moulds - these provide the patterns

4.) Lay the keel

5.) Fasten the frames (ribs)

6.) Fasten the keelson

7.) Planking - the outer covreing of the ribs

8.) Ceiling

9.) Caulking the vessel to make it water tight

10.) Laying the deck

11.) Masts and rigging

The shipwright would begin by carving a half model of the desired design of the ship.

He would next hire the required no. of skilled laborers to construct the ship. Skills needed would be those of sawyers, carpenters, blacksmiths, painters, caulkers, sailmakers and some riggers, with some people doing several of these tasks. The construction would usually begin in the spring and continue throughout the summer with a launching in the fall. The keel for the Victory Chimes was laid May 3, 1918 and launching day was Dec. 21, 1918.