History:
By Sara C. Junkin, Ph.D
Photos submitted by the BGHS
The following is a piece written by Sara
C. Junkin, Ph.D., about Francis “Frank”
Boardman Crowninshield (1869 – 1950).
He was the husband of Louise du Pont
Crowninshield, and while his part in the
island’s history is lesser known, it is still
fascinating. His studio, which was once part
of the larger Crowninshield compound that
has been split into separate parcels since,
stands proudly on Gilchrist Avenue, and has
been specifi cally preserved in its beauty.
Introduction by Sara C. Junkin …
Once scores of Crowninshield vessels
were sent to roam the world by a family who
for nearly 300 years lent an extraordinary
and varied presence to American life. For
much of this time they went upon one sea or
another for a livelihood, to gain great riches,
to make war, for reasons not easily explained
in a few words, and in the end – for pleasure
alone.
