2/6/2008:
In 1904 on this day, at 1:05 to the minute, the steamship "Dakota" was launched in New London, Connecticut. It was proclaimed to be the "largest steamship in the world." She was sister ship to the second-largest steamship, the "Minnesota," which had been launched on the 16th of April in 1903. The Grand Forks Herald stated the two "represent(ed) an enterprise such as the world has seldom seen, and… (were) to be used in a branch of commerce which will do much for the development of American industry and the enlargement of American markets," serving as an extension of the Great Northern system. They were constructed so they could be engaged in the oriental trade.
Although the weather was disappointing on the day of the christening, the event was well-attended.
Miss Mary Flemington of Ellendale served as sponsor to the great ship. She was a freshman from the University of North Dakota. The Grand Forks Herald reported that she wore a "tailor-made gown of black broadcloth," a black coat, a Mink "pillow" muff, cinnamon brown kid gloves and red carnations. She was "physically a very large woman, being taller than many men," and "popular with the students and members of the university faculty," as well as an admirer of "everything North Dakotan."
"Miss Flemington took her position on the little stand at the ship's prow.… The word was given (to) the wedge drivers and sawyers, and they began their work." Finally, "with a slight show of nervousness," Mary Flemington broke the champagne bottle on the prow.
It was a thrilling event for the on-lookers, and for all of North Dakota—almost.
The New York Herald reported, "An interesting feature of the christening was the use of wine, contrary to the wishes of many women of North Dakota."
Three thousand women from North and South Dakota had signed and forwarded a petition to President J. J. Hill of Great Northern before the event, showing they were against the use of champagne in a christening. They claimed that "as the new boat (was) named after two prohibition states, it would be most inappropriate to have the prow of the noble vessel bearing their name splashed with an intoxicating fluid."
The Great Northern officials refused to discuss the matter. However, Hill saidthat he had only received three letters, and that other reports were a bit exaggerated.
Nonetheless, the great ship "took the water gracefully."
By Sarah Walker
Sources:
LaMoure County Chronicle, Friday, Feb. 12, 1904, p.1
Grand Forks Daily Herald (morning), Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1904
Grand Forks Daily Herald (morning), Sunday, Feb. 7, 1904, p.4, p.5