The story of Rice Brothers began in East Boothbay, Maine, in 1894, when the formidable trio of Frank, William (Will), and Henry Rice commenced their boatbuilding endeavors. They were joined in the early days by their father, George Rice, laying the foundation for what would become a generational enterprise. The Rice family's vision was rooted in the burgeoning maritime tradition of New England, initially focusing on the construction of small yachts. This initial foray into recreational boating soon evolved, showcasing the brothers' ambition and skill. In 1903, their growing enterprise was formally incorporated as the Rice Brothers Company, marking a significant step in their journey from local craftsmen to a recognized shipbuilding firm.
History and Evolution
The history of Rice Brothers is characterized by remarkable adaptability and growth, spanning over six decades of dynamic change in the marine world. While starting with yachts, the company quickly diversified, embracing a wide array of vessel types. A key milestone in their evolution was their substantial contribution to national defense. During both World War I and World War II, Rice Brothers became a crucial builder of vessels for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, underscoring their capacity for large-scale and complex construction projects.
Beyond wartime contributions, the shipyard was also instrumental in building various essential government vessels. They constructed lightships for the U.S. Lighthouse Service, including the Poe (Vessel 99) and later the Columbia (WAL-604) and Relief (WAL-605) in 1950, which were vital for navigation and maritime safety. During World War II, their output included specialized craft such as SC-497-class submarine chasers, with SC-503 and SC-504 being notable examples built in 1942.
The shipyard was also at the forefront of technological adoption in the region, notably venturing into the construction of steel boats—a novel and significant development for Boothbay at the time. The family tradition of boatbuilding continued into the second generation, with Baxter (father of Robert Rice), Donald, and Carl Rice taking the helm. Despite their significant contributions and meteoric rise, Rice Brothers ceased operations in 1956, marking the end of an era for the historic East Boothbay shipyard. The legacy of their physical location endures, however, as the site of the former Rice Brothers yard is now part of the modern-day Washburn & Doughty shipyard.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Rice Brothers established a reputation for versatility, quality, and a commitment to a broad spectrum of marine construction. Their identity was shaped by their ability to transition seamlessly between elegant yachts, practical powerboats, one-designs, and robust government vessels. This adaptability suggests a strong in-house design capability or a readiness to execute designs from various sources. While specific, famous naval architects are not widely credited in association with their work, it is clear that the shipyard possessed the engineering prowess and craftsmanship to construct everything from small recreational craft to large, complex steel ships, which was a significant undertaking for a yard of its size and era in Maine. Their willingness to embrace new materials like steel further solidified their reputation as forward-thinking builders in a region traditionally known for wooden boat construction.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While Rice Brothers built numerous yachts, the specific names and details of their pleasure craft are less widely documented than their government contracts. However, their contribution to national service provides a clear legacy of iconic vessels. The lightships Poe, Columbia, and Relief stand out as significant contributions to maritime infrastructure, serving as beacons for generations of mariners. Similarly, the World War II submarine chasers, such as SC-503 and SC-504, played a crucial role in naval defense, showcasing the yard's capacity to deliver essential military assets under pressure. The sheer volume and variety of vessels, from lightships to naval ships, underscore the shipyard's impact. Their readiness to build for the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy during critical periods cemented their place as a vital component of American shipbuilding history.
The Builder Today
Having concluded operations in 1956, Rice Brothers no longer exists as an active boatbuilder. The historic site where the Rice family built their remarkable vessels is now occupied by Washburn & Doughty, another respected name in shipbuilding, continuing the maritime tradition on the same hallowed ground. While there isn't an active "owner community" in the contemporary sense for a defunct builder, the legacy of Rice Brothers is preserved through the dedicated efforts of family descendants, such as Robert Rice, who has become a custodian of his family's rich boatbuilding history. The enduring structures and the vessels that still ply the waters, whether in active service or preserved in maritime history, stand as testaments to the skill, dedication, and significant impact of the Rice Brothers on the American marine industry.
