William Olive, who began shipbuilding in Saint John, N.B. in 1823, represents one of the many important builders of that period. His was a family business and several of his brothers helped in the yard. When he retired the shipyard was taken over by his son who continued building until 1865.
The Ship Albion, built in 1834 by Olive and his brother Issac, is an example of a large ship of the period. The vessel was 137 feet long, 33 feet wide and measured 687 tons. The vessel was ship rigged. It has three masts: fore, main, and mizzen and all are square rigged as is the brig.
While many vessels at this time were being built for immediate sale in England or Scotland, this vessel was owned and operated by John Hammond, a Saint John merchant, until it was sold in England in 1848.
This painting shows the Albion under full sail. Note the H house flag of John Hammond at the top of the fore mast.
