Martin Casey's Caledonia yawl, AUDREY/JAMES, carries the names of his parents, assuring they will be remembered by future generations of the Casey family.
James Casey was a remarkable man. He was born in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1924, grew up in the Great Depression, attended Rhode Island School of Design, and, with the arrival of World War II, enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Italy. In January 1942, then Private Casey saw action in the Battle of Rapido River in an ill-fated effort to secure Rome. American losses were 2,100 troops either wounded, killed, or captured. In January 1944, in another attempt by American forces to reach Rome, Casey took part in the Battle of Monte Cassino, a victory for Allied forces that came at the cost of 55,000 casualties; Casey was among them, having been hit in his right foot by German rifle and machine-gun fire. Four months later, in the Battle of Anzio, he took a German machine-gun round in his left leg. By the end of the war in Europe, Casey had been raised to the rank of Sergeant, and for his service in Company F, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, he was awarded six Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for bravery. Following the war, he spent two peaceful years as a Trappist monk.James Casey married Audrey Barton in the 1950s, and the couple raised a family of 10 children. He worked as a calligrapher and stone carver at the John Stevens Shop, a company in Newport that has been doing inscriptions in stone since 1705. Some of Casey’s carving is on the John F. Kennedy Memorial at Arlington Cemetery, at Rockefeller Center in New York and the Prudential Center in Boston.
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Exquisite craftsmanship and a pleasing balance of materials and finish. We love the part about the tools and resources carrying a family’s passion forward. And now we are wondering about the status of the Old Town, an interesting boat as well.
This is a wonderful story and history of a family I too am connected closely with. I was so pleased to read it. Well done Marty, an amazing achievement.
My brother Marty is a great craftsman and has been for a long time. I remember when I was a kid he would take me striper fishing in a boat he built when he was around 20 years old. Nice article and a beautiful boat.
Phil Casey
I loved this story Marty, and found it moving as I read about the connections it made with Dad. It is an amazing piece of work and he would be beaming! I am so proud to be able to say I’m your sister…and not just because of the boat.
Thanks for a really great, very moving story, Marty. As one of your older brothers, I witnessed many of the struggles between you and Dad. I think your story provided a rare insight into that period from your perspective and gave us a glimpse of your history. I know in our younger years it was difficult to know what Dad’s struggles were because we were just kids. Thank you. I am also very proud to be one of the few that have actually had the helm of AUDREY/JAMES! A memorable day! Thank you!
It’s a gorgeous boat and so beautifully made, right down to the smallest details. It literally turns heads when out on the water! Dad would have been incredibly proud, and I love that his tools, wood, and book are such a part of it. Happy too that it represents rebuilding your relationship with him.
During the planning stages of the build I was aware of the family or “Dad” influences that were drawing me into it…the simplicity of a traditional design, the spaciousness for the grandkids and my sons, camp cruising etc. But as I became more involved in the project it developed a deeper meaning to me beyond a being a nice craft. It was morphing into a testament to Dad, what he taught me, meant to me, how we got through our struggles and we also had many similarities. I frequently, mentally referred to what he would do with various stages of the boat…paint, oil or varnish, glossy or satin, stainless or bronze ( bronze of course!). And there were also times I would say ” Dad would do it like this. Therefore I’m not”!
The Old Town is on to another owner. Those photos show the first and last day the Old Town was in the water with the family – 60+ years apart. The AUDREY/JAMES may be the next “Old Town.” Check back in 60 years.
Thank you for the beautiful comments.
I was wondering who’s cute boat that was in the harbor……….now I know! Great story. Nice to catch some waves with you yesterday. See you soon sailing or surfing!
Wonderful story, wonderful you related your father’s service in World War II. He was most certainly a hero as well as an artist and craftsman and creator of a fine family. What more can a man achieve?
Photographs courtesy of Martin Casey
Great story. Beautiful boat. Your parents would be proud of you!
I walk my dog by Martin’s house every day and have enjoyed seeing his beautiful boat take shape.
Beautifully done. I especially appreciate your balance of paint and bright work, color choices, etc. Very eye catching.
Exquisite craftsmanship and a pleasing balance of materials and finish. We love the part about the tools and resources carrying a family’s passion forward. And now we are wondering about the status of the Old Town, an interesting boat as well.
Thank you for the story.
This is a wonderful story and history of a family I too am connected closely with. I was so pleased to read it. Well done Marty, an amazing achievement.
My brother Marty is a great craftsman and has been for a long time. I remember when I was a kid he would take me striper fishing in a boat he built when he was around 20 years old. Nice article and a beautiful boat.
Phil Casey
I loved this story Marty, and found it moving as I read about the connections it made with Dad. It is an amazing piece of work and he would be beaming! I am so proud to be able to say I’m your sister…and not just because of the boat.
I have met the builder and seen his gorgeous boat, but I had no idea about the equally beautiful family story behind it. It brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks for a really great, very moving story, Marty. As one of your older brothers, I witnessed many of the struggles between you and Dad. I think your story provided a rare insight into that period from your perspective and gave us a glimpse of your history. I know in our younger years it was difficult to know what Dad’s struggles were because we were just kids. Thank you. I am also very proud to be one of the few that have actually had the helm of AUDREY/JAMES! A memorable day! Thank you!
Beautifull boat, good work 🙂 I sail the traditional one in Danish waters – great boat 🙂
It’s a gorgeous boat and so beautifully made, right down to the smallest details. It literally turns heads when out on the water! Dad would have been incredibly proud, and I love that his tools, wood, and book are such a part of it. Happy too that it represents rebuilding your relationship with him.
During the planning stages of the build I was aware of the family or “Dad” influences that were drawing me into it…the simplicity of a traditional design, the spaciousness for the grandkids and my sons, camp cruising etc. But as I became more involved in the project it developed a deeper meaning to me beyond a being a nice craft. It was morphing into a testament to Dad, what he taught me, meant to me, how we got through our struggles and we also had many similarities. I frequently, mentally referred to what he would do with various stages of the boat…paint, oil or varnish, glossy or satin, stainless or bronze ( bronze of course!). And there were also times I would say ” Dad would do it like this. Therefore I’m not”!
The Old Town is on to another owner. Those photos show the first and last day the Old Town was in the water with the family – 60+ years apart. The AUDREY/JAMES may be the next “Old Town.” Check back in 60 years.
Thank you for the beautiful comments.
I was wondering who’s cute boat that was in the harbor……….now I know! Great story. Nice to catch some waves with you yesterday. See you soon sailing or surfing!
Absolutely stunning. Yes, your parents are smiling down on you and oh so proud. Great story.
I enjoyed the story and the photos of a fine boat. Yes, boats can and do connect us. Thanks.
Wonderful story, wonderful you related your father’s service in World War II. He was most certainly a hero as well as an artist and craftsman and creator of a fine family. What more can a man achieve?