“Stone hookers” were a type of sailing vessel that were primarily used for the transportation of stone and gravel. They were commonly seen on rivers, lakes, and coastal areas where stone was being quarried and transported for various construction projects.
Stone hookers were typically small to medium-sized vessels, often schooners or sloops, with a shallow draft and a flat-bottomed hull. This design allowed them to navigate shallow waters and load and unload stone more easily. They were usually single-masted and had a simple rigging system.
These vessels were specifically built and employed for the purpose of carrying stone. They would transport stone from quarries or stone pits to construction sites or markets where the stone was needed. Stone hookers played a crucial role in the construction industry, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when stone was in high demand for building projects.
In addition to transporting stone, stone hookers were also used for other purposes such as carrying general cargo or serving as workboats in the stone industry. They were commonly found in regions with active stone quarries, such as along the coasts, rivers, and lakes where stone resources were abundant.
With the advent of modern transportation methods and the decline in the use of stone as a primary building material, the use of stone hookers diminished over time. However, they remain a part of maritime history and their legacy can still be seen in certain regions where stone was a significant natural resource.
