April 2010 MAINE COASTAL NEWS Page 19.
HONEST LES AND MANSET MARINE SUPPLY
By Lee S. Wilbur found that technology had spawned diodes
1946. World War II in all its mind-numb- and the old tube radios he’d learned to repair
ing horror was finally over. Hitler, Mussolini were quickly becoming history.
and Hirohito had all been beaten. America’s Not wanting to return to school and
fighting forces were returning home. Some obtaining a Civil Service Deferment (and
would pick up where they left off. For many bonding to work on classified instruments),
the war would be the single biggest event in he went to work installing IFF (Identification
their lives. And, whether they realized it at the Friend or Foe) transmitters on B25 and B19
time, would shape their careers in ways bombers flying from Homestead Field on
they’d never imagined. Cape Cod to Africa. There just a few months,
On July 23, 1946 Wallace “Wally” Birlem Les found that he and the commanding
and William “Bill” Johnston purchased a officer’s daughter shared a few things in
building on Clark’s Point in Southwest Har- common. Soon realizing this was rather unap-
bor which soon would become the site of preciated by the Colonel, Les returned home
Manset Marine Supply. Two days later they without the Civil Service Deferment. As with
approached twenty-five year-old ex-GI and all eligible males at the time he faced military
Tremont native Leslie Thurston and asked service. He chose enlistment and signed up
him if he’d like to work for them in this new for the Army. Receiving basic training at
venture. Les, now living with Jerry his new Camp Edwards, again on Cape Cod, Les was
wife of one year, in the back of a small garage, assigned to the first Army (AAA), 132nd Gun
accepted immediately. He was to become not Battalion as a corporal in the communication
Manset Marine Supply's building in Southwest Harbor.
only the first employee but would work con- section. His outfit, after learning to fire the big tried to buy the market from Richard Jackson, Manset Marine Supply Company’s only
tinually for the company until 1992. 90mm guns during training at Wellfleet soon then the owner, but with money scarce after other major competitor on the coast of Maine
During WWII the Henry R. Hinckley Co. shipped out for Europe on the Queen Mary. the war and the memory of the “Great Depres- was Harris Co. who carried International
which was then building pilot boats for the They landed at Leeks, Scotland. From there sion” still evident, banks were reluctant to Paint. Harris was fiercely protective of their
war effort had leased this same building (now they transshipped to England where they loan money. Les, always an outgoing guy product lines and did whatever they could to
Village Electronics) from “JN” Mills, a heat- were regrouped, regunned, and trained for with a positive outlook on life, enjoyed work- keep these lines from falling into Manset’s
ing oil distributor. HRH’s need for extra stor- the European invasion. ing in a store and meeting the public on a daily hands.
age space now at an end, Wally and Bill Les recalls, “I was a terrible sailor. Sea- basis. Manset Marine appeared to be a step The first year or so Manset Marine acted
decided this would fit their needs. Both real- sick over, seasick across the channel and up, so giving his notice and agreeing to stay more as a paid stockroom for the Hinckley Co.
ized there would definitely be a need for a seasick back to the states.” for two weeks while another employee went and “Bing” Sargent’s Southwest Boat Cor-
marine parts store to service not only the The outfit then sailed from Dover and on vacation, Les went to work for Bill and poration (also a builder of military craft during
growing fishing fleets but the boatyards landed at Normandy D+23. Although the Wally on August 14, 1946 and never looked WWII) as they did a marine supply store.
which would build draggers, seiners and lob- beaches were solidly secure there a war was back. Soon though, with Wally selling on the road
ster boats, and boats for the emerging plea- still to be fought and as Les remembers, During the first years Manset Marine from Eastport to Rockland. Business began
sure market. Though Manset Marine began plenty of action. Said he liked being with the Supply Company carried just a few lines as to grow at a brisk rate and was soon covering
life in Southwest Harbor, its actual name came big guns when the German planes would wholesalers were anything but numerous. the state as far south as Kittery. More em-
from the village of Manset just across the strafe the roads. The big trucks and guns Among the first products were bronze shaft- ployees were needed. Les tells the story of
mouth of the harbor. were quite handy for cover. ing, bronze and galvanized fittings from going to Rich’s Wharf to find Alton Lewis. At
Les, after graduating from Pemetic High Coming home after the war, Les married Wilcox Crittendon, other fittings from Perko
School, had gone down to Springfield Trade Jerry Hodgkins from Bass Harbor and soon Supply, batteries from Exide and Smith Paint.
Continued on Page 20.
School in Massachusetts to learn radio re- went to work at T.W. Jackson’s Market where
pair. Upon graduation, to his dismay, he he’d worked summers in High School. He
Our customers’ boats are part of our family.
Cyrus Hagge (left) with Jason Curtis of PYS
launching Cyrus’ boat on a clear 20° day in February.
“I’ve been coming to Portland Yacht Services for years because
they’re as passionate about boating as I am.” Cyrus Hagge – Customer
Our dedicated staff provides the kind of service that keep owners like
Cyrus Hagge coming back year after year. The PYS team has the experience,
training and certifications to efficiently handle both the routine and
extraordinary needsof virtually any type of boat or yacht, sail or power.
• Long-term Annual Maintenance • Outboard & Inboard Repowering
• Moorings, Dockage and Storage • Generators, AC & Refrigeration
• Painting & Fiberglass • Full Parts & Rigging Departments
• Refits, Repairs & Restorations • Systems Repairs & Design
We invite you to visit our marina and boatyard near the historic Old Port,
by land or sea, today! Check out our qualifications at portlandyacht.com
58 Fore Street • Portland, ME 04101
T: 207.774.1067 • F: 207.774.7035 • E: service@portlandyacht.com
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